"Is it settled? Is it decided?" Later on in the day Leo, finding Sybil by herself, returned to the mooted point.
"About London? Why, of course. When our sovereign lady gives the word of command, don't you know there is nothing for it but to obey? Sue wrote by the first post."
"And when are we to go? When?"
"You are as keen as Maud, I declare. Well, I am rather sorry to leave the old place——"
"When? I only ask, when?"—cried Leo shrilly.
"Do you really not care at all, Leo? I thought at breakfast you and Sue——"
"What's the use of caring? Will caring alter things? If it would——" but Leo caught her breath, and her hands gripped each other; "I think you might answer a plain question without rambling on about other things;" she subjoined as steadily as she could. "Is the time of our departure fixed?"
"For this day week, if we can be ready in time. Sue says we can't, but Maud says we can. Ten to one on Maud."
"This day week!"
"After all, there's nothing more to be done here;" Sybil recovered herself, for in reality she was like Maud, bitten with the idea of change; "and it's doleful enough, Heaven knows. Day after day the same howling wind and rain, and nothing to talk about but Maud's houses. Maud doesn't care two straws what becomes of the rest of us, as long as she gets a fine place for herself. She won't even listen if a word's said about our affairs. Paul is too good for her, I think,"—abruptly.