‘It is, really! But of course Mr. Eldon will understand. To think that it should happen just this day!’ An idea flashed across Miss Tew’s mind. ‘Couldn’t you be at the door when he comes, and just--just say, you know, that you’re sorry, that you knew nothing about Mr. Mutimer coming?’ ‘I’ve thought of something else,’ returned Adela, lowering her voice, as if to impart a project of doubtful propriety. ‘Suppose I walk towards the Manor and--and meet him on the way, before he gets very far? Then I could save him the annoyance, couldn’t I, dear?’ Letty widened her eyes. The idea was splendid, but-- ‘You don’t think, dear, that it might be a little--that you might find it--?’ Adela reddened. ‘It is only a piece of kindness. Mr. Eldon will understand, I’m sure. He asked me so particularly if we should be alone. I really feel it a duty. Don’t you think I may go? I must decide at once.’ Letty hesitated. ‘If you really advise me not to--’ pursued Adela. ‘But I’m sure I shall be glad when it’s done.’ ‘Then go, dear. Yes, I would go if I were you.’ Adela now faltered. ‘You really would go, in my place?’ ‘Yes, yes, I’m sure I should. You see, it isn’t as if it was Mr. Mutimer you were going to meet.’ ‘Oh, no, no That would be impossible.’ ‘He will be very grateful,’ murmured Letty, without looking up. ‘If I go, it must be at once.’ ‘Your mother doesn’t know he was coming?’ ‘No. I don’t know why I haven’t told her, really. I suppose we were talking so much of other things last night. And then I only got home just as Alfred did, and he said at once that he had invited Mr. Mutimer. Yes, I will go. Perhaps I’ll come and see you again after church.’ Letty went back to ‘Pilgrim’s Progress.’ Her sister Jessie enjoyed the sound of her own voice, and did not offer to surrender the book, so she sat by little Eva’s side and resumed her Sunday face. Adela took the road for the Manor, resisting the impulse to cast glances on either side as she passed the houses at the end of the village. She felt it to be more than likely that eyes were observing her, as it was an unusual time for her to be abroad, and the direction of her walk pointed unmistakably to one destination. But she made no account of secrecy; her errand was perfectly simple and with an object that no one could censure. If people tattled, they alone were to blame. For the first time she experienced a little resentment of the public criticism which was so rife in Wanley, and the experience was useful--one of those inappreciable aids to independence which act by cumulative stress on a character capable of development and softly mould its outlines.