The Earl did not speak for a moment. Then he said,
“I suppose there is no reason why the sins of the father should be visited upon the pensioners.”
Pandora ran across the room towards him.
“What are you – saying?” she asked. “Explain it to me – simply.”
He looked down at her, at the pleading in her eyes as they searched his.
“Do you know,” he asked after a moment, “where the previous housekeeper – what was her name? Mrs. Meadowfield? Do you know where she is living?”
“Oh, yes!” Pandora said breathlessly.
“And Burrows, the former butler? I remember him when I first came here.”
“He lives in the village.”
“Are you prepared to go and fetch them back?”
“Oh, Cousin Norvin! Do you mean that?”
The tears were back in Pandora’s eyes, but now they seemed to glitter like stars.
“You will r
