“You are not obliged to appear at them,” said Charlotte with much graciousness. “I can get your place filled up at table, I dare say. What is that noise and scuffling?”
“They are weighing anchor,” replied George. “We shall soon be on the move.”
“I hear that great alterations are being made at Ashlydyat,” remarked Charlotte.
“Only on the spot called the Dark Plain. The archway is taken down, and a summer-house is being built on the site. An elaborate sort of summer-house, for it is to contain three or four rooms, I believe. It will have a fine view.”
“And what of those ugly gorse-bushes?”
“They will be cleared away, and the place laid out as a garden.”
“Is my lady starring it at the Folly?”
“Scarcely: just now,” quietly answered George.
“Miss Godolphin has gone to Scotland, I hear.”
“Yes. Bessy will reside with Lady Godolphin.”