“Yes. Shall I send up for her?”
“No; she will be down in a few minutes, I daresay, and Lindon too.”
The few minutes passed, and Uncle Josiah looked stern. Then he rang for the servants, and his brow grew more heavy. Neither Kitty nor Lindon down to prayers.
“Shall I send up, Josiah?”
“No; they know what time we have prayers,” said the old man sternly; and upon the servants entering he read his customary chapter and the prayers, but no one stole in while the service was in progress, and when it was over the old merchant looked more severe than ever.
Mrs Lavington looked more troubled as her brother grew more severe, but she did not speak, feeling that she might make matters worse.
Just then Jessie brought in the ham and eggs, and as she took off the cover, and Mrs Lavington began to pour out tea, the old man said roughly,—
“Go and tell Miss Kitty to come down to breakfast directly.”
The maid left the room.
“You did not send a message to Don, Josiah.”