Chapter 9 9

In a New York apartment overlooking Central Park.Mrs. Robertson exclaimed, "Isn't that wonderful! Cornia, you are the luckiest girl." Cornia Robertson flushed sensitively.She was a big, not very good-looking girl with big, sincere brown eyes. "Oh, I'll never forget this trip!" she gasped. Seeing that the poor relative's reaction was just as she expected, the old lady tilted her head in satisfaction. "I've always dreamed of traveling to Europe," sighed Cornia, "but I always felt like I never had the chance." "Of course, Miss Bowles will accompany me, as usual," said Miss Vanschuller, "but as a social companion I find her lacking in that—very lacking. There are many little things that Cornia can do for her." I will do it."

"Cousin Mary, I'd love to do it," said Cornia eagerly. "Well, well, that's settled," said Miss Vanschuller. "My dear, go get Miss Bowers. It's time for my eggnog." Cornia ran away.Her mother said: "Dear Mary, thank you so much! You know Cornia is often upset at being out of society, and she thinks it's a disgrace. If only I could take her everywhere--but you Knowing how inadmissible things have become since Ned passed." "I'd be glad to take her," said Miss Van Schuyler. "Konya has always been an obedient and good girl, diligent in running errands for others, and not as selfish as some young people nowadays."

Mrs. Robertson stood up and kissed the wrinkled, sallow cheek of her well-to-do relative. "I've never been this happy," she said. On the steps she met a tall, beautiful girl with a glass of yellow bubbling liquid in her hand. "Miss Powers, are you going to Europe too?" "Yes, Mrs. Robertson." "What a fascinating journey!" "Yes, I think it must be fun." "Have you ever been abroad before?" "Oh, yes, Mrs. Robertson. I was in Paris last autumn with Mademoiselle Van Schuyler. But I've never been to Egypt." Mrs. Robertson hesitated.

"I really hope there's nothing wrong," she said in a low voice. Still Miss Powers answered in her uninflected voice. "Oh, no; Mrs. Robertson; I'll take care of it. I've been keeping a close eye." As she slowly descended the stairs, Mrs. Robertson's face was still covered with a faint shadow.