"'You know I like it, Mrs. Harrington.'
"'You're a dear, good girl, Mabel! I never can be grateful enough to you for all your kindness and patience with me.'
"I kissed her forehead but did not answer.
"'Toward evening we'll go out to drive,' she said, 'and take that little Lucy with us.'
"'Yes; Mr. Harrington gave her your invitation. Shall I go on with our book now?'
"'Oh yes, do; I am wonderfully interested in it.'
"I had left the novel in the salon, and went back to get it. As I opened the door, James was pacing up and down the room, and the face he turned toward me was pale and troubled.
"'I came for my book,' I said, and began searching for it among the volumes on the table.
"'Can I help you?'
"'Thanks—no—here it is.'