So we went back and sat down in the old sweet way—Mrs Skeffington-Smythe on the sofa, Anna on the stool by her side embroidering, and Mrs Valetta rocking herself in the rocking-chair. I with my everlasting sketch-book sketched a figure that sat carelessly on horseback with one hand turned in on the hip. But I kept my book out of the reach of other eyes.
Adriana laid tea. There was a tense feeling in the room and expectation hung in the air. Anna Cleeve and I avoided each other’s glance, and when Mrs Skeffington-Smythe began to whine about her Monty once more, her friend gave her a look that was like the flash of a knife in the air.
“Don’t begin that, Nina, for God’s sake—wait till you’re hurt.” Surprise dried Nina Skeffington-Smythe’s tears, and at the moment a man’s step was heard approaching. Anna Cleeve’s teeth dug into her lip again and I put my hand to my throat, for it seemed to have suddenly grown a great pulse there that was suffocating me. Mrs Valetta rushed to the door, and Dr Abingdon walked in bestowing a surprised leer upon her for this unusually ardent welcome. She would not or could not conceal her disappointment.
“Oh! it’s only you,” said she brutally, and even such a hardened old sinner was dashed for a moment. But I invited him to sit by me and have some tea, and he immediately regained his aplomb. Nonie Valetta turned her back on us and stood by the window staring out. I poured the tea, and flat expressionless small talk circulated for a moment or two, but the doctor had some news for us.
“From what Kinsella reports, Blow has given orders for the barricades to be finished to-night, and every one is to sleep in laager.”
“What! Leave our beds?” screamed Mrs Skeffington-Smythe rolling her striped eyes.
“No, take them with you,” said the doctor.
Mrs Valetta turned angrily on him.
“Ridiculous! I don’t believe there is the faintest chance of an attack.”
“It’s what they’re doing in Salisbury and Victoria. We’re very lucky if we don’t have to be shut up all day as well as all night. Pickets have been thrown out round the township, and at the first alarm every one is to sprint for laager. Upon such an occasion I shall be the first man in.”