"When did this come?" Diane asked, quickly.
"About half an hour ago. I sent for you at once."
"I see it's dated from Lakefield. Where's that?"
Mrs. Wappinger explained that Lakefield was a small winter health resort some two hours by train from New York. She and Carli had stayed there, more than once, at the Bay Tree Inn. He would naturally go to the same hotel, only, when she had telephoned to it, a few minutes ago, she could find no one of the name in residence. Under the circumstances, Diane suggested, he would probably not give his name at all. There followed a few minutes of silent reflection, during which Mrs. Wappinger gazed at Diane, in the half-tearful helplessness of one not used to coping with unusual situations.
"Won't you come in and sit down?" she asked, with a sudden realization that they were still standing beneath the light in the hail.
"No," Diane answered, with decision; "it isn't worth while. May I have the motor for an hour or so?"
"Why, certainly. But where are you going?"
"I'm going first to Mr. Pruyn's, and afterward to Lakefield."
"To Lakefield? Then I'll go with you. We could go in the car."
Diane negatived both suggestions. The motor might break down, or the chauffeur might lose his way; the train would be safer. If any one went with her, it would have to be Mr. Pruyn.