"Really, Felicia, there is no necessity that Mrs. M'Cosh should know all about us," Doris interposed impatiently in a displeased tone.
Felicia looked snubbed, and grew very red, whilst Miss Barton turned a reproachful glance upon her eldest pupil, who pretended not to notice it, and Molly spoke out in her usual impetuous way—
"Tell Mrs. M'Cosh all about me, Miss Barton, do, and be sure you say Felicia and I are the greatest friends."
"I will tell Mrs. M'Cosh everything in connection with Felicia that I think will interest her," Miss Barton said quietly; "and I should not have suggested calling on her, Doris, if I had not already mentioned the matter to your mother and heard that she approved of my doing so."
"I did not know that," Doris murmured in some confusion.
"No, my dear, how should you?" There was a brief pause, after which Miss Barton remarked in a lighter tone: "I hope you will all have a pleasant time in my absence, and make the most of this unexpected holiday, as I intend to do."
"We shall go to the station to see you off," declared Molly.
This the young folks accordingly did, accompanied by the Vicar, and when Miss Barton had gone, they all went for a most enjoyable ramble through the woods, now turning golden, and across stubbly fields from which the corn had lately been carried. Felicia, unaccustomed to walking in the country, was very tired when, at length, she parted from her uncle and her cousins at the entrance to the Priory grounds; but she had spent a most pleasant afternoon, and she hummed a little tune as she passed up the carriage drive.
The first person she encountered in the house was Mrs. Price, who informed her that Mr. Guy was stronger than he had been in the morning, and the doctor was very satisfied with his condition. The little girl had her tea in the housekeeper's room, and was going upstairs afterwards, when the sound of the study door opening caused her to pause. Glancing over the balusters she saw her grandfather crossing the hall with Price, and Brown, the gamekeeper. Price opened the front door, and Mr. Renford and Brown went out together.
"Is anything amiss, Price?" Felicia asked, her curiosity prompting her to put the question.