Your loving friend, Phyllis.
LETTER NO. 4
from Phyllis to Marie in which Eva enjoys the charms of her little friend Phyllis My dear Marie, This letter is really a continuation of my last, so I will begin where it ended.
The old Manor House where the Nortons lived, and where Lady Norton was now taking me to luncheon first, and other pleasures I did not anticipate to follow, was one of the “show places” of the neighborhood and had always been in their family. Of the original building which dated back to the thirteenth century, only the “keep” remained with a part of the old moat; the rest belonged to the Tudor period and was surrounded by a park, large gardens and many green houses. Although the Nortons had estates in the North, this was their principal country seat, and I assure you that I was not a little proud at going there as a guest. It was half past one o'clock when we reached the house and Lady Norton took me through the hall which is flanked with suits of armour while the walls are covered with antique weapons, giving the place a very grand and ancient air.
We went straight to Lady Norton's dressing-room and there got ready for luncheon. As we entered the dining-room, I confess that the sight of an old butler and a footman in full livery made me rather nervous for I was unaccustomed to such state, but after they had handed us the first course and wine – which I refused – she dismissed them, and we then waited on ourselves, and this made me feel much more at home. Lady Norton insisted on my drinking a glass of Burgundy, and as she poured it out, she stroked my long hair and said, “Phyllis dear, I hope you will love me.” I hardly knew how to reply, but I did not hesitate to say: “I do love you very much, I cannot help it,” and I did love her, Marie, very much indeed. The fact of the matter was that Lady Norton had taken a great fancy to me for I suppose I had a pretty childish face – at least you have often said so – and had taken me home with her in order that we might gratify each others love. You know that I had often done this with young girls about my own age, but it was the first occasion on which I had had any sensual intercourse with a grown up woman, or in fact any girl who was not a virgin like myself. After luncheon, Lady Norton rang the bell and when the footman answered it, said: “Miss Norroy and I are going out this afternoon, and if there are any callers, I am not at home.” Then she took me upstairs to get my hat, and we went out of doors through the hall, but when out of sight of the house we again returned hidden by shrubs and trees, and, passing through a small conservatory, entered Lady Norton's boudoir. “We must not stay here,” she said, “for fear any of the servants come in. I have a great surprise for you, but do not talk just yet.” At one side of the room there was a large and beautifully carved oak cabinet or cupboard, and by touching a secret spring a small square door at the bottom opened.