The telegram gave notice that Lord Beaucourt was coming that evening to get through some business with the steward and keepers, and to arrange with Mrs. Rayburn about rooms, etc., for the shooting-party which was presently to assemble at Kelmersdale.
All was now bustle and preparation. The notice was short, but still all could easily be got ready in time. The children were sent out into the court, and told that Lord Beaucourt must now be informed that they were left on their grandmother's hands, and that he would probably insist on their being sent away.
"And that means the poorhouse," Mrs. Rayburn said mournfully.
Frank sat on the steps, and for a time Fred was with him. The poor child, being very wretched, did not observe that the young rogue soon left him, and stole into the house.
Jacob was going in the cart to do some errands for Mrs. Rayburn. He drove into the court presently, and the great gates were left open for him to drive out again. Frank was looking wistfully out at the green glades in which he was not allowed to wander, and he felt a wild longing to run out, if only for a minute, when suddenly Fred ran out of the house, looking somewhat scared.
"Fwank, Fwank, turn and put it out—turn quick!"
"Put what out?" said Frank, getting up.
"Gwandma's cap. Oh, I only meant to burn a hole in the wibbon, just to vex her, but when I stwuck the match, it all blazed up—all the cap—all blazes, and the bed! Fwank, make haste."
The little monkey had been watching grandma, and, seeing her leave the bedroom, he had stolen in to see what she had been about. She had been laying out her best attire to wear for the earl's arrival; on the bed lay a silk dress and a large cap, with streamers and flowers enough for three; on the table lay a matchbox. Here was a glorious opportunity! How vexed grandma would be! But lace caps are highly inflammable, and the result of his experiment frightened Fred.
The boys raced through the hall, and just as they reached the bedroom, Mrs. Rayburn opened the door of her sitting-room, which was just opposite. Frank scarcely saw her; he was old enough to know something of the danger. He flung the bedroom door wide, and at the sight that met her eyes, Mrs. Rayburn set up an appalling shout. At the sound, Fred turned and ran off to hide. Jacob and several others came running; the fire was soon put out, but Mrs. Rayburn's silk gown and cap were destroyed.