She did not leave the room this time, but went to an arrow-slit hard by and gazed out at the trees till the instrument began to speak again. Returning to it with a leisurely manner, implying a full persuasion that the matter was settled, she was somewhat surprised to learn that, 'Miss Bell, in stating her terms, understands that she will not be required to leave London till the middle of the afternoon. If it is necessary for her to leave at once, ten guineas extra would be indispensable, on account of the great inconvenience of such a short notice.'
Paula seemed a little vexed, but not much concerned she sent back with a readiness scarcely politic in the circumstances:-'She must start at once. Price agreed to.'
Her impatience for the answer was mixed with curiosity as to whether it was due to the agent or to Miss Barbara Bell that the prices had grown like Jack's Bean-stalk in the negotiation. Another telegram duly came:-'Travelling expenses are expected to be paid.'
With decided impatience she dashed off:-'Of course; but nothing more will be agreed to.'
Then, and only then, came the desired reply:-'Miss Bell starts by the twelve o'clock train.'
This business being finished, Paula left the chamber and descended into the inclosure called the Pleasance, a spot grassed down like a lawn. Here stood Somerset, who, having come down from the tower, was looking on while a man searched for old foundations under the sod with a crowbar. He was glad to see her at last, and noticed that she looked serene and relieved; but could not for the moment divine the cause. Paula came nearer, returned his salutation, and regarded the man's operations in silence awhile till his work led him to a distance from them.
'Do you still wish to consult me?' asked Somerset.
'About the building perhaps,' said she. 'Not about the play.'
'But you said so?'
'Yes; but it will be unnecessary.'
Somerset thought this meant skittishness, and merely bowed.
'You mistake me as usual,' she said, in a low tone. 'I am not going to consult you on that matter, because I have done all you could have asked for without consulting you. I take no part in the play to-night.'
'Forgive my momentary doubt!'
'Somebody else will play for me--an actress from London. But on no account must the substitution be known beforehand or the performance to-night will never come off: and that I should much regret.'
'Captain De Stancy will not play his part if he knows you will not play yours--that's what you mean?'