The room was empty. Colonel Eastworth had left the house soon after Mr. Goldsborough went, and the doctor’s two brothers, Hans and Friedrich Rosenthal, were up in the doctor’s snuggery enjoying a good smoke.
Erminie placed chairs round the fire, and the party of four drew up to it.
Erminie and her friend sat on one side of the chimney, and the two gentlemen on the other.
“First of all, though, have you had breakfast?” inquired Dr. Rosenthal, while Erminie placed her hand upon the bell, ready to ring and give orders.
“Oh, yes, thank ye; we had a very good breakfast at the Drover’s,” replied the farmer.
“Then tell us all about this affair,” urged the doctor, earnest in his sympathy and eager in his curiosity.
“Ask my girl here; she’ll tell ye. She knows a deal more about it than I do,” said the farmer.
“Tell us all about it, Elfie, darling,” said Erminie, affectionately.
“Oh, don’t you be afraid but what I’ll tell you all about it. I’ve been dying to do so ever since it happened. First, you must know it was all my doings.”
“The burning of your father’s house, my dear?” exclaimed Erminie in horror.