And it was Phyllis’s sudden whim to render a very charming and touching program, ending with the Chopin “Berceuse.” The music died away in a hushed chord, and Leslie, who had been gazing out at the ocean during its rendering, was astonished when she looked around to see the visitor furtively wiping away a few tears.
“I’m a perfect goose about some kinds of music!” she muttered apologetically, and then, abruptly, “Won’t you two girls please call me Eileen? I’m so lonely here and I haven’t any friends and—and—I’d like to see you often.”
And then the impulsive Phyllis put a comradely arm about her shoulder. “Just come as often as you like. We’ll always be delighted to see you. I’m sure we three can have a jolly time together. And be sure to call us by our first names, too.”
“Thank you, Phyllis and Leslie,” she said simply. “You are more than kind to me. But I must be getting back now. It’s most time for me to go to the hospital to see Grandfather. He’s so ill, and I’m so worried about him!” Again the tears came into her eyes. “But good-by! I’m coming over to-morrow with the car to take you all out for a spin!” And she was gone, running down the path to where she had parked the car.
When they were alone, the two girls looked at one another.
“It’s the most amazing thing I ever heard of—this change in her!” marveled Phyllis. “Have you the slightest idea what has caused it?”
“I think I have,” answered Leslie, and she told of the girl’s curious conduct when she was being shown through Rest Haven. “I believe she had a purpose in coming here—she may have thought she could find out something from us. And she certainly thought she might get into Curlew’s Nest, though I don’t believe for a minute the reason she gave was the only one. I think she didn’t particularly want to go to see your place, either, but when she got here she liked it.”
“Yes, and I like her—strange as you may think it!” declared Phyllis. “I’ve quite changed my mind about her. Do you know, I think that girl is having a whole lot of trouble, somehow or other—trouble she can’t tell us about. What the mystery is and how it is connected with that cottage, I don’t see. But I do believe that she likes us, and if we’re ever going to solve this mystery at all, it will probably be through her.”
“Shall we—do you think we ought to—give her the Dragon’s Secret?” faltered Leslie.
“I certainly do not—at least not yet! I’ll wait till I know a few things more before I make a move like that!” declared the emphatic Phyllis. “And now come along and let’s have our swim.”