‘A little rain!’ said Charley, trying to speak lightly. ‘Well, any amount of rain,’ I said. ‘But the lightning!’ expostulated Miss Pease in a timid voice. ‘I am something of a fatalist, Miss Pease,’ I said. ‘“Every bullet has its billet,” you know. Besides, if I had a choice, I think I would rather die by lightning than any other way.’ ‘Don’t talk like that, Mr Cumbermede.--Oh! what a flash!’ ‘I was not speaking irreverently, I assure you,’ I replied.--‘I think I had better set out at once, for there seems no chance of its clearing.’ ‘I am sure Sir Giles would be distressed if you did.’ ‘He will never know, and I dislike giving trouble.’ ‘The room is ready. I will show you where it is, that you may go when you like.’ ‘If Mrs Wilson says it is a room I have occupied before, I know the way quite well.’ ‘There are two ways to it,’ she said. ‘But of course one of them is enough,’ she added with a smile. ‘Mr Osborne, your room is in another part quite.’ ‘I know where my sister’s room is,’ said Charley. ‘Is it anywhere near hers?’ ‘That is the room you are to have. Miss Osborne is to be with your mamma, I think. There is plenty of accommodation, only the notice was short.’ I began to button my coat. ‘Don’t go, Wilfrid,’ said Charley. ‘You might give offence. Besides, you will have the advantage of getting to work as early as you please in the morning.’ It was late and I was tired--consequently less inclined than usual to encounter a storm, for in general I enjoyed being in any commotion of the elements. Also I felt I should like to pass another night in that room, and have besides the opportunity of once more examining at my leisure the gap in the tapestry. ‘Will you meet me early in the library, Charley?’ I said. ‘Yes--to be sure I will--as early as you like.’ ‘Let us go to the drawing-room, then.’ ‘Why should you, if you are tired, and want to go to bed?’ ‘Because Lady Brotherton will not like my being included in the invitation. She will think it absurd of me not to go home.’ ‘There is no occasion to go near her, then.’ ‘I do not choose to sleep in the house without knowing that she knows it.’ We went. I made my way to Lady Brotherton. Clara was standing near her. ‘I am much obliged by your hospitality, Lady Brotherton,’ I said. ‘It is rather a rough night to encounter in evening dress.’ She bowed. ‘The distance is not great, however,’ I said, ‘and perhaps--’ ‘Out of the question!’ said Sir Giles, who came up at the moment. Will you see, then, Sir Giles, that a room is prepared for your guest?’ she said. ‘I trust that is unnecessary,’ he replied. ‘I gave orders.’--But as he spoke he went towards the bell. ‘It is all arranged, I believe, Sir Giles,’ I said. ‘Mrs Wilson has already informed me which is my room. Good-night, Sir Giles.’ He shook hands with me kindly. I bowed to Lady Brotherton and retired.