“Yes, I have seen her. But Churton was there all the time, so not much could be said.”
“How did she look?” asked Jack.
“Rather paler than usual, but otherwise well. She held me very tightly for a moment, poor child, and then tried to put a restraint on herself.”
“Afraid Uncle Churton would be jealous,” suggested Cherry.
“Do tell us everything, father,” Jack said in a gruff voice, supporting his chin on his hands.
“There is not very much to tell. When I reached the door, the girl meant to send me away as usual. I could see it in her face. So I said, 'I wish to see Miss Browne, if you please. She is at home.’ This was rather a haphazard shot, but my guess proved correct. The girl seemed disconcerted, stared, and said nothing. I repeated, 'Miss Browne is at home, and I wish to see her. If she is engaged, I will wait till she is free.’”
“Splendid!” exclaimed Jack. “Why, father, I didn’t know you were so cute.”
“The girl hesitated, and then went off, leaving me in the doorway. Coming back, she showed me into the drawing-room, and left me there alone. Churton presently appeared, and I can’t say he gave me a warm welcome. He said Aunt Briscoe was very poorly, too poorly to see any one; and she seemed growing so fond of Maimie as hardly to bear her out of her sight; but he dared say Maimie could be spared for five minutes. I said I would stay until she could be spared. Churton said a few words, and then walked away, and by-and-by he and Maimie came in together.”
“And she looked—” Jack asked again.
“Not so bright as usual, but otherwise like herself. She kissed me very affectionately, and seemed delighted to see me, asking after you all, and sending messages of love. We could not of course talk freely, with Churton sitting by all the time. I asked about poor Aunt Briscoe, and Maimie says she finds a great change in her,—great weakness, and no appetite. So that excuse has not been all a pretence.”