I think I heard your brother say that they had better do their business first." Leah shivered; she knew too well what that business was.

A quarter of an hour later they were on their way to Cookham.
Leah seemed very much startled and even alarmed when she learnt their destination, and at first Malcolm found it difficult to reassure her.
"Mrs.Godfrey!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, I scarcely know her.

Somehow she frightens me; her eyes seem to read one through and through.

And then the Etheridges will be so near." "I believe they are abroad," replied Malcolm, "and not expected home until the middle of December, so you need not trouble your head about them.