“I am glad he is going,” said Constance, “for Jasper’s sake.”
“Thank you,” replied Jasper. “I thought you would be. He will be a great loss to me.”
“Nonsense!” said the Countess. “If another workman is needed, another can easily be had.”
“If I can be of any assistance to you, old man,” said Marmaduke, “make what use of me you like. I picked up something about the business yesterday.”
“Yes,” said Elinor. “While you were away, Jasper, he went to the laboratory with Constance, and fired off a brass cannon with your new pile until he had used up all the gunpowder and spoiled the panels of the door. That is what he calls picking up something about the business.”
“Nothing like experiment for convincing you of the power of electricity,” said Marmaduke. “Is there, Conny?”
“It’s very wonderful; but I hate shots.”
“Where is Marian?” said Lady Carbury.
“I left her in the summer-house in the fruit garden,” said Elinor. “She was reading.”
“She must have forgotten the hour,” said the Countess. “She has been moping, I think, for the last few days. I hope she is not unwell. But she would never stay away from luncheon intentionally. I shall send for her.”