Anstice reseated herself by the bed in spite of the nurse.
"I'm not going to talk, but I'm here, dear Miss Carrie, and I'm praying for you."
Miss Carrie heaved a sigh of relief.
"I hate these strange women," she murmured. "I want only you."
* * * * *
Anstice arrived home about four o'clock in the afternoon.
Justin met her in the hall with an angry light in his eyes. He said nothing before the servants, but followed her into her morning-room. She sank into a chair with pale cheeks and an exhausted air, but her husband was too wrapped up in his grievance to notice her looks.
"Didn't we arrange to have a ride together this afternoon? Do you think nothing of breaking your engagements with me? Are you aware that Fenton sent a horse over from Penrith for you to try?"
"Oh, I am so sorry, that was to be a surprise for me then, for you never said anything about it. I thought I was going on the old pony. You got my note?"
"The note does not alter the fact of your breaking your engagement with me."