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'I heard a lady's voice, and thought it was Miss Coningham's. 'I cannot compliment your ear, he answered. 'It was one of the maids. I had just rung for a light. I presume you are Mr Cumbermede? 'Yes, I answered. 'I returned to fetch a book I forgot to take with me. I suppose you have heard what we've been about in the library here?
I explained that I could not make a commencement without the use of another room. 'I will send the housekeeper, and you can arrange with her, she said, and left me. In a few minutes Mrs Wilson entered. Her manner was more stiff and formal than ever. We shook hands in a rather limp fashion. 'You've got your will at last, Mr Cumbermede, she said, 'I suppose the thing's to be done!
'But I am compelled to trouble you. I can't get on for want of attendance. I must have a little help. I told him how things were. His rosy face grew rosier, and he rang the bell angrily. The butler answered it. 'Send Mrs Wilson here. And I beg, Hurst, you will see that Mr Cumbermede has every attention. Mrs Wilson presently made her appearance, and stood with a flushed face before her master.
'If you will come this way, she said, stopping just behind us at another door in the court, 'I think I can show you the room you want. But really, Mr Cumbermede, you are turning the place upside down. If I had thought it would come to this 'I hope to do so a little more yet, Mrs Wilson, I interrupted. 'But I am sure you will be pleased with the result.
I did not in the least understand his drift; neither did I care to inquire into it now. 'Were you aware of this, Mr Cumbermede? asked his father. 'No, Sir Giles, I answered. 'Mr Cumbermede has had the run of the place for weeks. I am sorry I was not at home. This book was lying all the time on the table in the room above, where poor old Close's work-bench and polishing-wheel are still standing.
You must not let Mr Cumbermede be hampered in his kind labours for my benefit by the idleness of my servants. The housekeeper left the room, and after a little chat with Sir Giles, I went back to the books. Clara had followed Mrs Wilson, partly, I suspect, for the sake of enjoying her confusion.
In consequence of this delay, just as I set off at full speed from the door, Mr Coningham rode round the corner of the house. 'What a devil of a hurry you are in, Mr Cumbermede! he cried. 'I was just coming to see you. Can't you spare me a word? I was forced to pull up, and reply as civilly as might be. 'I am only going for a ride, I said, 'and will go part of your way with you if you like.
'With that I cannot consent to allow myself concerned. Mr Cumbermede is, I am told, a writer of fiction. 'Geoffrey, said Sir Giles, 'behave yourself like a gentleman. 'I endeavour to do so, he returned with a sneer. I kept silence. 'How can you suppose, the old man went on, 'that Mr Cumbermede would invent such a story? What object could he have?
I go to church regularly once a Sunday when I can, and twice when I can't help it. That's more than you do, Mr Cumbermede, I suspect. 'What makes you think so? I asked. 'I can't imagine you enjoying anything but the burial service. 'It is to my mind the most consoling of them all, I answered. 'Well, I haven't reached the point of wanting that consolation yet, thank heaven.
I will write and thank him this very night. 'Please, sir, ought I to tell the boys? I would rather not. 'No. I do not think it necessary. He rose and rang the bell. 'Ask Master Fox to step this way. Fox was the oldest boy, and was on the point of leaving. 'Fox, said Mr Elder, 'Cumbermede has quite satisfied me. Will you oblige me by asking him no questions.
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