CHAPTER X.
OPENING THE CASKET.
After the close of the service, Isa, as before, spoke to her little black-eyed maid, and inquired after the health of Gaspar.
“Master has caught cold in his eyes, and he says it’s east wind, and shuts himself up. He can’t read, nor write, and he seems very dull-like,” said Lottie, whose own sunburnt face was bright with the anticipated holiday before her.
Isa sent a message to Mr. Gritton, and after exchanging a few words with Henry Eardley, left the cottage with Edith Lestrange. The little heiress thought her cousin unusually silent as they walked back to the Castle.
“Edith, dear,” said Isa at last, “I am going to return to Wildwaste to-morrow.”
“Not to stay there, I hope,” cried Edith.