It came about that Mr. Derwent effected his protégée’s departure without disturbance.
Betsy complained to Mrs. Bruce of the cold of the morning and advised her not to stand on the veranda to view the loading of the stages. Mrs. Nixon would not do this in any case, and Robert had taken Helen out for a stroll.
Only Irving Bruce paced the piazza among the crowd, and when Mr. Derwent put Rosalie into the stage he met her eyes once.
Mr. Derwent saw him, and wondered if he had recognized the brown bird. He prepared himself for an explanation, and approached the young man.
“Pretty snappy drive they’re in for this morning,” he said.
“It is rather fresh,” replied the latter. “I was just wondering if Miss Vincent had wraps enough.”
Mr. Derwent regarded him curiously. “You recognized her then?”
“Yes.”
“I take great interest in that girl,” said Mr. Derwent.