'Because you are colour-blind, my dear,' she replied, half gravely, half sportively, in unconscious imitation of Josey West.
From this time her visits to the Wests grew even more frequent than they used to be. She was there not only in the evening--on which occasions I was always with her--but very often also in the day. My mother spoke of this to me regretfully, and said she was afraid that Jessie mistrusted her.
'Mistrust the sweetest woman in the world!' said Jessie. 'No, indeed, indeed I do not! But can't you see, Chris, that I am better away?'
'No, I can't see it, Jessie--not that I have any objection to the Wests; you know that I am very fond of them.'
'Still colour-blind, Chris? you still can't see what I can see?'
'You seem to be putting riddles to me, Jessie,' I said.
'Well, you must find the answers without my assistance; and as to my going to the Wests so often in the daytime, what comfort do you think I find at home?'
None, I was compelled reluctantly to confess.
'Have you heard uncle Bryan complain of my absence?' continued Jessie. 'Does he say that I am too often away?'
'No, Jessie, he has said nothing, to my knowledge.'