stened into the hall where Mrs.
Gaddesden was busy trimming a hat. The Squire's eldest daughter
sprang up at sight of Elizabeth.

'Oh, what is it? I know it's bad news--it's Desmond!'

Elizabeth repeated the telegram. 'Your father is going off at once.
I have telephoned for the car.'

'Oh, but I must go too--of course I must!' said Alice, weeping.
'Where is my maid?'

Elizabeth pointed out gently that, in speaking of the permits for
France, Major Mannering had only referred to the Squire and Pamela.

'Oh, but he must have meant me too--of course he must! Where is my
maid?' She rang the upstairs' bell violently. 'Oh, father, how
_awful_!'--the Squire had just entered the hall--'of course I'm
going with you?'

'What does she mean?' said the Squire impatiently to Elizabeth.
'Tell her I'm going alone.'

'But, father, you must take me!' cried Alice, running forward with
clasped hands. 'He is my brother! I must see him again!'

'He asks for Pamela,' said the Squire grimly. 'Aubrey shall wire to
you. You'd better stay here--if Miss Bremerton will look after you.'

'I don't want to be looked after--I want to look after Desmond and
you,' said Alice, with sobs.

The Squire's eyes travelled over the soft elaboration of her dress
and hair--all her perfumed and fashionable person.

'It is impossible,' he said sharply. Then turning to Elizabeth he
gave her a few directions about his letters. 'I shall get money in
town. I will wire directly we arrive.'

Alice was silenced, and sat half sulky, half sobbing, by the fire,
while the preparations for departure went forward. She offered help
hysterically once or twice, but it was not needed.

The little car from the village arrived in half an hour. The Squire
stood at the hall door waiting for it. He had not spoken since the
news arrived except to give the most necessary orders. But as he saw
the car nearing the house, he turned to Elizabeth.

'I expect we shall cross to-night. I shall wire you to-morrow.' Then
to Forest--

'Do your best to help Miss Bremerton. She is in charge of
everything.'

'Aye, sir. You'll give our duty to Mr. Desmond, sir. I trust you'll
bring him home.'

The Squire made no reply. He stood motionless till the car arrived,
stepped into it, and was gone.

Elizabeth went back into the house, and to Alice Gaddesden, still
sobbing by the fire. At sight of Elizabeth she broke out into
complaints of her father's unkindness, mixed presently, to
Eliz