blind, and began feverishly to prepare things to go into her boxes. She packed most of the night. It was a horrible business, and her lips bled from the setting of her teeth into them. She could not take her own furniture, and yet she felt she should leave as few reminders of herself as possible. The things one left behind were always so terribly pathetic. And yet if she left her furniture and her books it might give him the idea that she would come back. That might be a comfort. And she could not take those things with her out of New Zealand. Finally she packed only her clothes, and of the things he had given her, took only a little jewellery and the Lindsay drawing of his head.
The first thing in the morning she sent Lee into Dargaville to arrange for a carter to come that afternoon after the steamer had arrived so that her things could be put directly on board. She meant to get away without seeing a soul, or having anyone in the town know. They might be hurt afterwards, but she could not help it. She went through the day as if she were in a dream. It took her most of it to pack, and she was only just ready for the carter when he came.
The boys had not shown the least surprise at her orders or at her strange behaviour. She had been on the point that morning of asking Lee whether his master were home, but she decided not. It would have been worse to know he was than merely to fear it. After the carter had left she had Lee make her some sandwiches, and then told him she would not be there to dinner, and that she was going to town to join Dane.
“Yes, Meesis Barrington,” he said, and she learned nothing from his tone.
She could not bring herself to take a last walk about the old garden. She had no need to assist her memory
