wished he was _dead_. I couldn't tell you all the awful things she
said, but he fainted right away and never come to again. Now, what do
you say to that?" and she surveyed her audience judicially.

The sisters remained dumb; for once, speech had failed them.

"As for caring," continued Eliza, "Mrs. Shafto doesn't feel no more
than this table," rapping it with her bony knuckles; "all she minds is
about _the money_--and already they say she has been routing among his
papers, searching for his bank book. Oh! she is an awful woman, her
heart is just a stone. As for poor Master Douglas, now there's real
grief! He hasn't tasted a bite or sup, and he looks crushed. Everyone
in the place will be sorry for him and for his father; but as far as
Mrs. Shafto is concerned, when she's paid off the money she owes--the
sooner the place can get shut of her the better!"




CHAPTER III

THE CLOSED HOUSE

The break-up of the home at Littlecote Hall was a speedy and complete
affair; Miss Jane Tebbs, being practically on the spot, volunteered
invaluable assistance. Always energetic and anxious to be "up and
doing," and with a sadly restricted field for her activities, here was
a grand opportunity absolutely within her reach. The second Miss Tebbs
had an immense acquaintance and correspondence, a fairly, good business
head and, to her late enemy Mrs. Shafto, she ultimately proved a