CHAPTER V
THE FIRST MORNING
Bright sunshine greeted Sydney when she awoke on the first morning in her new home.
It fell softly through the shading blinds upon the dainty fittings of her luxurious room, and on Ward, as she stood beside her with a tray, containing a fairy-like tea-set for one.
“Oh, what is the time?” cried poor Sydney in dismay. Surely she had overslept herself, and Ward was bringing her a rather unsubstantial breakfast in bed!
“Eight o’clock, ma’am,” the maid answered softly, placing the tray on a little table by her bedside. “Would you wish me to draw the blinds up, or shall I leave them down till you get up?”
“What time is breakfast?” Sydney asked.
“Lady Frederica breakfasts in her bedroom, Miss Lisle,” said Ward; “and so of course does his lordship since his accident. Mr. Fenton commonly likes his about ten o’clock when staying here, I have heard. He breakfasts downstairs. Lady Frederica thought you would wish to take yours in bed.”
“I would much rather get up,” said poor Sydney. “I am not at all tired now, and I get up at seven at home.”
Ward never seemed to be surprised at anything.
“Yes, ma’am; what time would you wish to get up?” she inquired.