Nell went downstairs, feeling rather confused and bewildered by the sudden change in her life. She was to have been Drake's wife; she was now to be—what was it, companion, housekeeper?—to Lady Wolfer!
Dick met her at the bottom of the stairs.
"I can't find Drake," he said, of course, with an injured air. "They say he left the cottage early this morning—they thought he was coming up here, as usual; but he hasn't been, has he?"
Nell shook her head.
"See, Dick, I've some news for you," she said. "I am going to London."
She gave him the letter to read, and he read it, with a running commentary of indignant and scoffing exclamations.
"Of all the pompous, stuck-up letters, it's the worst I ever imagined! And you say you're going? Oh, but look here! What will Drake say?"
Nell turned away.
"I don't think he will object," she said, almost inaudibly.
Dick stared at her.