Chapter Nine.
Overwhelmed.
“I am a useless and an evil man,—
God planned my life, and let men spoil His plan.”
Isabella Fyvie Mayo.
Oakham was left behind; and to the surprise of the party—except the Countess, her Prime Minister, Father Miles, and her Foreign Secretary, Felicia—they found themselves lodged in Rochester Castle. Here the Countess shut herself up, and communicated with the outward world through her Cabinet only. All orders were brought to the ladies by Felicia, and were passed to Vivian by Father Miles. The latter was closeted with his lady for long periods, and rolls of writing appeared to be the result of these conferences.
The winter moved on with leaden feet, according to the ideas of the household, and of Ada more particularly.
“This sort of life is really something dreadful!” said that young lady. “If the frost would only break up, it would make something fresh to look at. There is nothing to be done!”
“Poor Ada!” responded Olympias, laughing. “Do get some needlework.”
“I am tired of needlework,” answered Ada. “I am tired of everything!”