"To Woodcote?" she said sharply. "What a strange
idea, Rose! I thought you were going into the Park. Was not Miss Merivale
surprised to see you alone? I fancy she thinks we are like the Siamese
Twins--always together."
"I did not see Aunt Lucy. They had all gone to Guilford. I only saw
Wilmot."
"Wilmot? That's the cook, isn't it? I never can remember servants' names.
Well, did she condole with you about the concert, and think me a wretch
for deserting you? I am afraid Miss Merivale will think so."
"I didn't say anything about the concert," returned Rose. "She talked
about Miss Sampson chiefly. She seems to think her perfect."
"I daresay," returned Pauline, with a yawn. "Those sort of people always
hang together. She's more of Wilmot's class than ours, you know. I wonder
what your aunt thinks of her."
"Oh, Aunt Lucy thinks her perfect too," returned Rose, no longer able to
keep her jealousy out of her voice. "And so does Tom. I don't believe they
miss me one little bit, Pauline."
"Did Wilmot tell you that?"
"No, but I am sure they don't. Little things she said made me think so."
"You silly child!" laughed Pauline. "Did you want your aunt to fret
herself to death because you weren't there to run her errands? You ought
to be glad she finds Miss Sampson so useful. She may be willing to let you
stay on with me all the summer.
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