"Quite naturally," I assented. "I wonder at myself now for knocking."
"How did you happen to be passing the house at that time?" she asked suddenly.
"I'd been awakened by a bad dream and found I couldn't go to sleep again, so decided to walk a little. I walked in this direction, I suppose, because I was thinking about Miss Lawrence."
She was looking at me keenly, but saw that I spoke the truth and again gave a quick sigh of relief.
"Miss Lawrence was not here then?" I questioned, deciding to become the inquisitor in my turn.
"Oh, no; she had left several hours earlier. I was alone in the house—which rendered your knock all the more disquieting. My sister remained with Mrs. Lawrence last night," and she rose to indicate that my audience was at an end.
I rose somewhat reluctantly. I felt that she could tell me so much more, if she would. It was provoking to be so near success, and yet not to succeed.
"I'm sorry," I said, "that you refuse to tell me where Miss Lawrence has gone. I don't believe you're acting wisely—nor is she in running away. She should be brave enough to stay and face Mr. Curtiss. He has a right——"
"There are others who have rights," she cried, her self-control suddenly deserting her. "There are others who have waived their rights, and torn their hearts, and withered in silence——"
She stopped abruptly, and I saw the tremor which swept through her as she controlled herself.