She thus got rid of housekeeping, which in these days of rations worried her to death.

Moreover, food at Mannering was much more plentiful than food in town--especially since the advent of Elizabeth Bremerton.
It was of Elizabeth that Mrs.Gaddesden was thinking as she sat alone in the hall.

From her seat she could perceive a shrubbery walk in the garden outside, along which two figures were pacing--Miss Bremerton and the new agent.

Beyond, at some distance, she was aware of another group disappearing among the trees of the park--Pamela with Captain Chicksands and Beryl.
This was the first time that any member of the Chicksands family had been a guest at Mannering since the quarrel in the autumn.

The Squire had not yet brought himself to shake hands with Sir Henry.
But Beryl on the one side, and Pamela on the other--aided and abetted always by Elizabeth Bremerton--had been gradually breaking down the embargo; and when, hearing from Beryl that her brother Arthur was with them for a few days, Pamela had openly proposed in her father's presence to ask them both to luncheon, the Squire had pretended not to hear, but had at any rate raised no objection.