“It doesn’t sound like me, does it?” said Anne.
“I dare say it might have been worse,” I said, handing back the paper.
“Impudent, aren’t they?” said Miss Cram. “I’d like to see one of those fellows trying to get something out of me.”
By the twinkle in Griselda’s eye, I was convinced that she regarded this statement as being more literally true than Miss Cram intended it to appear.
Luncheon was announced, and we went in. Lettice did not come in till halfway through the meal, when she drifted into the empty place with a smile for Griselda and a nod for me. I watched her with some attention, for reasons of my own, but she seemed much the same vague creature as usual. Extremely pretty—that in fairness I had to admit. She was still not wearing mourning, but was dressed in a shade of pale green that brought out all the delicacy of her fair colouring.
After we had had coffee, Anne said quietly:
“I want to have a little talk with the vicar. I will take him up to my sitting-room.”
At last I was to learn the reason of our summons. I rose and followed her up the stairs. She paused at the door of the room. As I was about to speak, she stretched out a hand to stop me. She remained listening, looking down towards the hall.
“Good. They are going out into the garden. No—don’t go in there. We can go straight up.”