“She sat in the chair at the open window all night, and fell asleep there. That is the matter,” replied Odalite for her sister.
“Ah! ah! that will never do! We must put a stop to that sort of practice!” replied the earl.
And then Mr. and Mrs. Force both fell upon their daughter with rebuke and admonition, but were soothed and mollified when Wynnette assured them not only that she had taken no harm on this occasion, but that she never meant to repeat the last night’s performance again so long as she should live.
When breakfast was over the family party adjourned to a pleasant morning room looking out upon the sea, and occupied themselves with opening and reading their letters, which had come in by the morning’s mail.
Mr. Force had letters from his farm manager and from his attorney, giving satisfactory accounts of affairs at Mondreer.
Leonidas had equally good news from Beeves concerning his little estate of Greenbushes.
Mrs. Force received a short note, ill-spelled and worse written, from her housekeeper, but it gave good account of domestic affairs.
Rosemary Hedge had a joint letter from her mother and aunt, saying that they were both in good health, and giving their child plenty of good counsel.
Wynnette received an old-fashioned letter from young Grandiere, which she laughed over and refused to show to any one.
In the midst of this occupation they were interrupted by the opening of the door, and the entrance of a footman, who touched his forehead with a grave air and stood in silence.