the place can get shut of her the better!"

CHAPTER III

THE CLOSED HOUSE

The break-up of the home at Littlecote Hall was a speedy and complete
affair; Miss Jane Tebbs, being practically on the spot, volunteered
invaluable assistance. Always energetic and anxious to be "up and
doing," and with a sadly restricted field for her activities, here was
a grand opportunity absolutely within her reach. The second Miss Tebbs
had an immense acquaintance and correspondence, a fairly, good business
head and, to her late enemy Mrs. Shafto, she ultimately proved a
veritable tower of strength. The recent sad catastrophe had melted
Jane's heart, and she promptly appeared in "Littlecote" drawing-room,
waving a large olive branch--which her former adversary most thankfully
accepted. In such a crisis as the present there was no more helpless,
hopeless creature than Lucilla Shafto--a woman who was always ready to
transfer her burdens to others. Strange to say, she somewhat
distrusted her intimates in Bricklands; it seemed to her that their
questions and sympathy were chiefly founded on vulgar curiosity and
greedy self-interest. "How was she left? What had become of all the
money? What was the boy going to do? Where would she settle? Would
she not be glad to get rid of some of her smart summer clothes, now
that she would be in weeds for at least two years? _What_ about her
sables?"

Jane Tebbs was totally different; an honest and single-hearted woman,
she wrote business letters, interviewed the local agent, arranged for
the auction and,--O wonderful and miraculous achievement!--was even
instrumental in getting rid of the lease.

It was not surprising in all these circumstances that Mrs. Shafto
should cling as a limpet to Jane Tebbs, whom she had so often
apostrophised as a "meddling, mischievous, malignant old cat," but
Lucilla Shafto was suffering from a violent mental shock. The sudden
descent, as it were in one day, from comfortable affluence to a very
narrow income, had temporarily stunned her, and she had a secret
conviction that if she were to leave her affairs in the capable hands
of her nearest neighbour, all would be well. She therefore remained
secluded in her own spacious bedroom, whilst busy Jane undertook her
affairs; helped with the auction list, interviewed the tradespeople,
and, accompanied by the boy, went up to London to confer with Mr.
Shafto's lawyers.

Douglas was subdued; he seemed a differ