“No; gone. He went when I came.”
Mrs. Horncastle caught her hand and looked intently into her frightened face. “Then what have you to fear from your husband?” she said abruptly.
“You don't understand. He didn't know I was here. He thought me in San Francisco.”
“Does he know it now?”
“Yes. I heard the stableman tell him. Couldn't you say I came here with you; that we were here together; that it was just a little freak of ours? Oh, do!”
Mrs. Horncastle thought a moment. “Yes,” she said, “we'll see him here together.”
“Oh no! no!” said Mrs. Barker suddenly, clinging to her dress and looking fearfully towards the door. “I couldn't, COULDN'T see him now. Say I'm sick, tired out, gone to my room.”
“But you'll have to see him later,” said Mrs. Horncastle wonderingly.
“Yes, but he may go first. I heard him tell them not to put up his horse.”
“Good!” said Mrs. Horncastle suddenly. “Go to your room and lock the door, and I'll come to you later. Stop! Would Mr. Barker be likely to disturb you if I told him you would like to be alone?”