Volume I Part 55 (1/2)
”What is it, Mr. Phillis?” said Mrs. Kennyf.e.c.k, in a commanding tone, meant to convey the information of ”where the Court sat,” and to whom he should address his pleading.
”It's a little matter on which I wanted advice, ma'am, for I am really puzzled bow to act. You know, ma'am, that we are expecting large company at our place in the country--Tubb--something--”
”Tubbermore,” interposed Mr. Kennyf.e.c.k.
”Yes, sir, Tubbermore. Well, there have been at least twenty messages this morning from different families, who want to know the best way of going, and when Mr. Cashel means to go himself, and where post-horses are to be had, and how they are to get forward where there are none, and so on.”
”Is your master not the person to dictate the answer to these queries?”
said Mrs. Kennyf.e.c.k, with her grandest air.
”Of course, ma'am, but he's not here.”
”Where is he, then?” asked she, eagerly.
”He's gone, ma'am; he went last night.”
”Gone! gone where?” said Mrs. Kennyf.e.c.k, with an eagerness no artifice could cover.
”It's hard to say, ma'am; but he went down to Kingstown last night, and sailed in the yacht; and from the preparations and sea stores taken from the hotel, it would seem like a long cruise.”
”And did he not mention anything of his intention to _you_ Mr. Phillis?”
said Mrs. Kennyf.e.c.k, with a flattering emphasis on the p.r.o.noun.
”A few lines in pencil, ma'am, dated from the harbor, was all I received. Here they are.” And he handed a piece of note-paper across the table. The contents ran thus:--
Phillis, send word to Sir Harvey Upton's that I sha'n't dine there to-morrow. Give the bearer of this my dressing-case, and clothes for some days, and have the fourgon ready packed to start for Tubbermore on receiving my next orders.
R. C.--Kingstown Harbor.
”And who brought this note?” said Mrs. Kennyf.e.c.k, who fancied she was conducting the inquiry in true judicial form.
”One of the yacht sailors, ma'am; he came up on Lord Kilgoff s carriage.”
”On Lord Kilgoff's carriage--how did that happen?”
”The carriage came into town, ma'am, to bring some things my Lady sent for; at least, so the sailor told me.”
”And were Lord and Lady Kilgoff on board the yacht?”
”Yes, ma'am; they both sailed in her last night.”
As though drawn by some irresistible influence, every eye was now turned to Aunt f.a.n.n.y, who, up to this, had listened to Mr. Phillis with a breathless attention, and if looks could be translated, every glance thus thrown said plainly, ”This is _your_ doing.”
”Are you certain that the yacht has not returned to Kingstown?” said Miss O'Hara.
”Perfectly, ma'am. It blew a storm last night, and the sailors about the harbor told me it was a great chance that any small vessel could outlive the gale.”
Olivia Kennyf.e.c.k became deadly pale at these words, and whispered something in her sister's ear.