"
"Not forgetting poor me," said Janet.
"Not forgetting you, dear, whom I love as a daughter."
"And who loves you very sincerely in return."
A few minutes later they drew up at Deepley Walls.
CHAPTER XVII.
DEEPLY WALLS AFTER SEVEN YEARS.
Major Strickland rang the bell, and the door was opened by a servant who
was strange to Janet.
"Be good enough to inform Lady Chillington that Major Strickland and
Miss Hope have just arrived from town, and inquire whether her ladyship
has any commands."
The servant returned presently. "Her ladyship will see Major Strickland.
Miss Hope is to go to the housekeeper's room."
"I will see you again, poverina, after my interview with her ladyship,"
said the Major, as he went off in charge of the footman.
Janet, left alone, threaded her way by the old familiar passages to the
housekeeper's room. Dance was not there, being probably in attendance on
Lady Chillington, and Janet had the room to herself. Her heart was heavy
within her. There was a chill sense of friendlessness, of being alone in
the world upon her. Were these cold walls to be the only home her youth
would ever know? A few slow salt tears welled from her eyes as she sat
brooding over the little wood fire, till presently there came a sound of
footsteps, and the Major's hand was laid caressingly upon her shoulder.
Pages:
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67