There was a painful pause, as they all heard the sound of the steps of Sir Robert in the hall outside. But when he came in, they were all struck by the change in his manner. Instead of being slow and stately, he was brisk and alert. He did not smile as he bade them all good-morning, and even when he stooped to kiss his son, his face was stern and set.
He spoke with a most unusual tone of command as he turned to his wife and said:
“Sarah, I have settled some of the details of our journey abroad already. I want you to go to town with me to-day to buy anything you may want, and to help me as to any details which I may have forgotten.”
“I don’t want to go abroad,” she said sullenly.
These were the first words which the two had exchanged since Sir Robert had become aware of his wife’s attempt to run away from him. Rhoda held her breath as she listened, without daring to look up.
There was quite a new tone in Sir Robert’s voice, and instead of being all gentleness and kindness to his wife, consulting her convenience and yielding to her wishes, he was laying down the law as to his plans, and quite simply taking her adhesion for granted, just like an ordinary husband.
Her answer did not disconcert him in the least, neither did it appear to have any weight with him.
“I have decided for you this time,” he said quietly. “And all that is left for you to do is to fall in with my plans.”
Lady Sarah looked up. This was a change indeed.
“Where are you going?” she asked in the same sullen tone as before.