"Miss Yard is breaking up, I think," said George, thinking of his programme, which was suffering sadly from interference. "Indeed she's not. She is just mazed after the journey, as they say about here. Then you are really not going to live here again?" "Not for the present. But I shall write to you, Nellie, at least once a week, and I shall think of you nearly every day." "Thank you. Are you going to turn blacksmith?" "Why do you ask a ridiculous question?" "We have been playing at rhymes lately; and the only rhyme I can find for your name is forge." "Nellie," said George heavily, "it is frivolous conduct like this which breaks a man up completely." "I'll be serious then. When are you coming back?" "Not until the place becomes my own. My aunt has injured me; she has upset all my plans. I do not intend to speak to her again until she has asked for my forgiveness." "There goes the gate!" cried Nellie. "It's sure to be Bessie. If you don't want to be seen here--run!" she laughed. "I do not stir for Elizabeth Mudge." "Or budge for any man," sang teasing Nellie. Then her note changed, for the postmistress appeared from behind the rhododendrons. "Why, it's Mrs. Cann! And she's got a telegram!" "Vor you, Miss Blisland. Very bad news, miss. Terrible news. But she wur an old lady, and 'tis better to be took avore you knows where you be than to see it coming. I hopes and prays as how I'll be took the like way--selling a penny stamp, or licking a label, or doing some poor soul a gude turn by giving her an old-age pension." She went rambling on, while Nellie tore open the telegram and read, "Mistress passed away in her sleep. Kezia." She shivered slightly, then handed it to George. "Cruel bad news vor you, sir, especially as we'm all so sorry to hear you be a leaving us," said the postmistress. "I had meant to go away," replied the self-sacrificing and sorrowful reprobate. "But I'm afraid I shall have to change my plans now." CHAPTER VIII A TANGLED INHERITANCE George formally took over Windward House, with the exception of his aunt's bedroom, the door of which was locked. Bessie admitted she held the key, but was not going to give it up to anybody except Kezia. In the meantime, Miss Yard wandered about the house, declaring that Maria had always been able to look after herself, scolding Nellie for wearing black, "and making yourself look so small I can't see you," driving away Bessie by waving her hands and calling "Shoo!" but delighted with George because he looked bright and cheerful. "Maria has been making up the past again," she said plaintively. "She told me I was good for nothing, and she wouldn't have me here any longer. She keeps all my friends away from me--and now she has hidden my money." "We'll look for it," said Nellie, glad of the excuse to lure her back into the parlour. "I expect it is hidden in one of the usual places--inside the clock, or on top of the bookcase."