She found a stool and a fire-screen for Mrs.Gaddesden; she held some wool for Mrs.Strang to wind; and a backgammon board was made ready for the Squire, in case he returned.
But he did not return.

Aubrey came back alone, and found them all hanging on his entrance.

Pamela put down her knitting and looked at him anxiously; so did the elder sisters.

He went up absently to the chimney-piece, and stood leaning against it.
'Well ?' said Pamela in a low voice, as she came to sit on a stool near him.
He smiled, but she saw that he was pale.
'Can you take me over to Chetworth to-morrow--early--in the pony-cart ?' 'Yes, certainly.' 'Half-past ten ?' 'Right you are.' No more was said.

Aubrey turned at once to Alice Gaddesden and proposed a round game.