She gave the letter to Sophia to read. It ran—
“Sunday midnight.
“DEAR MOTHER,
“Just a line to say I am coming down to Bursley on Wednesday, on business with Peels. I shall get to Knype at 5.28, and take the Loop. I’ve been very busy, and as I was coming down I didn’t write on Saturday. I hope you didn’t worry. Love to yourself and Aunt Sophia.
“Yours, C.”
“I must send him a line,” said Constance, excitedly.
“What? To-night?”
“Yes. Amy can easily catch the last post with it. Otherwise he won’t know that I’ve got his letter.”
She rang the bell.
Sophia thought: “His coming down is really no excuse for his not writing on Saturday. How could she guess that he was coming down? I shall have to put in a little word to that young man. I wonder Constance is so blind. She is quite satisfied now that his letter has come.” On behalf of the elder generation she rather resented Constance’s eagerness to write in answer.