Annabel listened attentively, her eyes narrowing occasionally, her breath coming quick and sharp. There was a dead silence when Blue Bonnet finished, and then Annabel jumped up from her seat and took a few turns about the room. She was thinking something over, Blue Bonnet knew.
"I think—I believe I have a clue. In fact I know I have. Leave this to me for a day or two. I wish you had come to me sooner. There was no need of your suffering like this. I think I know the young person—"
She stopped abruptly and stooping kissed Blue Bonnet lightly on the cheek. She came back after she had left the room and inquired quite casually where Joy Cross was practising at this hour.
"In number six, I think, Annabel. She used to, anyway."
"Thank you. I want to see her a minute."
In number six Joy Cross was pounding out an exercise. She looked up as Annabel opened the door and went on with her practising.
"May I speak with you a minute?" Annabel said.
Joy wheeled on her stool.
"For a minute," she said. "I'm busy."
"It will only take a minute, I fancy. When do you intend to acknowledge the book you hid in Blue Bonnet Ashe's drawer while she was away?"