The Secret of Greylands Read Online Free PDF

reception and with the extraordinary ménage in which she found herself. That her presence there was unwelcome to her cousin’s husband she saw plainly enough, but, remembering the letter she had received, she could not divest herself of the belief that in some way Lady Hannah needed her, that she would be glad to hear that she had responded to her summons.
    Standing there she took the letter out once more.
    â€œâ€˜Old and weak and frightened,’” she read. “It—there must be something she does not want her husband to know; but I cannot imagine that. If there should be ill-treatment—” Her cheeks flamed.
    Gillman’s step sounded on the stairs—he was coming back; and, moved by some sudden impulse, she stooped and poked the paper through the bars of the fire-place.
    Gillman opened the door, glanced quickly at her flushed cheeks, and noted the sound of her quickened breathing.
    â€œMy wife seems tired and feverish to-night,” he began. “I dare not take the responsibility of admitting you now; in fact, she herself says she does not feel equal to it; but she sees no difficulty in your remaining here for the night. As a matter of fact”—with that same illuminating smile—“you are not the only relative she has summoned.”
    â€œYou do not mean that she has sent for Sir Donald Farquhar?” Cynthia interrupted eagerly. “I am glad to hear of it! She was so devoted to him for so many years!”
    â€œCertainly it is not Sir Donald Farquhar! Your cousin feels his ingratitude as keenly as ever; but she has written to a young lady, standing, I believe in the same relationship as yourself—Sybil Hammond. She is coming to stay with us here either to-morrow or the day after.”
    â€œSybil Hammond!” Cynthia repeated thoughtfully. “I have not heard of her; but I suppose she belongs to the other side of the family. She is coming to be with Cousin Hannah, you say?”
    She was at no loss to understand how the matter stood. Quite evidently, she thought, Lady Hannah, thought it hopeless to expect her so soon after her marriage; and since her curiously worded letter had met with no response she determined to appeal to her other relatives.
    â€œMy wife seems to have no clear remembrance of what she said in her letter to you,” Gillman went on. “She must have written it when her illness was approaching, and she found it difficult to express herself with clearness. You have the letter with you; would you mind letting me show it to her? She wants to see it.”
    Cynthia’s eyes travelled to the little puff of blue smoke in the fire-place, to the fragment of charred ash clinging to the bar.
    â€œOh, I am so sorry! I never thought of her wanting to see it. I have burnt it.”
    Gillman laughed.
    â€œOh, it is only a trifle. She thought she would like to see it. I was about to say that a room has been got ready for Miss Hammond. It is at your service now, and my wife thinks you might like to take off the dust of your journey while your meal is preparing.”
    â€œThank you,” said Cynthia gratefully. “I shall be very glad!”
    He opened the door.
    â€œIt is the first room at the top of the stairs. Perhaps you will kindly go up as quietly as possible. I will carry up your bag.”
    â€œOh, that is nothing! I will take it; there is not much in it,” Cynthia said with a rueful laugh. “The rest of my luggage is deposited in your barn by the gates. The man who drove me said it would be safe enough there.”
    In spite of her remonstrances Gillman took the bag from her.
    â€œPerhaps I shall walk down for it to-night; but we are honest folk in these parts, if a trifle unceremonious, and it will be safe enough.”
    â€œI hope it will, for it contains almost all my worldly possessions,” Cynthia said lightly as she crossed the gloomy-looking unlighted entrance-hall, which apparently opened