The god of slumber did not long hold sway over the senses of our friends, but even so, time, the relentless, striding ever along, did not leave them any spare minutes. Breakfasting at nine, with the exception of Lady Esmondet, and Mrs. Haughton, who partook of their first meal in their own apartments, the one being rather delicate, the other accustomed to indulge the body; all were more or less eagerly active; poor Lady Esmondet in sympathy with her old love, each now thinking by change, to divert the mind from the might have been; Mrs. Haughton loved the prospect of her throne at the Hall, and of daily wooing the love of her idol to be domesticated there. Blanche, the wee white mouse, longed for the greater freedom to be alone, or to play detective over others, that a large estate would give her.
Everly just now had so many conflicting emotions he scarcely knew which was uppermost. As for Vaura, she looked forward with intense pleasure to a lengthened sojourn in the immortal city; knowing life at Haughton under the present regime would be distasteful to her.
"The gentleman from London, my lady," said Somers, entering and presenting the card of Mr. Huntingdon.
"Very well; he is, I suppose, in our sitting room?"
"Yes, my lady."
"Now, Vaura, ma chere, take flight to Poppingay's, and bring your maid, who can carry my parcels. You will find what I require at his shop. I am so glad to know you are with me for some time, dear."
"Au revoir! I shall be fleet as a deer."
Now Lady Esmondet, turning her steps in the direction of the Haughton apartments, entering, said:
"I have come to wish you bon voyage; my lawyer is here; I know there will be a general exodus of you all soon, while I am closeted with him—he is a little bit of a tyrant and cross as a bear, if interrupted."
"A man would be a bear if he could be cross to you, Alice," said Col.
Haughton, noting, regretfully, how delicate she looked.