Corway instinctively felt that she had been a witness to his scene with Hazel, but he affected unconcern, and allowed the incident to pass without comment.
During the brief time this significant episode was being enacted, Hazel’s attention was attracted to Sam and Dorothy approaching on the drive, so she was unaware of the change that had come over her cousin.
“You must come in, Sam, ’cause I like you, and you haven’t been to see us for a long time—Oh, mamma, we have had such fine fun, Sam and I”—and there appeared from around the corner of the piazza Dorothy Thorpe pulling Sam Harris along by the sleeve.
“Well, Sam,” said Mrs. Thorpe, overlooking him from the piazza, “we thought you had forgotten us.”
“No, indeed,” replied Sam, and as he discovered Virginia, he added under his breath: “At least not while that fair party is around.”
“Of course, you have acted as Mrs. Harris’ escort?”
“My aunt is on the lawn,” he answered, and then as he ascended the steps, greeted Virginia. “Miss Thorpe will permit me to congratulate her upon her safe return.”
“I have had quite a journey,” replied Virginia coldly.
“Well, you have enjoyed it?” ventured Sam, and then he noted a swift questioning glance of anger.
In his dilemma, he felt an awkwardness creeping over him and grinned broadly, and then stupidly faltered: “That is, I guess so!”