“I don’t understand you, Miss Ladd.”
“Yes, Mr. Morris—you do.”
She shook hands with him—and went back to Emily.
CHAPTER LI. THE DOCTOR SEES.
Alban returned to Netherwoods—to continue his services, until another master could be found to take his place.
By a later train Miss Ladd followed him. Emily was too well aware of the importance of the mistress’s presence to the well-being of the school, to permit her to remain at the cottage. It was understood that they were to correspond, and that Emily’s room was waiting for her at Netherwoods, whenever she felt inclined to occupy it.
Mrs. Ellmother made the tea, that evening, earlier than usual. Being alone again with Emily, it struck her that she might take advantage of her position to say a word in Alban’s favor. She had chosen her time unfortunately. The moment she pronounced the name, Emily checked her by a look, and spoke of another person—that person being Miss Jethro.
Mrs. Ellmother at once entered her protest, in her own downright way. “Whatever you do,” she said, “don’t go back to that! What does Miss Jethro matter to you?”
“I am more interested in her than you suppose—I happen to know why she left the school.”