But to that Augustus seemed to be quite
indifferent. And, indeed, the whole family story was known to every
servant in the house. It is true that gentlemen and ladies who have
servants do not usually wish to talk about their private matters before
all the household, even though the private matters may be known; but
this household was unlike all others in that respect. There was not a
housemaid about the rooms or a groom in the stables who did not know how
terrible a reprobate their master had been.
"You will see your father before you go to bed?" Miss Scarborough said
to her nephew as she left the room.
"Certainly, if he will send to say that he wishes it."
"He does wish it, most anxiously."
"I believe that to be your imagination. At any rate, I will come--say in
an hour's time. He would be just as pleased to see Harry Annesley, for
the matter of that, or Mr. Grey, or the inspector of police. Any one
whom he could shock, or pretend to shock, by the peculiarity of his
opinions, would do as well." By that time, however, Miss Scarborough had
left the room.
Then the three men sat and talked, and discussed the affairs of the
family generally. New leases had just been granted for adding
manufactories to the town of Tretton: and as far as outward marks of
prosperity went all was prosperous.
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