"No. It was uncertain what time I might reach Guild after the inquest, and Mrs. Chester seized upon it as a plea for urging us to remain another night. She wants us to stay for the week, but I don't think we shall. Clara seems rather averse to it."
They parted at the station. Oliver Jupp taking the train for Katterley: and with him we have nothing more to do at present. Mr. Lake got into the train for Guild.
Upon arriving at Mrs. Chester's he found the house empty. Going from room to room in search of them, he at length came upon Anna Chester, mending socks and pinafores.
"Where are they all?"
"I think they have gone to see the late rose show," she said; "there's one in the town today."
He stood by while she folded some pinafores she had finished. Her hands were quick; her sweet face was full of patient gentleness.
"It is not the right thing for you, Anna."
"It is pleasant work. I have been obliged to be useful all my life, you know."
"I don't mean that. Why should you be left at home, while they all go to a flower-show?"
A bloom, bright as any rose in the famous show, shone in the girl's cheeks. She loved flowers, and looked up with a happy expression.