‘Ah, Mr Cumbermede!’ he said, rising as I entered, and holding out his hand—‘here already?’
‘We have uncovered some tapestry, Sir Giles, and I want you to come and look at it, if you please.’
‘I will,’ he answered. ‘Would any of you ladies like to go and see it?’
His daughter and Clara rose. Lady Brotherton and Mrs Osborne sat still. Mary, glancing at her mother, remained seated also.
‘Won’t you come, Miss Pease?’ I said.
She looked almost alarmed at the audacity of the proposal, and murmured, ‘No, thank you,’ with a glance at Lady Brotherton, which appeared as involuntary as it was timid.
‘Is my son with you?’ asked Mrs Osborne.
I told her he was.
‘I shall look in upon you before the morning is over,’ she said quietly.
They were all pleased with the tapestry, and the ladies offered several conjectures as to the cause of the mutilation.