"I'll tell him," I replied, for though I knew my heart was bleeding I felt calm and more courageous.
It was milking time and the cows were lowing in the byre when I crossed the fields and the farm-yard on my way back to my father's house.
Early next morning I left it for Castle Raa.
SIXTY-THIRD CHAPTER
Although it was mid-day before I reached the Castle, the gate to the park had not been opened, the drive was deserted and even the great door to the house itself was closed.
And when, in answer to my ringing, one of the maids came after a certain delay, wearing neither apron nor cap, I found the hall empty and no sign of life in the house, except a shrill chorus of laughter which came from the servants' quarters.
"What's the meaning of this?" I asked, but before the girl could reply, Price who had come down to take my wraps said:
"I'll tell your ladyship presently."
As we were going upstairs she told me that the entire house-party had that morning gone off on a cruise in Mr. Eastcliff's yacht, that they would be away several days, and that Madame had left a letter for me which was supposed to explain everything.