'That must be packed to go. The house I have taken is empty. We shall want all we have got.'
Esther's eye went round the room. Everything to be packed! She stood like a young general, surveying her battlefield.
'Then, papa, you never mean to come back to Seaforth again?'
The colonel sighed. 'Yes, when I die, Esther. I wish my bones to be laid here.'
He said no more. Having made his communications, he took up his book; his manner evidently saying to Esther that in what came next he had no particular share. But could it be that he was leaving it all to her inexperience? Was it to be her work, and depend on her wisdom?
'Papa, you said we were to move soon; do you wish me to arrange with
Barker about it?'
'Yes, my dear, yes; tell her, and arrange with her. I wish to make the change as early as possible, before the weather becomes unfavourable; and I wish you to get to school immediately. It cannot be too soon, tell Barker.'
So he was going to leave it all to her! On ordinary occasions he was wont to consider Esther a child still; now it was convenient to suppose her a woman. He did not put it so to himself; it is some men's way. Esther went slowly to the kitchen, and informed Barker of what was before her.
'An' it's mor'n the middle of October,' was the housekeeper's comment.
'That's very good time,' said Esther.