"I saw no need for such precipitancy. Miss Tomalin has not yet been informed of what is going on. Of course, she is her own mistress, free to accept any invitation that may be offered her. The Rookes seem to be quiet people, in easy circumstances; no trouble of any kind is to be feared from them. You may act at your leisure. Here is the address. Of course if you would like me to return to Northampton--" "She must come at once!" said Lady Ogram, starting up. "Would the Crows understand a telegram?" "The Rookes, you mean? I think it would be better to write. Naturally, I have not let them know your name. At first I found Mr. Rooke rather disposed to stand upon his dignity; but a firm of Northampton solicitors vouched for my _bona fides_, and then things were smoother. No, I don't think I would telegraph." "Then go to Northampton, and bring the girl back with you." "If you wish it." "When is there a train?--Oh, there's the luncheon bell. Of course you must eat. Come and eat. I have some one staying here that I should like you to know our Liberal candidate at the next election." "Oh, so you have found one?" "Of course I have. Didn't I write to tell you? A lot of people dine here this evening to meet him. Perhaps you could stay over night? Yes, now I come to think of it, I should like you to dine with us. You shall go to Northampton to-morrow. Write to Rooky this afternoon." Lady Ogram grew sportive. "Prepare him. Come along, now, to lunch; you look hungry." "Just one word. You are quite sure it will be wise to bring this young lady at once to Rivenoak?" "You say she knows how to behave herself!" "Certainly. But the change in her position will be rather sudden, don't you think? And--if I may venture--how can you be sure that Miss Tomalin will recommend herself to you?" "Isn't she of my own blood?" cried Lady Ogram, in a high croak of exasperation. "Isn't she my brother's grandchild--the only creature of my own blood living?" "I merely urge a little prudence--" "Is the girl a fool?" "I have no reason to think so. But she has led a quiet, provincial life--" "Come and eat!" cried Lady Ogram. "We'll talk again afterwards." Mrs. Toplady joined them in the dining-room, as she seated herself. "Everybody's late to-day. Mr. Kerchever--Mr. Lashmar I want you to know each other. Mr. Lashmar, what have you been doing all the morning? Why, of course you had a drive with me--I had forgot ten! Do sit down and let us eat. If everyone's as hungry as I am!" For all that, she satisfied her appetite with one or two mouthfuls, and talked on in a joyously excited strain, to the astonishment of Constance, who saw that Mr. Kerchever must have brought some very important news. Lashmar, also exhilarated, kept up conversation with Mrs. Toplady. It was a vivacious company, Miss Bride being the only person who spoke little. She was commonly silent amid general talk, but her eyes travelled from face to face, reading, commenting.