“Aneta will be delighted if you do send the girls to Aylmer House,” was Lady Lysle’s last word.
She laughed as she spoke, and Mr. Cardew found himself turning rather red. He left her, called a hansom, and got into it.
“Of course the vacancies will be filled up,” he said to himself as he was driving in the direction of South Kensington. He further thought, “Although that good Mrs. Ward is remaining for such an unconscionable time in town, she will very probably be out this morning. If she is out that puts an end to everything; but even if she is in, she must ave filled up her vacancies. Then I shall be able to return to the Manor with a quiet mind. I’ll have done my best, and the thing will be taken out of my hands. Dear little Merry! I didn’t like that discontent on her sweet face. Ah, well, she can’t guess what school is like. It’s not home; but I suppose the educational advantages would be greater, and a man must sacrifice himself for his children. Odd what that queer little Miss Howland told me last night: that I was approaching a deed of self-sacrifice. She’s a queer girl, but quite nice; and Aneta is a charming creature. I could never desire even one of my own precious girls to look nicer than Aneta does. Well, here I am. Now, then, what will Fate decide?”
Mr. Cardew sprang from the hansom, desired the man to wait, ran up some low steps, and rang the bell at the front door of a stately mansion.
A smiling, very bright-looking maid-servant opened it for him.
“Is Mrs. Ward, within?” questioned Cardew.
“Yes, sir.”
“Good heavens!” murmured Cardew under his breath.
“Is she disengaged, and can she give me a few moments of her time?” continued the much-disappointed gentleman.
“Certainly, sir. Will you come into the drawing-room? What name shall I say?”