people still in bed in an English country town. Today
Rose Otway, having herself risen so early, was inclined
to agree with Anna that English people are very lazy,
and lose some of the best part of each morning.

And then, as she stood out there in the sunshine,
her mind reverted to Major Guthrie and to his sudden
disappearance. Rose liked Major Guthrie, and
she was sorry she had missed him yesterday morning,
when out on her fruitless quest for money.

Rose had been surprised at the way her mother had
spoken of Major Guthrie's departure. Mrs. Otway
had declared the fact to be a secret -- a secret that
must at all costs be kept. As a matter of fact the
girl had already heard the news from Anna, and she
had observed, smiling, "But, mother, you seem to
have told Anna all about it?" And Mrs. Otway, her
gentle temper for once ruffled, had answered sharply,
"I don't count Anna! Major Guthrie particularly
mentioned the Dean. He did not wish the Dean to
know. He said his going was to be kept secret. So I
beg you, Rose, to do as I ask."

Anna came out of the front door, and began polishing
the brass knob. "Ach!" she exclaimed. "Come
in, child -- do! You a chill will take. If it is the post-
man you want, he gone by already has."

Rose smiled. Dear old Anna had never acquired
the British love of fresh air. "I'm waiting for the
papers," she said. "I can't think why the man doesn't
begin with us, instead of going all round the other
way first! But I'm going to catch him this morning."

And Anna, grumbling, went back into the house
again.

[[110]]

p109 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p110w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p111

v?