with me, for at that moment my sister’s voice called me from the house.

 

I went in. Caroline had her hat on, and had evidently just come in from the

village. She began without preamble.

 

“I met Mr. Ackroyd.”

 

“Yes?” I said.

 

“I stopped him, of course, but he seemed in a great hurry, and anxious to get

away.”

 

I have no doubt but that that was the case. He would feel towards Caroline much

as he had felt towards Miss Ganett earlier in the day—perhaps more so. Caroline

is less easy to shake off.

 

“I asked him at once about Ralph. He was absolutely astonished. Had no idea the

boy was down here. He actually said he thought I must have made a mistake. I! A

mistake!”

 

“Ridiculous,” I said. “He ought to have known you better.”

 

“Then he went on to tell me that Ralph and Flora are engaged.”

 

“I know that too,” I interrupted, with modest pride.