“Certain, sure, ma’am, and I am much obliged.”
Jacob left the room.
He had scarcely done so when the drawing-room bell summoned him to appear there.
Mrs. Rowton was standing by a table—she was taking up and putting down some new magazines—there was an abstracted and somewhat alarmed look on her face. When Jacob appeared she started.
“Did you ring, madam?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied. “Will you, please, go to the stables at once, and desire the coachman to bring the carriage round to meet the next train to town?”
“The covered carriage, madam?”
“Yes, the brougham with the basket on top for luggage.”
“Very well, madam; the next train leaves for town at 3.30,” answered Jacob.
“Desire the carriage to be round in good time.”