Bennett, Arnold | Leonora

wrote again, so continuing till only a few sticks were left in the columns; these she spared.

Then she rang the bell for the parlourmaid and relinquished to her the tablet; the peculiar rite was over.

'Is dinner ready?' she asked, looking at the small clock which she usually carried about with her from room to room.

'Yes 'm.'

'Then ring the gong. And tell Carpenter I shall want the trap at a quarter past two, for two. I'm going to shop in Hanbridge and then to meet Mr. Stanway at Knype. We shall be in before four. Have some tea ready. And don't forget the eclairs to­day, Bessie.' She smiled.

'No 'm. Did you think on to write about them new dog­biscuits, ma'am?'

'I'll write now,' said Leonora, and she turned to the desk.

The gong sounded; the dinner was brought in.

Through the doorway between the two rooms— there was no door, only a portiere—Leonora