— 20 —The weather was fine for Mrs. Sacret’s journey into Kent. She was resolved to enjoy this, and resolutely put the affairs of the Old Priory out of her mind. She would not, she told herself, worry over what might be happening in that disordered household while she was away, but have this day clear for pleasure. She hoped that Mark Bettis would not talk about the Rues’ affairs, but that, in this fresh atmosphere, against this fresh background, he would disclose something of his mind, of his plans for the future. Surely such must have been his intention when he asked her so far away from the mean little room in Minton Street and the riverside streets that so far had been their only surroundings. She had taken great care with her appearance; there was no hint of mourning in her expensive
