Here a sound from the nursery drew Caroline into the children's room.
It was only Baby talking in her sleep, but she sat down a little while, and in the tranquillity of the children's room some tranquillity fell on her own nerves too.
"At least I have one great joy," she said to herself as she sat there; "they all trust me. She could not give me greater proof of this than in the words she spoke to me about these dear little souls to-day."
Just then she heard some one moving in the other room, and rising, she went softly to the door. It was the maid who usually waited on her.
"I have brought you a letter, miss. It's just come. Sent over from Lea Abbey."
"Thank you," said Caroline.
She waited until the maid had made up the fire and gone out of the room, and then when she was alone she still waited.
It was very ridiculous of her, but she felt suddenly frightened.
There was nothing unusual in Camilla sending a letter at this hour. Her letters and messages arrived at any time.
"What is the matter with me?" asked Caroline of herself impatiently. "I am all upside down to-day!" And then she opened the letter.