But one peculiarity in
her behaviour excited hostile remark, below-stairs. On the occasions
when she was free to go out for the day, she always found some excuse
for not joining any of the other female servants, who might happen to
be similarly favoured. The one use she made of her holiday was to
travel by railway to some place unknown; always returning at the right
time in the evening. Iris knew enough of the sad circumstances to be
able to respect her motives, and to appreciate the necessity for
keeping the object of these solitary journeys a secret from her
fellow-servants.
The pleasant life in the country house had lasted for nearly a month,
when the announcement of Hugh's approaching return to England reached
Iris. The fatal end of his father's long and lingering illness had
arrived, and the funeral had taken place. Business, connected with his
succession to the property, would detain him in London for a few days.
Submitting to this necessity, he earnestly expressed the hope of seeing
Iris again, the moment he was at liberty.
Hearing the good news, Mr. Henley obstinately returned to his
plans--already twice thwarted--for promoting the marriage of Mountjoy
and Iris.
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