"Bell, is that you?"
Christobelle found her ladyship seated in a lounging chair, employed with her knotting. She looked up.
"I thought I recognized your step, my love; the fairy step, as Lord Farnborough calls it. I wish you to remain entirely in the grounds, Bell; indeed, I wish you not to quit the house this morning. Stay with me, and wind these silks; they plague and impede my work."
"I am only going to the cliff, mamma: if any body comes, you will be so good as to send for me, perhaps."
"My love, I cannot send the whole establishment in different directions for you, upon all occasions. Your walks become a serious evil."
"I will remain on the terrace, then, mamma: I have promised to join Sir John Spottiswoode."
"I do not approve of such daily walks, Bell—such wild roaming over the hills. I wish you to wind these obdurate skeins for me: you forget caution and propriety. I insist upon your avoidance of Sir John Spottiswoode this morning. Lord Farnborough must not always find you appropriated."
Sir John Spottiswoode appeared at the window which opened upon the terrace at this moment. Lady Wetheral kissed her hand to him, and he entered.
"My dear Spottiswoode, assist me to persuade my restive daughter that so much exercise is hurtful. I wish her to remain with me this morning."