luggage. Ours, of course, went on to Whinnerley proper.
Say your maid is coming on with it by the next train, and that she will
unpack when she comes."

"All right."

I returned to the hall. Not to be outdone by the housekeeper, the
footman was most solicitous. He led me to an oak-panelled lavatory,
turned on the water, and held a towel ready while I washed. Then he
brushed me all over, and flicked the dust from my shoes. With the
slightest encouragement, I believe he would have shaved me. Then he
led me to the 'reception rooms' in turn. When the tour was over, he
brought me cigarettes and asked me if I would like tea served in the
garden.

"By all means," I said.

"Tell her ladyship she will find me out of doors."

"Yes, sir."

I passed through the dining-room and on to a great lawn. The garden
was in exquisite order. Everywhere there was a profusion of flowers,
and on all sides beyond a sunk fence lay the great park. Far in a cool
glade I saw some deer browsing. On the left, I could see the drive by
which we had come. Lazily I traced its line curling away between the
trees. Suddenly something red and moving caught my eye. For a moment
the trees hid it from view. Then I saw it again--just a flash of red
in the avenue--moving towards the house. I watched it curiously. It
approached a small gap. The next second there appeared a telegraph boy
upon a red bicycle. Thank you. Instinctively I started to head him
off. I had to run to do it, but I prayed that no one was looking. We
reached the gate house together.

"Telegram?" said I.

He dismounted and gave it to me like a lamb. It was addressed to
Maulfry Tower, Winningly Bluff, and it read: Missed train arrive 7.10
Tagel.

"No answer," said I. Then I remembered the cheering children, and gave
him a shilling. He thanked me shyly and sped away to the lodge gates.
I turned to see the girl approaching, and went to meet her.

"For him, ginger beer," said I; "for us, tea. For them, when they
arrive, the wagonette. They will not send the car for your maid. But,
never mind, they have a good time coming. Isn't it all beautiful!"

"Of course," said she, "after this I shall go into a convent--that is,
after I have served my term of imprisonment. I can never face the
world again."

"Why again?" said I. "You see, my dear, we're not facing it now. If
we were, it would be different. But now we're in a backwater. In an
hour or two we shall