At that moment I made up my mind to consult Taylor as to what ought to
be done. So I appeased Miss Blake by assuring her, in a diplomatic
manner, that Colonel Morris should be visited, and promising to
communicate the result of the interview by letter.

"That you won't," she answered. "I'll be here to-morrow to know what he
has to say for himself. He is just tired of the house, like the rest of
them, and wants to be rid of his bargain."

"I am not quite sure of that," I said, remembering my principal's
suggestion. "It is strange, if there really is nothing objectionable
about the house, that _no one_ can be found to stay in it. Mr. Craven
has hinted that he fancies some evil-disposed person must be playing
tricks, in order to frighten tenants away."

"It is likely enough," she agreed. "Robert Elmsdale had plenty of
enemies and few friends; but that is no reason why we should
starve, is it?"

I failed to see the logical sequence of Miss Blake's remark,
nevertheless I did not dare to tell her so; and agreed it was no reason
why she and her niece should be driven into that workhouse which she
frequently declared they "must come to."

"Remember," were her parting words, "I shall be here to-morrow morning
early, and expect you to have good news for me."

Inwardly resolving not to be in the way, I said I hoped there would be
good news for her, and went in search of Taylor.