'I do, Plantagenet, always; but still I should like to know what mamma can be crying about. Do tell me all about it.'
'Why, I came to the room by the open windows, and your mamma was standing up, with her back to me, and leaning on the mantel-piece, with her face in her handkerchief; and the Doctor was standing up too, only his back was to the fireplace; and when he saw me, he made me a sign to go away, and I went directly.'
'Are you sure mamma was crying?'
'I heard her sob.'
'I think I shall cry,' said Venetia.
'You must not; you must know nothing about it. If you let your mamma know that I saw her crying, I shall never tell you anything again.'
'What do you think she was crying about, Plantagenet?'
'I cannot say; perhaps she had been talking about your papa. I do not want to play at bowls now,' added Plantagenet; 'let us go and see the cows.'
In the course of half an hour the servant summoned the children to the house. The horses were ready, and they were now to return. Lady Annabel received them with her usual cheerfulness.
'Well, dear children,' said she, 'have you been very much amused?'