Very early in the morning, the Abbotts were reported to have been in profound conference with Wenn, of all people in Arcadia! and seemingly satisfied, rattled away again before the hostile Todys appeared from their cottage. And after that, Wenn frequently stood immovable at the gate of Parc Gooth, staring at it, as one who had a right to stare.... And a whisper went round that Wright, of the General Stores, was in communication with Miss Gregson, who was in Scotland--at least, so the postman’s sister said--(“An’ she du belong to know!”) Then whom was he betraying? his old crony, Wenn? Whose interests did he watchfully guard? Tody confided in Ursula his disgusted suspicions: “If aught’s been done that shouldn’t be, Tody’ll know what to do. The lady and gentleman, who was here before the lady and gentleman, they put their trust in Tody and nobody else, and if they have to be written to about goings-on over this house, it’s Tody ought to do it, as it wouldn’t be pleasant for the lady to be mixed up in it.” “He’s going to write to Lacey,” Doug decided, when Ursula brought him this speech for elucidation. Ursula wriggled, as though she felt the meshes of a net--“I believe this beastly house has a curse on it.” “Can’t have,” replied Doug cheerfully. “It isn’t old. Why, it’s almost new.” “That’s just it. An almost new house with a curse on it is uncannier than an old one, where you expect it more. And we’re in the thick of it. And whispers crawling about like spiders. I wish--I wish we were already at Grey Stone.” “Jove, so do I! I want to knock up a lot of shelves in my cabin.” Wild rumours were flying now from St. Miniot to Polpinnock Cove, and from Churchtown and Polpinnock back to St. Miniot, regarding the destiny of Parc Gooth. The Abbotts came no more at night, but they were frequently “seen about” in their restless jingle; Wenn was reported to have given an unsolicited penny to an urchin who had fallen down and was crying; pregnant sign of good temper! Tody bought a bottle of ink and a pen at Sampson’s shop--noticeably not at Wright’s. And Wright received the Barrisons with a grave face, and formally attended to them from behind the counter. Only once did he relax sufficiently to say: “If any one should call to see over the house, sir, I’d make very careful inquiries as to who sent him, before you give your consent. It’s your responsibility, you see....”