nearly noon before
Gladys was a trifle restless ; she wanted a drive again , and when I made her brother 's absence a pretext for refusing this , she pleaded for a stroll in the garden . It was with great difficulty that I at last induced her to remain quietly in her room . But when she saw that I was really serious she gave up her wishes very sweetly , and consoled herself by writing to Max , in answer to a letter that he had sent under cover to me . It was nearly noon before Chatty brought me a message that Miss Darrell was just up and dressed , and wished to speak to me ; and I went at once to her . The usually luxurious room had an untidy and forlorn aspect . The crumpled Indian dressing-gown and the breakfast-tray littered the couch ; ornaments , jewellery , and brushes strewed the dressing-table . Miss Darrell was sitting in an easy-chair by the open window .