Mrs. Linley's first impulse in ordering the carriage was to use it herself. One look at the child reminded her that her freedom of action began and ended at the bedside. More than an hour must elapse before Sydney Westerfield could be brought back to Mount Morven； the bare thought of what might happen in that interval， if she was absent， filled the mother with horror. She wrote to Mrs. MacEdwin， and sent her maid with the letter.
Of the result of this proceeding it was not possible to entertain a doubt.
Sydney's love for Kitty would hesitate at no sacrifice； and Mrs.
MacEdwin's conduct had already answered for her. She had received the governess with the utmost kindness， and she had generously and delicately refrained from asking any questions. But one person at Mount Morven thought it necessary to investigate the motives under which she had acted. Mrs. Presty's inquiring mind arrived at discoveries； and Mrs. Presty's sense of duty communicated them to her daughter.
"There can be no sort of doubt， Catherine， that our good friend and neighbor has heard， probably from the servants， of what has happened； and (having her husband to consider--men are so weak！) has drawn her own conclusions. If she trusts our fascinating governess， it's because she knows that Miss Westerfield's affections are left behind her in this house. Does my explanation satisfy you？"
Mrs. Linley said： "Never let me hear it again！"
And Mrs. Presty answered： "How very ungrateful！"
The dreary interval of expectation， after the departure of the carriage， was brightened by a domestic event.
Thinking it possible that Mrs. Presty might know why her husband had left the house， Mrs. Linley sent to ask for information. The message in reply informed her that Linley had received a telegram announcing Randal's return from London. He had gone to the railway station to meet his brother.