She longed to break the seal,
and to acquaint herself with the contents of this message from the
dead. She longed to read the letter, but she knew she could only do so
at some quiet moment. She must peruse those beloved words when she was
alone and quite sure of being undisturbed. She thought she might slip
away into a little glade at the back of the house that afternoon, and
there read her letter, and ponder over its contents.
Events, however, were to occur which would prevent Primrose carrying
out this scheme.
Immediately after dinner Miss Martineau's well-known knock was heard
at the hall-door, and Miss Martineau herself, bristling with
excitement and curiosity, invaded the girls in their drawing-room.
"Now, my dears, tell me all about her. Is she not fascinating? She is
greatly pleased with you three--you have made a most proper
impression; and you are to go to spend the day at Shortlands
to-morrow. Now, my loves, tell me what arrangements she has come to--I
am so _deeply_ interested, my poor darlings."
Miss Martineau, as she spoke, kept her eyes fixed on Primrose; but
that young lady only gave her a puzzled look, and, after a short
pause, said quietly--
"I don't understand you.
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