“Return as soon as possible. My father ill, though not seriously so. He wishes for you. A train leaves Holston at 12:15; the next at 2:45.”
It was from her son Gerald.
Lady Quaintree gave the telegram to the two girls, while she inquired if the messenger was still in waiting.
The youth who had come from the railway-station was called into the room. Lois wrote an answer from Lady Quaintree’s dictation to the effect that they would start by the 12:15 train, and this was sent by the same messenger who had brought the telegram.
As the visit was simply a flying one, little preparation had been made, and the ladies’ luggage was of the most portable description; so Justine, who was hastily summoned, had nothing to do in the shape of packing.
Mrs. Ormsby was sent for, and came in dignified haste.
“We are obliged to leave a day sooner than we had arranged for, Mrs. Ormsby,” said Lady Quaintree. “Miss Turquand is not sure of what time she may return, and it may be a long period before I come again. But we are both well pleased with the order and arrangement of everything in the establishment under your control.”
The housekeeper curtsied to imply her thanks and gratification. Her ladyship requested that the carriage might be ready at once, as they left by the 12:15 train for London.
A council of war was held as to the desirability of Blanche’s accompanying them. No time remained for consulting her parents, so at length Lady Quaintree settled that she should go with them.
“Even if my lord should prove more unwell than my son admits,” she said, “you will be a great comfort to me and to our dear Lois; and if you should find my house irksome under the circumstances, I can easily locate you with any one of half a dozen friends, who would be delighted to receive you, my love.”