“I like secrets,” said Mrs. Garside. “It is so delightful to know something that nobody else knows.”
So the wardrobe was unpacked, and proved to be a very handsome and substantial piece of furniture indeed. It tested their united strength to move it into the position it was to occupy, but when once there they found that it fitted the recess exactly.
“Now for the secret!” said Mrs. Garside, as she sat down panting on a chair.
“Suppose we adjourn downstairs,” said Tom. “I have much to say to you.”
His tone was very grave. The colour faded out of Edith’s cheeks as he spoke. Her sensitive heart took alarm in a moment.
As soon as Mrs. Garside, Edith, and Tom had entered the parlour, Martha Vince discreetly shut the door upon them, and went back to her work in the kitchen.
“First of all,” began Tom, “I must ask whether your servant, Martha Vince, has your entire confidence.”
“My full and entire confidence,” answered Edith, without a minute’s hesitation. “There is no more faithful creature breathing.”
“My own idea of her exactly,” said Tom.
“Such being the case, it would be as well that she should hear what I have to say to you.”