"No; I'll give you a message. Please say to Miss Rose that I have gone to Berwick."
"To Berwick, miss?"
"Yes; and tell Mrs. Berry the same. That's all, McPherson; no message for any one else."
"Yes, Miss Fayre. When will you be back, Miss Fayre?"
"Not at all. Or, that is,—never mind that. Just say I have gone to
Berwick. I'll write to Miss Rose as soon as I get there."
"Yes, Miss Fayre," and the butler hung up his receiver. It was not his business if the ladies came or went.
In obedience to orders, McPherson went to Mrs. Berry and delivered the message.
"The dear child," said the housekeeper, and the tears came to her eyes. Of course, she knew about the earring episode, and until now she hadn't suspected that Dolly really took it. But to run away practically proved her guilt. So she had meant to go when she asked permission to go on the bus! Mrs. Berry's heart was torn, for she loved Dolly best of the four, and it was a blow to be thus forced to believe her guilty. She quizzed the butler, but he had no further information to give.
"She only said she was going, ma'am, and said for me to tell you and
Miss Rose. That's all."
"I will tell Miss Rose," said Mrs. Berry, and dismissed the man.