The car repair proved a tougher job than either Giles or the blacksmith
had anticipated, and, as it apparently could not be finished for many
hours, the Hewlitts arranged to make an excursion in a wagonette, and,
as the inn seemed comfortable, to return to the village, spend the night
there, and proceed on their way the next morning. Though her mother had
dismissed all question of visiting the old Manor House, Diana still
harped on the subject. She and Lenox talked it over in private after
dinner. They were sitting in the porch of the hotel, watching the lights
begin to gleam in the windows down the village street. Mr. and Mrs.
Hewlitt were writing letters; Giles and Loveday had disappeared into the
garden to try to hear a nightingale reputed to sing there.
"Len," said Diana, "you oughtn't to leave this place without seeing your
ancestral home. Think of having an ancient ancestral family home! It's
an immense idea! Aren't you just crazy to go and look at it?"
Lenox rolled his cigarette carefully, and lighted it before replying.
"So crazy that I mean to go," he admitted at last. "Don't say anything
about it to the others, but I'm planning to get up early, climb over the
Manor House wall, and take a peep at the outside of the old place at any
rate before anybody's about. That much won't do the old lady's nerves
any harm. Besides, who's to find out?"
"What a ripping notion!" Diana drew her breath admiringly. "Oh, Len, I
_must_ go too! I simply _must_! I'd give everything in the world to see
your family manor. That woman said it has a moat. I've never seen a real
moated British manor."
"If you could be up by five?" suggested Lenox.
"Couldn't I? Just you wait and see! I'll be all dressed and ready and
standing in the hall by five o'clock. Oh, what _topping_ fun! Don't let
us tell a soul about it. We'll just keep it to ourselves."
"_Ra_--ther! I'm not going prating about my plans, I can tell you."
Diana was almost sorry that her mouse scare had made her decide to sleep
with Loveday. She did not want to be questioned beforehand about her
expedition. Fortunately her room-mate was very sleepy next morning, and
slumbered tranquilly on while the stealthy process of early dressing
went forward. She did not lift an eyelid when Diana opened the door and
crept downstairs. The big clock on the landing had not yet struck five,
but Lenox was already waiting in the hall. He grinned as Diana joined
him.
"You _are_ a sport!" he whispered.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account