’But he does go altogether by Mr. Stebbing—–­altogether, and I know he—–­Mr. Stebbing, I mean—–­can’t bear us, and would not keep us on if he could help it.  He has been writing for another designer—–­an artist—–­instead of me.’

‘Still, you would be glad to have the connection severed?’

’Oh yes, I should be glad enough to be away; but what would become of my mother and the children?’

’Remember your oldest friends are on their way home; and I will try to speak to Mr. White myself.’

They had reached the little door of Kalliope’s office, which she could open with a latch-key, and Miss Mohun was just about to say some parting words, when there was a sudden frightful rumbling sound, something between a clap of thunder and the carting of stones, and the ground shook under their feet, while a cry went up—–­loud, horror-struck men and women’s voices raised in dismay.

Jane had heard that sound once before.  It was the fall of part of the precipitous cliff, much of which had been quarried away.  But in spite of all precautions, frost and rain were in danger of loosening the remainder, and wire fences were continually needing to be placed to prevent the walking above on edges that might be perilous.

Where was it?  What had it done? was the instant thought.  Kalliope turned as pale as death; the girls came screaming and thronging out of their workshop, the men from their sheds, the women from the cottages, as all thronged to the more open space beyond the buildings where they could see, while Miss Mohun found herself clasped by her trembling niece.

Others were rushing up from the wharf.  One moment’s glance showed all familiar with the place that a projecting point, forming a sort of cusp in the curve of the bay, had gone, and it lay, a great shattered mass, fragments spreading far and wide, having crashed through the roof of a stable that stood below.

There was a general crowding forward to the spot, and crying and exclamation, and a shouting of ‘All right’ from above and below.  Had any one come down with it?  A double horror seized Miss Mohun as she remembered that her cousin was to inspect those parts that very afternoon.

She caught at the arm of a man and demanded, ‘Was any one up there?’

’Master’s there, and some gentlemen; but they hain’t brought down with it,’ said the man.  ’Don’t be afraid, miss.  Thank the Lord, no one was under the rock—–­horses even out at work.’

‘Thank God, indeed!’ exclaimed Miss Mohun, daring now to look up, and seeing, not very distinctly, some figures of men, who, however, were too high up and keeping too far from the dangerous broken edge for recognition.

Room was made for the two ladies, by the men who knew Miss Mohun, to push forward, so as to have a clearer view of the broken wall and roof of the stable, and the great ruddy blue and white veined mass of limestone rock, turf, and bush adhering to what had been the top.