"It is very sad," she said, but she looked curiously at her mistress.
She knew very well that this sad news rejoiced the heart of Mrs. Middleton, and the latter knew that she could not for a moment impose upon her clear-sighted housekeeper. But the farce must be kept up for the sake of appearances.
"Come up to my chamber with me, Sarah. I want to ask you what has been going on since I went away? Have you heard from Lady Lovell's family? Are they all well?"
Lady Lovell was the mother of Captain Gregory Lovell, and the question was earnestly put.
"They are all well except the captain," answered Sarah.
"Is he sick?" demanded her mistress, turning upon her swiftly.
"No, mum; I only meant to say that the captain was gone away."
"Gone away! When? Where?"
"He's ordered to India, I believe, mum. He went away a month ago."