"'Oh, I suppose I ought to have written to the people and let them know,' she said carelessly, 'but I was really too busy. I always have such lots to do. Such heaps of correspondence to attend to, and so many visits to make. If it's a fine day to-morrow I'll walk over and explain.'
"I did not, of course, expect Beryl would go, but greatly to my surprise, soon after luncheon, she came into my bedroom in her hat and coat. 'I'm off,' she said. 'I think the walk will do me good. And, look here, don't wait dinner for me, because in all probability I'll stay the night. It all depends upon how I feel. If I'm not back by eight you need not expect me till to-morrow. Bye-bye.'
"She stole to my side and kissed me, and, armed with an umbrella and mackintosh, set off up the street. I watched her till she turned the corner. Then I lay down and wondered what sort of a reception she would meet with at the hands of Mrs. Dyer. As the afternoon waned the sky grew ominously dark, and the wind rose. Presently big drops of rain spluttered against the window, and there was every indication of a very severe storm. Had Beryl been on good terms with Mrs. Dyer my mind would have been at rest, as she would have been able to take refuge at the Mill, but, knowing Mrs. Dyer's feelings towards her, I doubted very much if Mrs. Dyer would allow her to set foot within the house; and she would have some distance to walk before she could reach another shelter.
"Down came the rain in grim earnest, and that night witnessed the worst storm Norwich had known for many years. Beryl did not return. I sat up till twelve wondering what had become of her--for despite this wayward child's many faults I was much attached to her--and slept very little for the rest of the night. In the morning my maid came into my room in a breathless state of excitement.
"'Oh, mum,' she exclaimed, 'the storm has destroyed half Norfolk.' (This, of course, I knew to be an exaggeration.) 'What do you think! Simkins' Store is blowed down, nearly all the chimneypots are off in Fore Street, and the milkman has just told me the Gyp Mill is under water and Mrs. Dyer is drowned!'
"'What!' I shrieked. 'The Gyp Mill under water! Are you sure? Miss Denver was staying there last night. Call a cab--I must go there at once.'