The letter was very dignified, gently reproachful, for Daisy had undoubtedly committed certain peccadilloes, although she was going to be a baronet's wife; but still it was completely forgiving, and Mrs Griffith signed herself, 'Your loving and forgiving mother, whose heart you nearly broke.'
But the letter was not answered, and a couple of weeks later the same Sunday paper contained an announcement of the date of the marriage and the name of the church. Mrs Griffith wrote a second time.
'My darling Daughter,—I am much surprised at receiving no answer to my long letter. All is forgiven. I should so much like to see you again before I die, and to have you married from your father's house. All is forgiven.—Your loving mother,
'Mary Ann Griffith.'
This time the letter was returned unopened.
'George,' cried Mrs Griffith, 'she's got her back up.'
'And the wedding's to-morrow,' he replied.
'It's most awkward, George. I've told all the Blackstable people that I've forgiven her and that Sir Herbert has written to say he wants to make my acquaintance. And I've got a new dress on purpose to go to the wedding. Oh! she's a cruel and exasperating thing, George; I never liked her. You were always my favourite.'
'Well, I do think she's not acting as she should,' replied George. 'And I'm sure I don't know what's to be done.'
But Mrs Griffith was a woman who made up her mind quickly.
'I shall go up to town and see her myself, George; and you must come too.'