‘I’ll come and carry you round to-morrow, Eva,’ said the visitor, stooping to kiss the reluctant face.  Then, turning to the admonitress, ’Jessie, will you read a little?  I want just to speak to Letty.’

Miss Jessie took the volume, made her countenance yet sterner, and, having drawn Eva to her side, began to read in measured tones, reproducing as well as she could the enunciation of the pulpit.  Adela beckoned to her friend, and the two walked apart.

‘I’m in such a fix,’ she began, speaking hurriedly, ’and there isn’t a minute to lose.  Mr. Mutimer has been having dinner with us; Alfred invited him.  And I expect Mr. Eldon to come about four o’clock.  I met him yesterday on the Hill; he came up just as I was looking out for Alfred with the glass, and I asked him if he wouldn’t come and say good-bye to mother this afternoon.  Of course I’d no idea that Mr. Mutimer would come to dinner; he always goes away for Sunday.  Isn’t it dreadfully awkward?’

‘You think he wouldn’t like to meet Mr. Mutimer?’ asked Letty, savouring the gravity of the situation.

’I’m sure he wouldn’t.  He spoke about him yesterday.  Of course he didn’t say anything against Mr. Mutimer, but I could tell from his way of speaking.  And then it’s quite natural, isn’t it?  I’m really afraid.  He’ll think it so unkind of me.  I told him we should be alone, and I shan’t be able to explain.  Isn’t it tiresome?’

’It is, really!  But of course Mr. Eldon will understand.  To think that it should happen just this day!’

An idea flashed across Miss Tew’s mind.

’Couldn’t you be at the door when he comes, and just—­just say, you know, that you’re sorry, that you knew nothing about Mr. Mutimer coming?’

‘I’ve thought of something else,’ returned Adela, lowering her voice, as if to impart a project of doubtful propriety.  ’Suppose I walk towards the Manor and—­and meet him on the way, before he gets very far?  Then I could save him the annoyance, couldn’t I, dear?’

Letty widened her eyes.  The idea was splendid, but—­

’You don’t think, dear, that it might be a little—­that you might find it—?’

Adela reddened.

’It is only a piece of kindness.  Mr. Eldon will understand, I’m sure.  He asked me so particularly if we should be alone.  I really feel it a duty.  Don’t you think I may go?  I must decide at once.’

Letty hesitated.

‘If you really advise me not to—­’ pursued Adela.  ’But I’m sure I shall be glad when it’s done.’

‘Then go, dear.  Yes, I would go if I were you.’

Adela now faltered.

‘You really would go, in my place?’

’Yes, yes, I’m sure I should.  You see, it isn’t as if it was Mr. Mutimer you were going to meet.’

‘Oh, no, no That would be impossible.’

‘He will be very grateful,’ murmured Letty, without looking up.

‘If I go, it must be at once.’