Audrey

Audrey stood between the lilac bushes and watched the coach turn from

Palace into Duke of Gloucester Street; then went and knocked at the green

door. It was opened by Mistress Stagg in person, who drew her into the

parlor, where the good-natured woman had been sitting all alone, and in

increasing alarm as to what might be the outcome of this whim of Mr.

Marmaduke Haward's. Now she was full of inquiries, ready to admire and to

nod approval, or to shake her head and cry, "I told you so!" according to

the turn of the girl's recital.

But Audrey had little to say, little to tell. Yes, oh yes, it had been a

very grand sight.... Yes, Mr. Haward was kind; he had always been kind to

her.... She had come home with Mistress Evelyn Byrd in her coach.... Might

she go now to her room? She would fold the dress very carefully.

Mistress Stagg let her go, for indeed there was no purpose to be served in

keeping her, seeing that the girl was clearly dazed, spoke without knowing

what she said, and stood astare like one of Mrs. Salmon's beautiful was

ladies. She would hear all about it in the morning, when the child had

slept off her excitement. They at the Palace couldn't have taken her

presence much amiss, or she would never in the world have come home in the

Westover coach.