“And how did you succeed, mum, if I may be so bold?” inquired the housekeeper, curiously.
As I expected, Sarah. I found that the poor boy was dead.”
“Indeed, mum!”
“I hoped to bring him back with me, according to my poor husband’s desire, but it was ordered otherwise by an inscrutable Providence.”
Sarah coughed.
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 was away. Have you heard from Lady Lovell’s family? Are they all well?”
Lady Lovell was the mother of Capt. Gregory Lovell, and the question was earnestly put.
They are all well except the captain,” answered Sarah.