Eleanor was trying desperately to cover her confusion.
"Did I say Betty? How funny! I mean Miss Thompson—Mr. Baxter's secretary—she's dressing for dinner. I wonder why she doesn't come," Eleanor coughed nervously.
Bob continued to watch her, his surprise gradually giving place to a strange suspicion. It was as if a mental picture puzzle were fitting itself together in his brain. Only one piece was lacking to make it complete.
"What is Miss Thompson's Christian name, Mother?" he asked very quietly.
"Miss Thompson's first name?—her Christian name?—let me see—why, it's—it's——" Eleanor tried heroically to fib, but it was no use. Do what she would there was only one name in the whole world she could think of. She fluttered like a caught bird, then gave it up. "It's Betty, Bob."
In a flash Bob's puzzle picture was complete. "Betty Thompson! Well, I have been a fool!"
His words, addressed to the ceiling, were received with a solemn plaster imitation of Olympian indifference.
Not so Eleanor. "There! I've broken my promise!" she cried excitedly. "I knew I would!"
At the same instant she became aware that Betty was hurrying along the passage toward them. She lowered her voice and spoke rapidly, "You mustn't tell her you know it! Betty would never forgive me. Promise me you won't tell—promise, Bob!"
Bob promised with his eyes—it was too late to speak.