As no answer was given to her query, she said further’
“It is very strange, and I cannot understand how he is not there. He must have been at Coombe just before the fire broke out. I know he passed along the road. Where are the donkey and cart?”
“They are at the Cellars,” answered Jan.
“Then my father must be there. He cannot be far off. He cannot get about easily, as he is so lame.”
“I suppose he must be somewhere,” was the wise observation of Pooke.
“Hasn’t my aunt seen him?”
“No, Kitty.”
“Nor anyone.”
Jan hesitated, and presently said’
“I did hear something about the parson having spoke with her, but I don’t know the rights of it.”