"What seems unreal?" He had no reply, and he went on, "It was absolute truth that you spoke to the poor old woman. But, my child, was it truth for yourself, or was it only quoted from the knowledge of others?"
This question came searchingly, and Hermione made no attempt to answer it. She pressed her hands closer over her face.
"If the last—then perhaps a sharp test has been sent, that you may see how things really are."
Half-an-hour later Marjory came to her father's study, with the exclamation— "Has Hermione really been here?"
"Yes."
"Sutton told us, and Harry has rushed off, in hopes of overtaking her before she reaches home."
"Harry might have spared himself the exertion."
"Then you don't think he will succeed?"
"Hermione left me some time ago, and she is a quick walker."
"If only we had guessed that she might come! Father, does she seem happy?"