The Blue Diamond Read Online Free PDF Page A

so,’’ Lady Laura said, perforce resigning herself to the inevitable. “Though really—”
    â€œShe is well dressed,’’ Dorothy said presently in a puzzled tone. “But what could she be doing wandering about alone at this time of night, Aunt Laura?”
    Lady Laura made a gesture as if washing her hands of the whole affair.
    â€œI have no idea indeed, my dear.”
    â€œShe is better,” Mavis said quickly as the carriage drew up at the door of the Manor. “See, she is opening her eyes! Get some brandy, Arthur,” as her brother came round. “She will be able to walk in a minute or two.”
    â€œI could help her—”
    â€œNo, it will be better to wait,” Mavis said decidedly. “The brandy, please.”
    She held it to the girl’s lips and saw that a few drops were swallowed and that a tinge of colour was returning to the pale face before she spoke again.
    â€œYou are better now, aren’t you?” Dorothy said gently as the stranger opened her eyes again and made an ineffectual attempt to rise.
    â€œI—I think so,” she said unsteadily. “I should like to—”
    â€œNow we will help you indoors,” Mavis interrupted quickly. “You can tell us all about it then.”
    Sir Arthur held out his arm, and with Mavis’s help on the other side the girl managed to walk into the hall, sinking with a pretty gesture of thanks into one of the big oaken chairs.
    Lady Laura, looking perplexed and doubtful, waited near the door, the old butler and the footman, discreetly unconscious, hovered around. Dorothy knelt down and rubbed the chilly white fingers.
    Presently the girl looked at her in a puzzled fashion and sat up.
    â€œWhere am I? I don’t understand,” she began, gazing around with bewildered eyes.
    â€œThis is Hargreave Manor,” Mavis said gently. “Were you trying to make your way here when we found you?”
    â€œNo, I think not,” the girl said unsteadily. “I don’t know the name at all. I was under a tree—it was damp and cold—” She looked round in a vague troubled way that went straight to Lady Laura’s heart and dispelled certain misgivings as to the wisdom of the course to which she felt committed.
    â€œYou are not well, I think, my dear,” she said gently. “Will you let us know your name so that we can communicate with your friends? And, —Mavis, tell them to make the pink room ready.”
    The stranger’s big blue eyes filled with tears; she pulled her hands from Dorothy’s gentle clasp and thrust back her mass of golden hair.
    â€œMy name—” she faltered. “I don’t know—I don’t seem to remember anything at all, except that I was all alone and cold and tired.” Her lips quivered pitifully. “Perhaps,” glancing appealingly at Lady Laura, “it will all come back in a little while. I—I don’t feel very well just now.”
    Lady Laura’s face as she glanced at Mavis was very grave, but her voice sounded reassuring as she gently touched the shaking hands.
    â€œYou will be better after a night’s rest, my dear, and be able to tell us all about yourself. For the present don’t try to think of anything; just lie back and put your feet on this stool and try to rest.”
    She laid a thick rug over her and turned aside, drawing her son with her to the other side of the hall.
    â€œArthur, one of the men must ride over for Dr. Grieve, and then as soon as her room is ready we must get her to bed. Whoever she is she will have to stay the night here.”
    â€œCertainly!” Sir Arthur acquiesced warmly. “I will send James off at once.”
    â€œOh, yes. Poor girl!” Lady Laura assented, with a little reserve. “She must be staying at one of the houses round here, but I cannot imagine what has happened to her. However, no doubt Dr. Grieve will be able