My mother smoothed back my hair, kissed me on my forehead, and gave herself up to the enjoyment of the fire.
“Do you know why I am going to town?” I whispered.
“I wish you would not go at all, Rose. Your father is vexed.”
“I fear I must vex him to-day, mother. I am going to Cousin Geoffrey’s house.”
Two pink roses stole into my mother’s pretty cheeks. She looked at me inquiringly.
“Last night,” I continued, “the ruby ring brought me a message.”
“Rosamund, my darling, what do you mean?”
“What I say. I will explain everything when I return from town. I am going now on the business which the ring told me of.” I sprang to my feet as I spoke, kissed my mother again, and ran out of the room to get ready.
I had a silent journey up to Paddington; neither my father nor George would say a word to me.
When I arrived at the terminus I coolly desired George to hail a hansom for me.