"Yes," she said, nodding; "I'm going."
Her presence seemed to be a surprise to Mr. Rives, who had strayed forth from the breakfast-room to see the stage start.
"You are going to Mercer?" he said, his small smile fading into an astonished question.
"Yes," Miss Lydia said, laughing, and suddenly she gave a little jump of happiness. "I haven't been to Mercer for nine years. Oh, dear! isn't it just delightful!"
"But, why?" William persisted, in an amazed aside.
"Oh, that's the secret!" cried Miss Lydia, clambering into the stage; "you'll know sometime."
"I suppose you wish to arrange for the alterations of your house?" William said; "but considering the stage fares back and forth— Oh, there is Dr. Lavendar."
He came round to the other side of the stage, smiling very much. "Well, sir, good-morning! good-morning, sir!"
"Hello," Dr. Lavendar said.
Mr. Rives rubbed his hands. "I—I was about to say, Dr. Lavendar—that little matter between us—it's of no importance, of course; quite at your convenience, sir; I don't mean to press you—but at your convenience, sir."