"No; you have been good, very good, and now you will reap your reward. My marriage will probably take place in October, and my wife and I will return to the Grange for Christmas. Next season we shall probably have a house in town, when my dear Laura will present you and Antonia at one of the drawing-rooms."
Hester made no remark.
"I think that is all, my love," said Sir John; "you can now return to your friends. I have several letters to attend to."
"May I tell Mrs. Willis, and—and the others?" asked Hester.
"You may tell everyone; it is no secret."
Sir John took out his cigar case as he spoke, and Hester, with a sinking heart, turned away.
Annie, full of trouble on her account, dreading inexpressibly the moment when Mrs. Willis should ask her for the ring, was sauntering up and down, lost in anxious thought in front of the house.
She caught sight of Hester coming slowly towards her.
"Good gracious, Hetty, whatever is the matter?" she exclaimed. "I never saw your pale face with peonies on it before, and your eyes look as if you had been crying. I cannot imagine what has come to everyone," continued Annie; "the whole place seems to be in a ferment. Nora, I know, has been crying about something, and Molly's face looks positively blotchy."
"Oh, I should like to see Molly; is she here?" exclaimed Hester.