"Of course I am disappointed, but I am not thinking entirely about myself. I am sure Rupert is far more upset and annoyed than his manner shows. Ah well! by this time I suppose I ought to know Camilla too well to be surprised at anything she does! See that you have all you want, my dear, and if you should be at all anxious about the child, don't hesitate to send for me."
As she was passing on to the staircase Mrs. Brenton paused.
"Mr. Haverford has brought down a number of things for the children. He said he was going to send them up to you. I hope they will learn to grow very fond of him," said Agnes Brenton earnestly. "Do you know that he has made them two little rich people? He has settled quite a fortune on Camilla, and on her children. Nothing can touch this money; it is hers and theirs, whatever may happen. He has asked me to be one of the trustees for the children."
Once again Mrs. Brenton turned back as she was going, and kissed Caroline.
"For all reasons," she said, "I deeply regret that Camilla has not come to us to-night."
It was a long time before Baby would be wooed into slumber, and even then Caroline did not like to leave her; not until she had assured herself that the child was sleeping deeply and tranquilly did she go into the other room.
She only snatched a few moments to eat some supper. There was really so very much to do.
An enormous parcel of costly things had been sent down by Camilla for the children, and every one in the house had brought a little offering. All these had to be ticketed and tied up. No ordinary sized stocking would hold what awaited the children, so large baskets had been made ready to put at the foot of each bed.
On inquiring, Caroline found that Mr. Haverford had sent nothing up to the nursery as yet.
After a while she dismissed the maid to go down to the servant's supper, and was busy scribbling and tying, when there came a knock at the door.