She did not knock or ring; and seeing nobody to take the horse, Elfride led her round to the yard, slipped off the bridle and saddle, drove her towards the paddock, and turned her in.
Then Elfride crept indoors, and looked into all the ground-floor rooms.
Her father was not there.
On the mantelpiece of the drawing-room stood a letter addressed to her in his handwriting.

She took it and read it as she went upstairs to change her habit.
STRATLEIGH, Thursday.
'DEAR ELFRIDE,--On second thoughts I will not return to-day, but only come as far as Wadcombe.

I shall be at home by to-morrow afternoon, and bring a friend with me .-- Yours, in haste, C.S.' After making a quick toilet she felt more revived, though still suffering from a headache.

On going out of the door she met Unity at the top of the stair.
'O Miss Elfride! I said to myself 'tis her sperrit! We didn't dream o' you not coming home last night.

You didn't say anything about staying.' 'I intended to come home the same evening, but altered my plan.