Twice she made up her mind to go to Kensington Square, and found she could not--the last time being the day the _Decade_ said that a new and larger edition of "John Camberwell" was in preparation.
Ten days after her return the maid at Kensington Square, with a curious look, brought up Elfrida's card to Janet.
Miss Bell was in the drawing-room, she said.

Yes, she had told Miss Bell Miss Cardiff was up in the library, but Miss Bell said she would wait in the drawing-room.
Janet looked at the card in astonishment, debating with herself what it might mean--such a formality was absurd between them.

Why had not Elfrida come up at once to this third-story den of theirs she knew so well?
What new preposterous caprice was this?
She went down gravely, chilled; but before she reached the drawing-room door she resolved to take it another way, as a whim, as matter for scolding.

After all, she was glad Elfrida had come back to her on any terms.

She went in radiant, with a quick step, holding the card at arm's length.
"To what," she demanded mockingly, "am I to attribute the honor of this visit ?" but she seized Elfrida lightly and kissed her on both cheeks before it was possible for her to reply.
The girl disengaged herself gently.