'I shall get money in
town. I will wire directly we arrive.'
Alice was silenced, and sat half sulky, half sobbing, by the fire,
while the preparations for departure went forward. She offered help
hysterically once or twice, but it was not needed.
The little car from the village arrived in half an hour. The Squire
stood at the hall door waiting for it. He had not spoken since the
news arrived except to give the most necessary orders. But as he saw
the car nearing the house, he turned to Elizabeth.
'I expect we shall cross to-night. I shall wire you to-morrow.' Then
to Forest--
'Do your best to help Miss Bremerton. She is in charge of
everything.'
'Aye, sir. You'll give our duty to Mr. Desmond, sir. I trust you'll
bring him home.'
The Squire made no reply. He stood motionless till the car arrived,
stepped into it, and was gone.
Elizabeth went back into the house, and to Alice Gaddesden, still
sobbing by the fire. At sight of Elizabeth she broke out into
complaints of her father's unkindness, mixed presently, to
Elizabeth's dismay, with jealousy of her father's secretary.
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