And instead of the
sensation of complacent importance which she usually enjoyed when among
her own friends and acquaintances, she was experiencing a depressed
sense of being a very small personage indeed.
Her highly colored comely face was very hot and flushed and she rather
restlessly played with her parasol handle. Miss La Sarthe's voice grew a
little acid as she said:
"This is our great-niece, Halcyone La Sarthe, Mrs. Anderton"--and
then--"It is unfortunate that you should have been so long absent,
child."
"I am very sorry," Halcyone returned gently, and she shook hands. She
made no excuse or explanation.
Mrs. Anderton plunged into important matters at once.
"Your father, Mr. Anderton"--how that word "father" jarred upon
Halcyone's sensitive ears!--"wished me to come and see you, dear, and
hopes you will return with me to-morrow to London, for a little visit to
us, that you may make the acquaintance of your brother and sisters."
Halcyone had already made up her mind what to do, before she had left
her room. She would agree to anything they suggested in order to have no
obstacles put in her way--not admitting for a moment that these people
had any authority over her.
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