“No, nothing that I know of; but Dick had to go to town unexpectedly. He says he’ll be back to-morrow. I wonder what can be the matter! He said nothing at all about going to town when I was leaving this morning.”
“Sir Richard went away in a dog-cart with two strange men,” volunteered the footman.
Barbara’s surprise and curiosity became still greater, but she would not condescend to question the man.
“It’s all right,” she said in a would-be cheerful tone. “Let me take you to your room, mother. I hope the fire is good.”
Mrs. Evershed thought nothing of Dick’s disappearance. On the contrary, she was rather pleased than otherwise to have her daughter to herself for the first evening.
“The house is wonderfully pretty, dear,” she said. “More than pretty, quite handsome, but it really ought to be re-decorated. That splendid old tapestry, for instance, is quite thrown away in its present position. Now, you ought to go to——”
“I like things as they are,” interrupted Barbara.
“Of course, my dear child; but without in the least disturbing the old ancestral appearance of the place you could accentuate the best points. I know a man who will help you. His terms are enormous, but what can you expect when he does so much for the money.”
“Well, mother, we will talk about that presently. Now, this is your room. I hope you will find it comfortable.”
The apartment in question was a splendid one and very spacious. Barbara’s maid was waiting to unpack Mrs. Evershed’s things.