For several days after this a good deal of my time was taken up by my mother-in-law's advice and directions as to how I should rule the house during her absence at Bournemouth, where she would be until she returned to spend Christmas with us.
It was a great wrench, one could see, to Mrs. Gurrage to relinquish even for this short two months her rule at Ledstone. But she was in so good a temper with me for what she considered I had done in bringing Augustus back "to the path of duty" (we have heard no more of Lady Grenellen) that she bestowed upon me her sceptre with a good grace.
At last the day came when Amelia, carrying the parrot, followed her into the brougham.
Augustus had preceded them to the station, and with infinite fuss of maids and footman, and stray card-board boxes, and final directions, the whole party disappeared down the drive, and I was left standing on the red-granite steps.
A sudden sense of exaltation came over me.
I was alone for the first time since my wedding!
It would be evening before Augustus could return from seeing them off in London.
There was almost one whole day. What should I do? Where should I go?
Roy even barked with pleasure.
As I turned back into the house, the butler informed me
Hephzibah—Mrs. Prodgers—was waiting to see me.