In the conversation which shortly after took place, the doctor learnt one important fact, namely, that Gordon Russell was poor no longer, a relative in South Africa, in whose employment he had been, having died and left him a fortune.
"But, my dear fellow, why didn't you write home and tell your people about it?" asked Dr. Carteret in a puzzled voice.
"Oh, they know all about it," said Mr. Russell confidently. "I wrote to my mother and said I should be home nearly as soon as my letter."
Dr. Carteret then proceeded to tell him how completely in ignorance, both Mrs. Russell and Ella were of his movements. He told of the fire at Rose Cottage, and also of the burnt letter, for Mrs. Snowden had kept him well posted up in Berryland news.
"I'll wire to them at once, then," said Mr. Russell, rising from his chair.
"No, you won't, old chap," replied the doctor very decidedly; "that is, if I have any power to prevent it. Mrs. Russell and Ella will be at the Hall on Saturday; come down with me and join them there. We'll give them a bit of a surprise."
And this, after a few minutes' persuasion, Mr. Russell agreed to do.
[CHAPTER XII]
CINDERELLA'S PRINCE
"I COULDN'T dream of letting you go out, Ella, with a cold like this on your chest. I shall have you laid up with pneumonia if I do."