"I'll call
early--and then go to London, and get the ring."
CHAPTER XVII.
EVENTS succeeded each other rapidly, after the memorable day to Isabel
of the luncheon at the farm.
On the next day (the ninth of the month) Lady Lydiard sent for her
steward, and requested him to explain his conduct in repeatedly leaving
the house without assigning any reason for his absence. She did not
dispute his claims to a freedom of action which would not be permitted
to an ordinary servant. Her objection to his present course of
proceeding related entirely to the mystery in which it was involved, and
to the uncertainty in which the household was left as to the hour of
his return. On those grounds, she thought herself entitled to an
explanation. Moody's habitual reserve--strengthened, on this occasion,
by his dread of ridicule, if his efforts to serve Isabel ended in
failure--disinclined him to take Lady Lydiard into his confidence,
while his inquiries were still beset with obstacles and doubts. He
respectfully entreated her Ladyship to grant him a delay of a few
weeks before he entered on his explanation. Lady Lydiard's quick temper
resented his request. She told Moody plainly that he was guilty of an
act of presumption in making his own conditions with his employer. He
received the reproof with exemplary resignation; but he held to his
conditions nevertheless. From that moment the result of the interview
was no longer in doubt. Moody was directed to send in his accounts.
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