With which accordingly Lady Knollys was quickly supplied; but it did not at
all impede her utterance.

'Do you think, girls, you could be ready to come away with me, if Silas
gives leave, in an hour or two? I should so like to take you both home with
me to Elverston.'

'How delightful! you darling,' cried I, embracing and kissing her; 'for my
part, I should be ready in five minutes; what do you say, Milly?'

Poor Milly's wardrobe, I am afraid, was more portable than handsome; and
she looked horribly affrighted, and whispered in my ear--

'My best petticoat is away at the laundress; say in a week, Maud.'

'What does she say?' asked Lady Knollys.

'She fears she can't be ready,' I answered, dejectedly.

'There's a deal of my slops in the wash,' blurted out poor Milly, staring
straight at Lady Knollys.

'In the name of wonder, what does my cousin mean?' asked Lady Knollys.

'Her things have not come home yet from the laundress,' I replied; and at
this moment our wondrous old butler entered to announce to Lady Knollys
that his master was ready to receive her, whenever she was disposed to
favour him; and also to make polite apologies for his being compelled, by
his state of health, to give her the trouble of ascending to his room.