This was the first mention of the name of Reine Gaythorne in the Wavertree school-room, and it was certainly far from the last.  Mrs. Enderby had met the young lady at a neighbouring country house, and had thought she would be a desirable acquaintance for her daughters.  There was something interesting about the circumstances which had placed a young, beautiful, and wealthy girl alone, and her own mistress, in the world.  Mr. and Mrs. Enderby had been greatly attracted by her, and had invited her to pay a visit at their house.

In the course of a few days she arrived at the Hall, and then Phyllis and Nell were but little in the school-room.

Hetty and Miss Davis went on as usual filling their quiet hours with work in their secluded corner of the house.  A week passed away during the visit of the charming stranger, and Hetty had never once seen Miss Gaythorne.

CHAPTER XVIII.

REINE GAYTHORNE.

Mrs. Enderby, her visitor, and her two daughters were sitting together one morning at needlework in the pretty morning-room looking out on an old walled garden, at Wavertree Hall.  The distant ends of this old garden, draped with ivy and creepers, had been made into a tennis ground, a smooth trim green chamber lying behind the brilliant beds of flowers.  Sitting near the window the figures of the girls looked charming against so picturesque a background.

Miss Gaythorne’s face, upraised to the light, was full of goodness, sweetness, and intelligence.  A low broad brow, soft bright dark eyes, a rich brunette complexion, and red brown hair, so curly as to be gathered with difficulty into a knot at the back of her neck, were some of this girl’s beauties which the eye could take in at a glance.  A longer time was necessary to discern all the fine traits of character that were so artlessly expressed in turn by her speaking countenance.

She wore a pretty dress of maroon cashmere and velvet, with delicate ruffles of rich old yellow lace.  Her dainty little French shoes and fine gold ornaments were immensely admired by the two young girls beside her, who were not yet “out,” and were accustomed to be clothed in the simplest attire.  Not only her dress, but her accent, which was slightly foreign, her peculiarly winning smiles, her merry little laugh and graceful movements all seemed to the Enderbys more charming than could be described.  Even Phyllis, usually so critical, was taken captive by their new friend, Reine.

Miss Gaythorne was just finishing a piece of embroidery.  She was very skilful with her needle, and her work was pronounced perfection by Phyllis and Nell.  Mrs. Enderby joined her daughters in warm praise of the delicate production to which their visitor was just now putting the last touches.

“I could so easily work one like it for you while I am here,” said Reine, “if I had only a new design.  I do not like repeating the same design.”