“How did you know of Ella’s arrival?” she asked her aunt suddenly.
“Through Philip, of course. And oh, by the by, I was to ask you if you will be at home this afternoon, if so, he will come over, but he is rather busy, and prefers not to chance it.”
“I don’t think we can possibly be at home,” said Madelene. “I have to go to Weevilscoombe, and Ermine is going to drive over to Waire, to get the addresses of some masters for Ella. Papa is anxious that she should begin some regular occupation at once. But I do want to see Philip. May I drive back with you, Aunt Anna? and then I could easily walk to Weevilscoombe, and papa can meet me there—he has to go there too.”
“By all means,” Lady Cheynes replied.
Then there fell a little silence, which was broken by Madelene.
“Ella,” she said, “I think you should not put off writing to your aunt, as papa said. You will be out all the afternoon.”
Ella rose at once.
“Shall I—may I write in the library?” she said meekly.
“Of course,” Miss St Quentin replied.
Lady Cheynes kept silence till Ella had closed the door behind her—then she turned quickly to her niece.