The situation was too absurd; there was no knowing to what length Phillis's recklessness and sense of humor would have brought her, only Nan's good sense came to the rescue:
"Phillis is only in fun, Mr. Drummond. Of course we are Church-people: and of course we hope to attend your services. I am sure my mother will be pleased to see you, when you are kind enough to call. At Oldfield we were always good friends with our clergyman: he was such a dear old man."
"Do you mean to forbid my sister's visits, then?" asked Archie, looking anxiously at her sweet face; Nan looked so pretty, in spite of her discomposure.
"Oh, no! we do not mean to be so rude: do we, Phillis? We shall be so glad to see Miss Drummond; but--but," faltered Nan, losing breath a little, "we have been unfortunate, and must work for our living; and your sister perhaps would not care to visit dressmakers."
"What!" exclaimed Archie: he almost jumped out of his chair in his surprise.
Phillis had uttered a faint "Bravo, Nan!" but no one heard her. Dulce's cheeks were crimson, and she would not look at any one; but Nan, who had got out the dreaded word, went on bravely, and was well hugged by Phillis in private afterwards.
"We are not clever enough for governesses," continued Nan, with a charming smile, addressing Mattie, who sat and stared at her, "and there was nothing we dreaded so much as to separate: so, as we had capable fingers and were fond of work, my sister Phillis planned this for us. Now you see, Miss Drummond, why we could not accept your kind hospitality. Whatever we have been, we cannot expect people to visit us now. If you would be good enough to recommend us, and help us in our efforts to make ourselves independent, that is all we can ask of you."
"Well, I don't know," returned Mattie, bluntly: "as far as I am concerned, I am never ashamed of any honest calling. What do you say, Archie?"
"I say it is all very proper and laudable," he returned, hesitating; "but surely--surely there must be some other way more suitable to ladies in your position! Let me call again when your mother comes, and see if there is nothing that I can do or recommend better than this. Yes, I am sure if I can only talk to your mother, we could find some other way than this."