Warburton. "In all
my life, I have never quarrelled with a friend, but I'm afraid I
must have fallen out with Mr. Sherwood. Think of the women who
entrust their all to men of that kind, and have no strong son to
save them from the consequences."
After the mid-day meal all sat together for an hour or two in the
garden. By an evening train, Will returned to London. Jane had
promised to let him have frequent news, and during the ensuing week
she wrote twice with very favourable accounts of their mother's
condition. A month went by without any disquieting report, then came
a letter in Mrs. Warburton's own hand.
"My dear Will," she wrote, "I can't keep secrets as long as you.
This is to inform you that a week ago I let The Haws, on annual
tenancy, to a friend of Mr. Turnbull's, who was looking for such a
house. The day after to-morrow we begin our removal to a home which
Jane has taken near to Miss Winter's in Suffolk. That she was able
to find just what we wanted at a moment's notice encourages me in
thinking that Providence is on our side, or, as your dear father
used to say, that the oracle has spoken. In a week's time I hope to
send news that we are settled. You are forbidden to come here before
our departure, but will be invited to the new home as soon as
possible. The address is--" etc.
The same post brought a letter from Jane.
"Don't be alarmed by the news," she wrote. "Mother has been so firm
in this resolve since the day of your leaving us, that I could only
obey her.
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