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78 "He has to go to a dozen places; besides," continued Lady Anne, "you will manage the business much better, and bring me word what Mrs. Palmer thinks we shall want." From this there was no appeal; but the heroine, in the old ballad of Barbara Allen, when could not have set off on her errand more reluctantly than the two Misses Granard crossed the street. They gave a low uncertain rap at the door; were kept waiting in consequence, during which time they suffered a little agony of anticipation, and at last found themselves in the drawing-room, which they usually entered with such alacrity. Fortunately, Mrs. Palmer was so employed with her dumb pets, that she had no time to notice her speaking ones beyond her usual kind greeting. "Just come," said she, "as I wanted you. There, Georgiana, you can hold my Java sparrow; he knows you, and Isabella will hold the cage." The changing the seeds and putting fresh water took up enough time to allow the visitors to recover themselves a little. But the moment they drew quietly round the fire, Mrs. Palmer saw that there was something the matter. They were first absent, then began to speak hurriedly, and yet broke off abruptly. "What is the matter with you?" at last exclaimed she, suddenly. "Nothing," said Georgiana.