t held a ticket for Westbourne Park.
Ten minutes later she brought upstairs an important-looking envelope
that bore her name and address in handwriting which left just the space
for the stamp, and Mrs. Mills speculated on the probable contents of
the communication until Gertie made the useful suggestion that the
envelope should be opened. Mrs. Mills, after reading the letter, flung
herself upon the bed and, her head resting on the pillow, sobbed
hysterically.
Lady Douglass wrote near the telegram instructions "Private," and, to
ensure perfect secrecy, underlined the word three times. Nevertheless,
Gertie read it without hesitation, and her first impression was one of
regard for the writer's ingenuity. Lady Douglass feared some rumours
might have reached Praed Street concerning the behaviour of Miss Higham
during the brief stay at Ewelme; unable to rid her mind of this, she
was sending a note to assure Mrs. Mills that no grounds whatever
existed for the statements. She, herself, had taken great trouble to
keep the incident quiet, and could not understand how it had become
public property. She hoped Mrs. Mills would believe that Miss Higham
had been guilty of nothing more than a want of discretion, natural
enough in a girl of her age, and, if Lady Douglass might be allowed to
say so, her position in life. Lady Douglass felt it only right to send
this note, and hoped her motives would be understood.
"Her motives are clear enough," agreed Gertie. "What I can't quite
make out is why she should take so much trouble in going for me. I'm
out of her way, and I shan't get into her way again. What more does
she want?"
"I'd no idea," wailed her aunt, "that there'd been anything amiss. Of
course, I knew you came back Sunday night instead of Monday morning,
but you hinted that was because of Clarence. What are the facts, dear?"
Particulars given, Mrs. Mills changed her attitude, both of body and of
mind, and announced an intention of starting at once to have it out
with her ladyship. A good straight talking to, that was what my lady
required, with plain language which included selection of home truths,
and Mrs. Mills flattered herself she was the very woman to undertake
the task. To this Gertie offered several determined objections.
First, Henry's sister-in-law was ill; second, she had endured trouble,
and was not perhaps quite herself; third, the incident was ended, and
there would be nothing useful in raking up
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