expected; his family and Miss Keeldar were assembled in the oak-parlour; addressing the latter, he requested her to step with him into another room: he wished to have with her a "strictly private interview."
She rose, asking no questions, and professing no surprise.
"Very well, sir," she said, in the tone of a determined person, who is informed that the dentist is come to extract that large double tooth of his, from which he has suffered such a purgatory this month past. She left her sewing and her thimble in the window-seat, and followed her uncle where he led.
Shut into the drawing-room, the pair took seats, each in an arm-chair, placed opposite, a few yards between them.
"I have been to De Walden Hall," said Mr. Sympson. He paused. Miss Keeldar's eyes were on the pretty white and green carpet. That information required no response: she gave none.
"I have learned," he went on, slowly,—"I have learned a circumstance which surprises me."
Resting her cheek on her forefinger, she waited to be told what circumstance.
"It seems that Nunnely Priory is shut up; that the family are gone back to their place in shire. It seems that the baronet—that the baronet—that Sir Philip himself has accompanied his mother and sisters."
"Indeed!" said Shirley.
"May I ask if you share the amazement with which I received this news?"
