I must have been born with a natural antipathy to water." Many days passed before they were familiar with Earlescourt.

Every day brought its new wonders.
A pretty suite of rooms had been prepared for each sister; they were in the western wing, and communicated with each other.

The Italian nurse who had come with them from Florence had preferred remaining with Dora.
Lady Earle had engaged two fashionable ladies' maids, had also ordered for each a wardrobe suitable to the daughters of Lord Earle.
Mrs.Vyvian had two rooms near her charges.

Knowing that some months might elapse before Ronald returned, Lady Helena settled upon a course of action.

The young girls were to be kept in seclusion, and not to be introduced to the gay world, seeing only a few old friends of the family; they were to continue to study for a few hours every morning, to drive or walk with Lady Earle after luncheon, to join her at the seven o'clock dinner, and to pass the evening in the drawing room.
It was a new and delightful life.