NEXT morning Pansy and Miss Ashburne are breakfasting together at the hotel, prior to their journey by train to London, and the older lady is admonishing the younger concerning her lack of appetite, when a bustle is heard in the corridor and Martha Sotham rushes in, exclaiming excitedly, "I would not let them announce me -- I know the London train goes soon -- but you will delay your return to town, will you not, Pansy? I told you I would try and get news of Miss Temperance Piper. Whatever do you think? She is in Firlands, poor soul. And Deb is married, and----" "Miss Ashburne, Miss Sotham," says Pansy, somewhat nervously, "I do not think you have met before. Martha, your visit is an early one. You will be glad, no doubt, of a cup of coffee." "I have finished," says Miss Ashburne. "I must just see how the maid is getting on with the packing. Pray take my seat, Miss Sotham." Greatly to Pansy's relief her companion glides away, aware that she would be one too many in the conversation. But Miss Ashburne has already made up her mind to try and unearth this mystery that concerns the lady of Silverbeach.
