So unwilling was May to disturb the habits of the family that, half an hour after her arrival, the homely three had fallen into a state of nervous agitation, and could neither say nor do anything natural to them.  Of a sudden there sounded a sharp rapping at the window.  Mrs. Rockett and Betsy started up, and Betsy ran to the door.  In a moment or two she came back with glowing cheeks.

‘I’m sure I never heard the bell!’ she exclaimed with compunction.  ’Miss Shale had to get off her bicycle!’

‘Was it she who hammered at the window?’ asked May coldly.

‘Yes—­and she was that annoyed.’

’It will do her good.  A little anger now and then is excellent for the health.’  And Miss Rockett sipped her lemon-tinctured tea with a smile of ineffable contempt.

The others went to bed at ten o’clock, but May, having made herself at ease in the sitting-room, sat there reading until after twelve.  Nevertheless, she was up very early next morning, and, before going out for a sharp little walk (in a heavy shower), she gave precise directions about her breakfast.  She wanted only the simplest things, prepared in the simplest way, but the tone of her instructions vexed and perturbed Mrs. Rockett sorely.  After breakfast the young lady made a searching inquiry into the state of her father’s health, and diagnosed his ailments in such learned words that the old gardener began to feel worse than he had done for many a year.  May then occupied herself with correspondence, and before midday sent her sister out to post nine letters.

‘But I thought you were going to rest yourself?’ said her mother, in an irritable voice quite unusual with her.

‘Why, so I am resting!’ May exclaimed.  ’If you saw my ordinary morning’s work!  I suppose you have a London newspaper?  No?  How do you live without it?  I must run into the town for one this afternoon.’

The town was three miles away, but could be reached by train from the village station.  On reflection, Miss Rockett announced that she would use this opportunity for calling on a lady whose acquaintance she desired to make, one Mrs. Lindley, who in social position stood on an equality with the family at the Hall, and was often seen there.  On her mother’s expressing surprise, May smiled indulgently.

’Why shouldn’t I know Mrs. Lindley?  I have heard she’s interested in a movement which occupies me a good deal just now.  I know she will be delighted to see me.  I can give her a good deal of first-hand information, for which she will be grateful.  You do amuse me, mother, she added in her blandest tone.  ‘When will you come to understand what my position is?’