“Oh, she is only my half-sister.”
“This is very strange.”
Lady Bassett put her hand to her brow, and thought.
“Mary,” said she, “all this is very mysterious. We are wading in deep waters.”
Mary Wells had no idea what she meant.
The day was not over yet. Just before dinner-time a fly from the station drove to the door, and Mr. Oldfield got out.
He was detained in the hall by sentinel Moss.
Lady Bassett came down to him. At the very sight of him she trembled, and said, “Richard Bassett?”
“Yes,” said Mr. Oldfield, “he is in the field again. He has been to the Court of Chancery ex parte, and obtained an injunction ad interim to stay waste. Not another tree must be cut down on the estate for the present.”
“Thank Heaven it is no worse than that. Not another tree shall be felled on the grounds.”