Now, the late occupants of the Clock House, at
Nuncombe Putney, had been people with five or six hundred a-year. Had
other matters been in accordance, the house would almost have entitled
them to consider themselves as county people. A gardener had always
been kept there and a cow!
'The Clock House for mamma!'
'Well, yes. Don't say a word about it as yet to Aunt Stanbury, as
she'll think that I've sold myself altogether to the old gentleman.'
'But, Hugh, how can mamma live there?'
'The fact is, Dorothy, there is a secret. I can't tell you quite yet.
Of course, you'll know it, and everybody will know it, if the thing
comes about. But as you won't talk, I will tell you what most concerns
ourselves.'
'And am I to go back?'
'Certainly not if you will take my advice. Stick to your aunt. You
don't want to smoke pipes, and wear Tom-and-Jerry hats, and write for
the penny newspapers.'
Now Hugh Stanbury's secret was this, that Louis Trevelyan's wife and
sister-in-law were to leave the house in Curzon Street, and come and
live at Nuncombe Putney, with Mrs Stanbury and Priscilla.
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