"You have to telegraph to Sir John, mother, to beg of him to come here immediately. Things have gone much farther with Squire Lorrimer than I had the least idea of. He must be put out of his pain as quickly as possible or something bad will happen. We must get my new father that is to be on the spot to-night, and if you don't telegraph for him I shall myself take the next train to Nortonbury, and tackle him on the subject. I don't in the least mind which it is, but one or other must be done directly."
"Antonia, you quite terrify me. Sir John will be seriously angry."
"What of that. Let him be angry."
"But I assure you, my dear, he is not a man to be trifled with."
"Oh, I'll manage him, mother, if you're nervous."
"I really think you must. I have not the courage to make or meddle in this matter; in short, I wash my hands of it."
Antonia clapped hers.
"Hurrah!" she said. "I can manage much better all by myself. All I ask you now, dear, good mother, is to trust me. Be sure that nothing whatever will happen to injure you, and simply give me leave to say, when I am telegraphing, that you would like to see Sir John."
"Well, naturally, I always like to see him, dear, devoted fellow."
"That's all right. Now you shall go back to your tea, and I'll be as mum as a mouse for the rest of the day."