Chapter 31

Hope was not at breakfast with us.

'The child is worn out,' said Mrs Fuller. 'I shall keep her in bed a
day or two.

'Couldn't I see her a moment?' I enquired.

'Dear! no!' said she. 'The poor thing is in bed with a headache.' If
Hope had been ill at home I should have felt free to go and sit by
her as I had done more than once. It seemed a little severe to be
shut away from her now but Mrs Fuller's manner had
fore-answered any appeal and I held my peace. Having no children
of her own she had assumed a sort of proprietorship over Hope that
was evident - that probably was why the girl had ceased to love me
and to write to me as of old. A troop of mysteries came clear to me
that morning. Through many gifts and favours she had got my
sweetheart in a sort of bondage and would make a marriage of her
own choosing if possible.

'Is there anything you would like particularly for your breakfast?
Mrs Fuller enquired.

'Hain't no way pertic'lar,' said Uncle Eb. 'I gen rally eat buckwheat
pancakes an' maple sugar with a good strong cup o'tea.

Mrs Fuller left the room a moment.

'Dunno but I'll go out if the barn a minnit 'n take a look at the
hosses,' he said when she came back.

'The stable is a mile away,' she replied smiling.

'Gran' good team ye druv us out with las' night,' he said. 'Hed a
chance t'look 'em over a leetle there at the door. The off hoss is
puffed some for'ard but if yer husband'll put on a cold bandage ev'ry
night it'll make them legs smoother n a hound's tooth.

She thanked him and invited us to look in at the conservatory.

'Where's yer husband?' Uncle Eb enquired.

'He's not up yet,' said she, 'I fear he did not sleep well.

'Now Mis Fuller,' said Uncle Eb, as we sat waiting, 'if there s
anything I can do t'help jes'le'me know what 'tis.

She said there was nothing. Presently Uncle Eb sneezed so
powerfully that it rattled the crystals on the chandelier and rang in
the brass medallions.

The first and second butlers came running in with a frightened
look. There was also a startled movement from somebody above
stairs.

'I do sneeze powerful, sometimes,' said Uncle Eb from under his
red bandanna. "S enough if scare anybody.'

They brought in our breakfast then - a great array of tempting
dishes. 'Jest hev four pancakes 'n a biled egg,' said Uncle Eb as he
sipped his tea. 'Grand tea!' he added, 'strong enough if float a silver
dollar too.

'Mrs Fuller,' I said rising, when we had finished, 'I thank you for
your hospitality, but as I shall have to work nights, probably, I
must find lodgings near the office.

'You must come and see us again,' she answered cordially. 'On
Saturday I