"Bernal, I haven't time to be indirect, or beat about, or anything--so
forgive the abruptness--were you at Mrs. Wyeth's this afternoon?"

His ear caught the unusual note in her voice, and he was at once
concerned with this rather than with her question.

"Why, what is it, Nance--what if I was? Are you seeing another
Gratcher?"

"Bernal, quick, now--please! Don't worry me needlessly! Were you at Mrs.
Wyeth's to-day?"

Her eyes searched his face. She saw that he was still either puzzled or
confused, but this time he answered plainly,

"No--I haven't seen that most sightly cold lady to-day--more's the
pity!"

She breathed one quick little sigh--it seemed to him strangely like a
sigh of relief.

"I knew you couldn't have been." She laughed a little laugh of secrets.
"I was only wondering foolish wonders--you know how Gratchers must be
humoured right up to the very moment you puff them away with the deadly
laugh."

Together they went in. Bernal stopped to talk with Aunt Bell, who was
passing through the hall as they entered; while Nancy, with the manner
of one not to be deflected from some set purpose, made straight for
Allan's study.