CHAPTER III

THE CLOSED HOUSE

The break-up of the home at Littlecote Hall was a speedy and complete affair; Miss Jane Tebbs, being practically on the spot, volunteered invaluable assistance.  Always energetic and anxious to be “up and doing,” and with a sadly restricted field for her activities, here was a grand opportunity absolutely within her reach.  The second Miss Tebbs had an immense acquaintance and correspondence, a fairly, good business head and, to her late enemy Mrs. Shafto, she ultimately proved a veritable tower of strength.  The recent sad catastrophe had melted Jane’s heart, and she promptly appeared in “Littlecote” drawing-room, waving a large olive branch—­which her former adversary most thankfully accepted.  In such a crisis as the present there was no more helpless, hopeless creature than Lucilla Shafto—­a woman who was always ready to transfer her burdens to others.  Strange to say, she somewhat distrusted her intimates in Bricklands; it seemed to her that their questions and sympathy were chiefly founded on vulgar curiosity and greedy self-interest.  “How was she left?  What had become of all the money?  What was the boy going to do?  Where would she settle?  Would she not be glad to get rid of some of her smart summer clothes, now that she would be in weeds for at least two years? What about her sables?”

Jane Tebbs was totally different; an honest and single-hearted woman, she wrote business letters, interviewed the local agent, arranged for the auction and,—­O wonderful and miraculous achievement!—­was even instrumental in getting rid of the lease.

It was not surprising in all these circumstances that Mrs. Shafto should cling as a limpet to Jane Tebbs, whom she had so often apostrophised as a “meddling, mischievous, malignant old cat,” but Lucilla Shafto was suffering from a violent mental shock.  The sudden descent, as it were in one day, from comfortable affluence to a very narrow income, had temporarily stunned her, and she had a secret conviction that if she were to leave her affairs in the capable hands of her nearest neighbour, all would be well.  She therefore remained secluded in her own spacious bedroom, whilst busy Jane undertook her affairs; helped with the auction list, interviewed the tradespeople, and, accompanied by the boy, went up to London to confer with Mr. Shafto’s lawyers.

Douglas was subdued; he seemed a different creature, so silent and pale, but keenly anxious to put his shoulder to the wheel.  He had withdrawn from Sandhurst and, in conversations with the Tremenheeres, informed them that his idea of going into the Army was knocked on the head, and that he now intended to look out for some job in the City.