Curiosity was at once aroused, and the cook moved toward the hedge.
"E'hem!" she coughed softly.
The housekeeper turned coolly.
"Oh, good morning," she said. "I just come out here for a bit of a rest, there's so much going on just now, that I'm nearly wild with the planning."
"Do tell!" cried the cook. "I've heard there was to be great doings of some sort over at 'The Cliffs,' but I haven't yet heard what it is. What's it all about? I'm wild to know."
Mrs. Wilton sighed, as if she were already very weary.
"We're not more than half ready for the great event," she said, "but Captain Atherton does not wish me to tell anyone the least thing about it."
"Mercy sakes! Why I came out purpose to hear!" said the cook, her round face very red, and her little eyes snapping.
"Well, you'll hear later," Mrs. Wilton said, and turning, she walked across the lawn and entered the house.
Inside the door she whispered: