Sir Evas too was kept occupied. Toney would not let him go out of her sight, and he was really in his element. Only Lady Dove complained. Energy was most displeasing to her--except her own--but just now she and Miss Grossman were in accord, and this lady agreed to her strong assertions concerning the iniquity of young people possessing money that should by right have belonged to others.
"I nourished a serpent in my bosom, Miss Grossman, when I invited Antonia to come and live here---- We are beggars, whilst she throws money to the winds."
"Miss Whitburn never thinks of a rainy day," said Miss Grossman; "I always do, I never give anything away. Charity begins at home, and if I did otherwise, doubtless I should be helping the undeserving."
"Quite right, I often say so to Sir Evas, but he is weak, very weak, and I must say weaker since Antonia's arrival. She is not a girl, she is a whirlwind. Just look at her now tearing down the drive."
It was true Toney was tearing down to meet Maud. It was Wednesday afternoon. This evening Lewis Waycott was going to town, and Toney had not seen him!
"Oh, Toney, I've come to tell you all is ready. Jeanie's dress is lovely, and her other things---- She wants to thank you."
"When?" said Toney; her face was flushed, and there was no smile on it.
"Lewis won't have any visitors to-day. He said so, but he goes this evening."
Toney felt a big lump in her throat. Surely _she_ was not a visitor!
"I said so, and Lewis said he didn't want _anybody_. So unlike him!"
"I understand---- He wants you all to himself. What train does he go by?"
"I shall meet Mr. Weston at 7.10, so I'll come early."
"Do. We shan't go to the station, Lewis doesn't want any fuss. Aunt Honoria is very much upset by this sudden determination, but I quite understand it."
"Oh, no. Indeed I shan't miss Lewis till later. We have had such hard work unpacking your lovely things and packing up again. Toney, I have never seen Jeanie look as she does now! She walks about the house with a smile on her face, and sings softly to herself all the time."
Trick came trotting out to look for his mistress. Toney snatched him up.
"Dumb friends are very comforting, aren't they? Sort of understand. Is Jeanie coming to Winchley Station?"