For both these dreadful things Miss Norreys _could_ be, said rumour--and rumour sometimes speaks truly, on occasion. But not when she was sorry for any one, not when her large, pitiful heart was touched; then no woman could be sweeter and gentler and less alarming than Hertha. And her first glance at Winifred made her sorry for her. Lady Campion's "poor dear" had misled Miss Norreys. She had no idea that the girl was one of the prosperous of the earth, and Winifred was plainly dressed. She was neat, but that was about all. Her morning attire left more to be desired than her evening toilettes, which, though a trifle heavy, perhaps, and on the outside of simplicity, were yet, as I said, of rich material, whereas her country ideas had not risen far as regarded the tailor-made tweeds and black or blue serges which were her usual winter garments. And the room was imperfectly lighted. All that Miss Norreys saw was a girl of not more than average height and slightly square build, standing with perplexed eyes and an unmistakable air of strangeness, looking about for Lady Campion. The face was a good one, good in form and pleasant in colouring; the eyes, despite their bewilderment, were clear and sweet; the whole was sweeter than Winifred's face was wont to be, thanks to the passing touch of wistfulness and perplexity. In a moment Lady Campion was greeting her, exerting the charm of manner on which she not unjustly prided herself, to make the girl feel at her ease. And soon Winifred found herself replying, with her usual readiness, to her hostess's inquiries as to what had become of Mrs Balderson and "your sister." "They are coming later," said Miss Maryon. "They have gone first to the Lace Exhibition, in Street, and then to the Nestertons. It was an old engagement, but Mrs Balderson will certainly call here on her way home." "It was very good of _you_ to come," said Lady Campion. "It would have been too bad if you had all failed us." "I was only too delighted," said Winifred. "I am so glad to see you again, and,"--with a not unbecoming hesitation and rising colour, as she glanced towards where she had, by this time, discovered Hertha--"you know I am _so_ grateful to you for giving me the chance of meeting Miss Norreys. It was so very good of you to remember my wish." That Lady Campion was _still_ remembering it she felt doubtful, as other guests came crowding round her, and she showed signs of moving away. "I must say it right out, or she will forget to introduce me," thought Winifred, with her customary determination. But Lady Campion was not quite so flighty and unreliable as she got the credit of being. And she was really good-natured; she rather liked Winifred's downrightness. With a hand on her arm, she gently drew the girl forward towards the couch where sat Miss Norreys, a not uninterested spectator of the little drama.