" He looked
at his watch. "No time for driving; I must do it by railway. If I go
at once, I shall catch the down train at our station, and get on to
Grailsea. Take care of the letter, Norah. I won't keep dinner waiting;
if the return train doesn't suit, I'll borrow a gig and get back in that
way."
As he took up his hat, Magdalen appeared at the door, returning from her
interview with Frank. The hurry of her father's movements attracted her
attention; and she asked him where he was going.
"To Grailsea," replied Mr. Vanstone. "Your business, Miss Magdalen, has
got in the way of mine--and mine must give way to it."
He spoke those parting words in his old hearty manner; and left them,
with the old characteristic flourish of his trusty stick.
"My business!" said Magdalen. "I thought my business was done."
Miss Garth pointed significantly to the letter in Norah's hand. "Your
business, beyond all doubt," she said. "Mr. Pendril is coming tomorrow;
and Mr. Vanstone seems remarkably anxious about it. Law, and its
attendant troubles already! Governesses who look in at summer-house
doors are not the only obstacles to the course of true-love. Parchment
is sometimes an obstacle.
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