“You look better to-night, Miss Lally,” said her faithful attendant. “You will find new interests up in this region, and will find that you have something to live for yet.”
Lally smiled sadly but did not answer.
They still lingered in the dining-room, Lally standing in the great oriel window and looking out upon the sea, which was being furiously beaten by the winds, when Mrs. Peters heard a carriage come up the drive and halt in the carriage porch.
The good woman’s face turned pale. She glanced at her young mistress, but Lally heard no sound save the tumult of the winds and the waves.
“It’s a wild night,” said the young girl. “I don’t see a sail in the Frith. The boats have all made for harbor.”
At that moment a double knock was heard upon the front door, and Mrs. Peters heard the housekeeper going to the door.
But Lally’s face was pressed against the cold glass, and she did not hear the summons for admittance.
“The wind is rising,” the girl said, with a shudder. “I see a steamer coming in. She’ll make port just in time. I would not like to be on the sea to-night.”
Mrs. Peters heard the front door open.
With a nervous glance at her young mistress, she stole out into the hall.