The carriage was brought round, and without further delay the trio drove away from the mansion, under the echoing gateway arch, and along by the leafless sycamores, as the stars began to kindle their trembling lights behind the maze of branches and twigs.
No words were spoken either by youth or maiden.

Her unpractised mind was completely occupied in fathoming its recent acquisition.

The young man who had inspired her with such novelty of feeling, who had come directly from London on business to her father, having been brought by chance to Endelstow House had, by some means or other, acquired the privilege of approaching some lady he had found therein, and of honouring her by petits soins of a marked kind,--all in the space of half an hour.
What room were they standing in?
thought Elfride.

As nearly as she could guess, it was Lord Luxellian's business-room, or office.

What people were in the house?
None but the governess and servants, as far as she knew, and of these he had professed a total ignorance.