Miss Goodchild paused. She was on the qui vive instantly.
"You know Mr. Wyckliffe, don't you, Mr. Winter?" said Mrs. Eastwood, taking the cue.
"Oh yes, rather! known him a long time. I heard from him the other day," answered Hal, boldly.
May walked away, but not hurriedly, and Hal, seizing his opportunity, followed her out of the room.
"What a delightful morning, Miss Goodchild."
"Yes, it is," she answered. Then after a pause, she added, "Mr. Winter, you said you had heard from Mr. Wyckliffe. Can you tell me when he will return, as he is a friend of mine."
"Now I remember, Miss Goodchild. I have important news for you concerning him."
"What! news of him for me. Oh! tell me at once, please," and her whole face lit up with expectation.
"It is rather a long story," said Hal. "If we could talk together privately it would be preferable."
"Oh, I'll arrange that. You can come to my sitting-room. I'll just run and tell Mrs. Eastwood," and away she flew in a happy, childish way, very different to her languid manner previously. Mrs. Eastwood could scarcely believe, her eyes as the girl rushed into the office, crying: