"Yes, he was," she grudged.
"Why did he run away? Didn't he want to be thanked?"
"He did not. Besides——"
"Besides—what?"
"He particularly didn't wish to meet—one of our party. Now, I shan't say a word more about him. So you needn't ask questions. I'm tired. I want to go to bed."
With this ultimatum, she bolted into the hotel, leaving the three of us speechless for a few seconds. I suppose each was wondering, "Am I the one the doctor didn't want to meet?" Then I remembered my impression of having known that tall, thin figure long ago, and I was seized with certainty that the mysterious person had fled from me. At all events, I was sure Miss O'Farrell wished me to think so by way of being as aggravating as she possibly could.
"Well, I'm blessed!" Puck exploded.
"Are you?" I doubted. And I couldn't resist adding, "I thought your sister always did what you wanted?"
"In the end she does," he upheld his point. "But—just lately—she's bewitched! Some saint is needed to remove the ban."
I thought the saint was only too near her hand! Whether that hand would scratch or strike I couldn't guess; but one gesture was as dangerous as the other.