"Wait here for me. I have to give my maid instructions, and then we will
start without delay."
Barbara told her maid to be on the watch for Martin Fairley, and to tell
him that she had gone to Dorchester.
"He will understand why," she said; "and as I shall not want you with
me, and yet do not want you to be questioned, you had better return to
the Abbey as soon as you have seen Martin. Be sure and do not let anyone
hear you give the message."
The girl had friends in London, and asked if she might spend a day or
two with them before returning to Aylingford.
"It will fit my plan excellently," Barbara answered. "Leave this house
as soon as you possibly can after seeing Martin, and if your friends
will have you, stay with them until I send for you. You will be well out
of the way of questions."
"No questions would make me betray you," said the girl.
"I know, but your face is a tell-tale one," Barbara answered. "You have
the virtue of not being able to lie easily."
The girl was honest, and it was no fault of hers that she failed to
deliver her message to Martin Fairley. She saw him come to the house,
and hurried down to him, meaning to catch him in the square and speak to
him where none could overhear her, and so carry out her mistress's
instructions to the letter.
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