“Not there,” she murmured. “I cannot bear the crowds, the gayety, the careless faces and curious eyes.”
“Then let us go up to the Heather Hills, your Scottish place,” urged Peters. “I have been there once, and we could take Toppen with us, Miss Lally. The steward who lives on the estate can provide us with servants. Let me telegraph him to-day, and let us start to-morrow.”
“Very well,” said the young mistress listlessly. “If you wish it, Peters, we will go.”
The sour face of the faithful maid brightened, and she expressed her thanks warmly for the concession.
“I’ll telegraph at once, Miss Lally,” she said. “But then the steward is not likely to receive the telegram unless he happens to be at Inverness, which is not likely. I will send Toppen by the first train to prepare for our coming, if you are willing, Miss Lally.”
Lally was willing, and Mrs. Peters withdrew to acquaint the tall footman with her mistress’ design, and to dispatch him on his journey to the northward. When he had gone she returned to Lally.
“Toppen is on his way to the station, Miss,” she announced. “He will have everything in order for us against our arrival. It is cold at Heather Hills, Miss Lally, with the wind blowing off the sea, and you will need flannel and thick boots, and warm clothing.”
“Order them for me then, Peters,” said Lally, with listless voice and manner.
“But you will want an astrachan jacket to wear with your black dresses, and you must try it on, to be sure that it fits,” said Peters. “And you will want books at Heather Hills, and these you can choose best for yourself. And the newspapers must be ordered to be sent to our new address, but that I can do this evening by letter. And you will want work materials, Miss Lally, such as canvas, Berlin wools and patterns; drawing materials, new music, and other things, perhaps. Let me order the carriage, and let us go out and make our purchases.”
Lally looked out of the window. The sun was shining, and the air was clear. She had not been out of the house for days, and she assented to Mrs. Peters’ proposition. The maid ordered the carriage, and proceeded to array her young mistress for her drive.