"So soon?" I repeated. "I have not been told anything about it."
"Well, don't let out that I told you, then," said Jocelyn. "I suspect
mother must have been keeping it for a surprise to cheer you up after
the boy and I leave to-morrow. I believe they are arranging for you to
go very shortly. You will enjoy it, won't you?"
"_I_ hope so," I replied. "As far as Isabel is concerned, I am sure I
shall. But I have found out that I am very shy. I think I am rather
afraid of Mr Wynyard. He has brought up his own daughters to be such
pinks of perfection! I am sure that he won't approve of frivolous
conversation. I remember Isabel saying how he disliked gossip. And oh!
by-the-bye," I broke off, "that reminds me, Jocelyn! There is such a
queer story, a regular mystery where the Wynyards live."
"Do you mean that the house is haunted?" said Jocelyn, laughingly.
"Oh, no; it is not about their own house, but a house near, in the
neighbourhood. `Grimsthorpe,' I think, is its proper name. I wonder if
I might tell you about it? It isn't exactly a secret, but I have never
mentioned it to mamma. Mr Wynyard might blame Isabel for gossipping if
he found that mother had heard of it."
"As I am not likely to see Mr Wynyard, I think you may safely tell me
the story, whatever it is," said Jocelyn.