What was he going to ask her to sign?
She knew nothing of his threat to his eldest son--nothing, that is, clear or direct, either from himself or from the others; but she guessed a good deal.

It was impossible to live even for a few weeks in close contact with the Squire without guessing at most things.
In the silence she became aware of the soft autumn wind--October had just begun--playing with a blind on a distant window.

And through the window came another sound--Desmond and Pamela, no doubt, still laughing and talking in the schoolroom.
The Squire rose from his seat.
'I shall be much obliged,' he said formally, 'if you will kindly come here.

We shall want another witness, of course.

I will call Forest.' Elizabeth approached, but paused a yard or two from him.