"How do you mean 'send me out', Crow?"
"Well, is there any mystery about it?"
"About what?"
"About you being out last evening?"
Pamela remained silent for quite a minute; she was reviewing swiftly in her mind what the time was when she had returned from Woodrising--after her ineffective search-visit. Eight o'clock! She was back before eight, of course, because supper was timed for eight and she was in--with a brief period for dressing.
After that pause she answered:
"I don't know what you are driving at, my dear Crow."
But of course Christobel had noticed the hesitation. It made her feel rather stronger.
"Do you mind telling me when you did come in, Pam? I ask for a reason."
"Well, if you seriously want to know," answered the younger girl rather stiffly, "I was in just in time to change for supper--and supper was at eight o'clock--later than usual. That was because Mum had put the food back thinking you and Addie would be home."