All her intellectual powers were
aroused to their utmost, keenest life during this brief little talk.
She found that Hammond could say better and more comprehensive things
than even her dear old tutor, Mr. Hayes. Hammond was abreast of the
present-day aspect of those things in which Prissie delighted. Her
short talk with him made up for all the tedium of the rest of that
wretched afternoon.
On her walk home Priscilla made up her mind to have nothing further to
say to Rose, but also not to make a complaint about her. She would
pass the matter over in silence. If questioned, she would tell her own
friends where she had been; if not questioned, she would volunteer no
information.
Maggie and Nancy did ask her casually what had kept her out so long.
"I was at the Elliot-Smiths' with Miss Merton," replied Priscilla.
They both started when she said this and looked at her hard. They were
too well-bred, however, to give utterance to the many comments which
crowded to their lips. Prissie read their thoughts like a book.
"I did not like it at all," she said; "but I'd rather say nothing
about it, please. After Mr. Hammond came I was happy."
"Mr. Hammond was there?" said Nancy in an eager voice. "Geoffrey
Hammond was at the Elliot-Smiths'? Impossible!"
"He was there," repeated Prissie.
Pages:
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159