Mrs Fortescue felt rather annoyed by their manners. They were very independent, as independent as though they were of age; whereas at the present moment they had not a shilling--no, not a shilling in the world that she did not supply to them under Mr Timmins' directions. Were they going to prove troublesome? She sincerely hoped not. They were good girls but that house in London might not be quite so agreeable as her dreams had pictured if Brenda developed a very strong will of her own and Florence was determined to marry for the sake of marrying. Still, Mr Timmins would put all right, and he would be with them at three o'clock. The girls absented themselves during the whole of the morning, but appeared again in time for lunch, which they ate with a healthy appetite. They praised Mrs Fortescue's food, comparing it with what they had at school to the disadvantage of the latter. Mrs Fortescue was pleased. She prided herself very much on Bridget's cooking. "And now," she said, when the meal had come to an end, "you will go upstairs and put on your prettiest dresses and wait in the drawing-room for Mr Timmins. I shall not be far off. He will naturally want to see me as soon as he has had his talk with you both, so I shall remain writing letters in the dining-room. There are so many letters and cards to send off at Christmas time that I shall be fully occupied, and when you touch the bell, Brenda, I shall know what it means. In any case, I will send tea into the drawing-room at a quarter to four. That will give you time to get through your business first, and if you want me to come in and pour out the tea, I shall know if you will just touch the bell." "Thank you," said Brenda. "But it isn't half-past one yet, and the day is a lovely one. Florence and I want to take a good brisk walk between now and three o'clock. We shall be back before three. We cannot be mewed up in the house until Mr Timmins chooses to arrive." "Oh, my dear children! He will think it queer." "I am sorry," said Brenda, "but he had no right to choose Christmas Eve as the day when he was to come to see us. His train may not be in till late. Anyhow, we want to take advantage of the sunshine. Come, Florence." The girls left the room and soon afterwards were seen going out arm-in-arm. They walked down the little avenue, and were lost to view.