Wilkins, looking relieved and pleased, said:
"Well, if nobody really wants that room, and wouldn't use it anyhow, I
shall be very glad if Mellersh may have it."
"Of course he must have it," said Lady Caroline.
Then Mrs. Fisher spoke.
"I have a friend," she said in her deep voice; and sudden silence
fell upon the others.
"Kate Lumley," said Mrs. Fisher.
Nobody spoke.
"Perhaps," continued Mrs. Fisher, addressing Lady Caroline, "you
know her?"
No, Lady Caroline did not know Kate Lumley; and Mrs. Fisher,
without asking the others if they did, for she was sure they knew no
one, proceeded. "I wish to invite her to join me," said Mrs. Fisher.
Complete silence.
Then Scrap said, turning to Mrs. Wilkins, "That settles Mellersh,
then."
"It settles the question of Mr. Wilkins," said Mrs. Fisher,
"although I am unable to understand that there should ever have been a
question, in the only way that is right."
"I'm afraid you're in for it, then," said Lady Caroline, again to
Mrs. Wilkins. "Unless," she added, "he can't come."
But Mrs. Wilkins, her brow perturbed--for suppose after all she
were not yet quite stable in heaven?--could only say, a little
uneasily, "I see him here."
Chapter 13
The uneventful days--only outwardly uneventful--slipped by in
floods of sunshine, and the servants, watching the four ladies, came to
the conclusion there was very little life in them.
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