'Oh, wait a day, George, and don't do anything without asking father first; he ought to be asked, and he may think of a way out of the difficulty,' entreated his sister.
'All right; but a day won't make any difference, unless a miracle happens,' observed George.
'Father will have been out for his first drive, and will be stronger, for one thing,' said Sarah. 'And, who knows? a miracle may happen.'
'Lady Grace and Mr and Miss Cunningham to see you, Miss Sarah,' announced Sykes.
Sarah gave a little cry of joy, and looked significantly at her brother. 'Oh George'——she began.
But he said hastily, 'Don't ask a favour, Sarah. When people come to pay a call of civility they don't want to be bothered about business.'
'Very well,' said Sarah, who was not so self-willed as she used to be.
Horatia rushed at her. 'Oh Sarah! I am so glad to see you, and so sorry to see Balmoral—I mean, not to see it. Father wants to look over your mills, and I want to see your father,' she cried, bubbling over with high spirits as ever.
Meanwhile Lady Grace and Mr Cunningham were shaking hands with George, and congratulating him upon his energy and plucky attempt to keep on his father's business.
'Let's all go down to the mills,' cried Horatia.