13. The Lodge (Continued)—The Copse Behind
‘This is indeed a surprise; I—am glad to see you!’ Christopher stammered, with a wire-drawn, radically different smile from the one he had intended—a smile not without a tinge of ghastliness.
‘Yes—I am home for the holidays,’ said the blushing maiden; and, after a critical pause, she added, ‘If you wish to speak to my sister, she is in the plantation with the children.’
‘O no—no, thank you—not necessary at all,’ said Christopher, in haste. ‘I only wish for an interview with a lady called Mrs. Petherwin.’
‘Yes; Mrs Petherwin—my sister,’ said Picotee. ‘She is in the plantation. That little path will take you to her in five minutes.’
The amazed Christopher persuaded himself that this discovery was very delightful, and went on persuading so lon
