[CHAPTER XX.]
RICHARD NORTH'S REVELATION
For a wonder, the dinner-table at Dallory Hall included only the family-party. Madam headed it; Mr. North was at the foot; Richard on one side; Matilda on the other. Scarcely a word was being spoken. Madam was in one of her imperious humours--when, indeed, was she out of them?--the servants waited in silence.
Suddenly there rang out a loud peal from the hall-bell. Richard, who was already beginning to be disturbed by vague fears as to what his ex-workmen's hostilities might make them do, sat back in his chair absently, and turned his head.
"Are you expecting any one, Dick?" asked his father.
"No, sir. Unless it be a message to call me out."
It was, however, a message for Mr. North; not for Richard. Mrs. Cumberland wanted to see him. "On the instant," the servant added: for so Jelly had imperatively put it.
Mr. North laid down his knife and fork and looked at the man. He did not understand.
"Mrs. Cumberland is at Eastsea," he cried.
"No, sir, she has just got home, and she wants to see you very particular. It's the lady's maid who has brought the message."