The sound of a motor below coming round the drive brought Harriet to her feet. She ran to the window.
"It's Cousin Robert and Kate Clendennin," she exclaimed. "They ought to have been back hours ago. Robert will make everything all right. I will speak to him at once about getting servants."
She moved quickly and was already half out of the room when the sound of Horatio's voice halted her like an electric shock.
"Harriet!"
There was a tone in Horatio's voice that drew Harriet back into the room as if by physical force.
"What is it, Horatio? You frightened me." She pressed the palm of her hand against her side.
He was standing before her; and the pinkness had gone out of his face. He took her hand and led her gently back to the chair.
"Sit down, Harriet." He seated himself in the other chair. "I'm sorry I frightened you, love, but you must not speak to Robert Baxter about the servants."
"Why not, Horatio?"
"Because—because——" He looked at her dumbly, his underlip shook and tears came into his eyes. Harriet began to be really frightened. What had happened? Why didn't he speak?