"'God knows!' was all he said, and rode off like a whirlwind.
"Babylon watched him as long as he was in sight, then she gave way to the awfullest mad fit I ever see. I really thought she'd break a blood-vessel. She danced and wrung her hands, and clenched 'em both into fists, which she shook after him, and she bit her lips to keep from screaming; and then all of a sudden she started for the house on a fierce run. I went after her, and as I got into the garden I saw Mr. Lee ride up. She followed him into the house.
"I went round the corner and stood on the veranda, picking roses and humming 'Katy Darling;' only I chose all the low parts, and heard quite comfortable."
"That was wrong," I said, "very wrong."
"Oh! I didn't listen to him," she replied; "but I had to keep watch of Babylon."
I may as well confess my weakness. I longed to ask Lottie all she heard. However, I did not have to wait long for the communication.
"'Jessie has gone out,' said she. He asked her where, and she put on such an innocent face. 'You must know,' says she; 'your daughter would not have taken such a step without your permission. No, no; I understand Jessie's womanly prudence too well.'
"He just stared at her; then he asked in that voice he has when he's angry, what she meant. She hemmed and hawed, and put him off; said he knew, and wouldn't speak.
"'Mrs. Dennison,' said he, 'what does this mean? Where has Jessie gone?'
"She put on the innocent look again; she really did it beautifully.