calmer, and she reflected that she need not wait very long. This day
would decide it all, and this very night her father's portrait should be
placed in its right position.

This incident destroyed all relish for further wandering about the
house, and though it was yet early, she determined to set out at once
for the village and find Miss Plympton. With this design she descended
to the lower hall, and saw there the same black servant whom she had
seen the day before.

"What is your name?" she asked.

"Hugo," said the black, with his usual grin.

"Well, Hugo," said she, "I want the brougham. Go to the stables, have
the horses put in, and come back as soon as you can. And here is
something for your trouble."

Saying this, she proffered him a sovereign.

But the black did not appear to see it. He simply said, "Yes, miss,"
and turned away. Edith was surprised; but thinking that it was merely
his stupidity, she went up stairs and waited patiently for a long time.
But, in spite of her waiting, there were no signs of any carriage; and
at length, growing impatient, she determined to go to the stables
herself. She knew the way there perfectly well, and soon reached the
place. To her surprise and vexation the doors were locked, and there
were no signs whatever of Hugo.

"The stupid black must have misunderstood me," thought she.