Читать книгу Sydney Lisle, the Heiress of St. Quentin онлайн

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Nobody in the Chichester household could quite see what use the maid could be to Sydney on the journey; but, by mother’s orders, she wrote a little note to Lady Frederica, thanking her for taking so much trouble, and saying that she would be ready to go with Mr. Fenton on the day and by the train suggested.

The first copy of that note had two blots upon it, and Sydney had to write it again. Poor little heiress! she quite longed to hear Mildred say, “How careless!” and “When will you grow up, Sydney!” But there were no scoldings now, only a great tenderness from one and all.

Then there was packing to be done, and great discussions whether the frocks which were to have been “let down” next month when Sydney’s hair went up, should be altered now. Would Lady Frederica expect to see Miss Lisle in quite grown-up array, or would skirts to her ankles pass muster?

Sydney took very little interest in the discussion, only, when pressed, gave her voice in favour of leaving them alone. “She hated everything that reminded her of what was going to happen!” she said.