Conway would have left the Hall long
before she returns."
"Perhaps she will, my dear, though I would not count upon that too
much. I imagine that as Mrs. Conway has had nerve and courage enough
to propose and so far carry out this singular plan of hers, she will
have resolution enough to continue to play her part till she either
finds the will, or becomes thoroughly convinced that it is absolutely
not to be found."
And so Mrs. Withers wrote to her sister, and ten days later Mr.
Withers started with Mabel for Bath.
Mrs. Conway had some difficulty in restraining all show of excitement,
and in assuming a passive and indifferent air as upon the first of the
month Miss Penfold unlocked the door of the library and led the way
into the room.
"This was my brother's library. You will understand, Anna, that I wish
everything to remain exactly as it is. You will therefore be careful
to place everything as you find it--each article of furniture, and the
books and papers on the table. You will just sweep the floor and dust
everything. Beyond that we wish nothing done to the room."
Mrs. Conway began her work quietly. Miss Penfold watched her for some
little time, and then said:
"You will leave the door open, Anna; it is better to let the air
circulate as much as possible. When the weather gets warmer you will
also leave the windows open while you are at work; but the air is too
damp at present.
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