“Well?”
“Well, Miss, I was told to show the governess into the library. She went down with her bonnet on, ready dressed to go out. Before she had been five minutes with my mistress she came out again, and rang the hall-bell, and spoke to Joseph. ‘My boxes are packed and directed,’ she says; ‘I will send for them in an hour’s time. Good day, Joseph.’ And she stepped into the street, as quietly as if she was going out shopping round the corner.”
“Have the boxes been sent for?”
“Yes, Miss.”
Carmina lifted her head, and spoke in steadier tones.
“Where have they been taken to?”
“To the flower-shop at the back—to be kept till called for.”
“No other address?”
“None.”
The last faint hope of tracing Frances was at an end. Carmina turned wearily to leave the room. Zo called to her from the hearth-rug. Always kind to the child, she retraced her steps. “What is it?” she asked.