It was a
fine night, and Susan stopped for a moment at the door to
drink in the fresh air. She heard the heavy footsteps of a
policeman draw near and he passed the house, to disappear into
the path on the opposite side of the road. When Susan
returned to the kitchen she found supper ready. Soon the
servants were seated at the table and talking brightly.
"Who does that house at the back belong to?" asked Susan.
"To Lord Caranby," said Thomas, although not directly
addressed. "It's unfinished."
"Yes and shut up. Lord Caranby was in love with a lady and
built that house for her. Before it was ready the lady died
and Lord Caranby left the house as it was and built a high
wall round it. He then went travelling and has been
travelling ever since. He never married either, and his
nephew, Mr. Cuthbert Mallow, is heir to the title."
"I thought you said Lord Caranby loved Miss Loach?"
"No, I didn't. I said she could have married him had she
played her cards properly. But she didn't, and Lord Caranby
went away. The lady who died was a friend of missus, and they
were always together. I think missus and she were jealous of
Lord Caranby, both loving him. But Miss Saul--that was the
other lady--died, and Lord Caranby left the house as it
stands, to go away."
"He won't allow anyone to set a foot in the house or grounds,"
said Mrs. Pill, "there ain't no gate in the wall--"
"No gate," echoed Susan astonished.
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