It was new for Winifred to take in that Celia could have a voice of her own apart from hers; it was new for Celia to realise the fact. But she saw that Mrs Balderson was annoyed; she had infinitely greater power of putting herself in another's place than was possessed by her elder sister. "I should be very sorry not to see the embroidery," she replied, quickly, her face flushing a little, "besides it would never do to be so rude to Mrs Nesterton." "I think Lady Campion deserves some consideration too," said Winifred, unyieldingly. "She is a very busy person, and she has evidently planned this on purpose to please m--us. And Miss Norreys must be a still busier person. I don't see that Mrs Nesterton _could_ be offended if it were all explained to her." There was something in what she said as regarded Lady Campion and Miss Norreys. But Mrs Balderson, for once, was really vexed. "Engagements are engagements," she said, in a dry tone not usual with her. Celia's face was still flushed. If only she could give Winifred a hint to be more deferential! She was so used to taking the lead at home, thought Celia, she could not help that authoritative manner. Eric Balderson had watched the breakfast-table drama with slightly cynical interest. It gratified him to see Miss Maryon showing herself to disadvantage. He did not like her. But he loved his mother, and he liked Celia. He did not wish them to be worried. And he was of a kindlier nature than he allowed to himself. So he came to the rescue. "Can't you make a compromise?" he said. "Supposing Miss Maryon goes to Lady Campion's, and you, mother, and Miss Celia Maryon keep to the Nesterton engagement? You might call for Miss Maryon on your way back, which would give Ce--Miss Celia Maryon," with a slight twinkle of amusement in his eyes at his own involuntary freedom, "a good chance of seeing Miss Norreys too. And,"--with an obtrusively ponderous sigh--"if it would smooth down Cousin Barbara, I certainly haven't called there for an immense time. I might--there's no saying to what lengths the spirit of self-sacrifice won't carry me--I _might_ meet you myself at the Exhibition, and go back to the Nestertons' with you." Mrs Balderson's face cleared. She hated being vexed with anybody; it was quite against her nature, if not her principles; she was already regretting her cold words to Winifred, and was pleased to find a consistent way out of the difficulty. "That would be _very_ nice," she said, heartily. "The Nestertons would be so pleased to have you, Eric, that I daresay they would scarcely regret even Winifred." It was hardly in human nature to have refrained from this little hit. "Exactly," said Winifred, coolly. "They can't miss me when they don't know me. Very likely they will not even notice I am not there."