up your spirits, dear, and don't mind me.'

'I will, father. And let Picotee see me at dinner if you can. She is
very anxious to look at me. She will be here directly.'

And Ethelberta, having been announced, joined the chamberful of assembled
guests, among whom for the present we lose sight of her.

* * * * *

Meanwhile the evening outside the house was deepening in tone, and the
lamps began to blink up. Her sister having departed, Picotee hastily
arrayed herself in a little black jacket and chip hat, and tripped across
the park to the same point. Chickerel had directed a maid-servant known
as Jane to receive his humbler daughter and make her comfortable; and
that friendly person, who spoke as if she had known Picotee
five-and-twenty years, took her to the housekeeper's room, where the
visitor deposited her jacket and hat, and rested awhile.

A quick-eyed, light-haired, slight-built woman came in when Jane had
gone. 'Are you Miss Chickerel?' she said to Picotee.

'Yes,' said Picotee, guessing that this was Menlove, and fearing her a
little.

'Jane tells me that you have come to visit your father, and would like to
look at the company going to dinner. Well, they are not much to see, you
know; but such as they are you are welcome to the sight of. Come along
with me.'