The Girl in Waiting

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1906 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXIV THE END WHEN Lady Harlsmore had gone, Lilian thought deeply for at least five minutes. Then she wiped her eyes. She took up the duster, and mechanically added a few stitches to the hem. A whole year! she murmured aloud. She rose abruptly and rang the bell, and the footman appeared in due course. Robert, she said, do you happen to know whether it is usual to hem dusters? Robert seemed perplexed. I really don't, miss.' Could you find out for me? inquired Lilian. I expect Jane will know, but don't say I asked. Just ascertain in casual conversation. Yes, miss. As soon as possible, please. Robert withdrew. Lilian wandered restlessly about the room. In a few minutes, the man returned. If you please, miss, Jane says to hem dusters is a wilful waste of valuable time. 1' Thank you. That will do. ' When the door closed, Lilian unpicked the half-hemmed duster, shaking her head sadly, as one might who has wandered by mistake up a blind alley. Suddenly she brightened. She drew her'workbasket to her side and threaded her needle with red silk; then she worked steadily. Half an hour later the bell rang again, and this time Lord Tom was ushered into the drawing-room. Lilian rose. Why, Tommy, is it you? She held out a cordial hand, which the young man grasped. I knew you were back, he cried triumphantly. Something told me. Something or somebody, I suppose. Yes, I'm back, sit down. Will you have tea? No, thanks. That means servants in and out of the room. I want to have a little quiet talk. Delighted, I'm sure. She sat down, too, and picked up her work. You seem busy, he said after a pause. Yes, but with nothing that need keep you from talking. What are you doing? he asked curiously. I am embroidering a rosebud in the corner of...