“Yes, really?” replied the lawyer. “I’m glad we put off a day or two in that case, for much depends on first impressions of a place.”
“You are not alone, then?” said Lady Emma; and three pairs of ears, at least, listened eagerly for his reply.
“Why, don’t you remember, my dear?” said Mr Morion, intercepting it. “I told you that Milne was coming down with a Mr Littlewood, who is thinking of renting Craig-Morion for a time. By-the-by,” he went on, “what does he think of the place?”
“He’s taken by it, decidedly,” said the lawyer, “and though my clients have no very special reason for letting it, still they will not be sorry to do so. A house always deteriorates more or less if left too long uninhabited, and—”
At that moment came the unusual sound of the front door bell ringing—an energetic ring too, as if touched by a hand whose owner neither liked nor was accustomed to being kept waiting.
Chapter Four.
Betty in Arms.
Mr Milne started to his feet half involuntarily.