As they ran down the hill toward the causeway and the heap of picturesque red rocks bared by the water, Mrs. Thayne settled herself with her embroidery and Estelle produced her netting.
After a few moments spent consulting with Win as to the exact angle desirable for his sketch, Mrs. Thayne felt for her watch, remembered that she did not bring it and looked at Estelle.
"Will you tell me the time?" she asked. "Win's hands are full with his palette and block."
"Certainly," said Estelle. "It's just two."
As she replaced her watch, a sudden look of interest crossed Mrs.
Thayne's face.
"What a curious chain you have, Estelle," she remarked. "Is it an old one? May I take it a moment?"
"It belonged to my grandmother, my mother's mother," replied Estelle, unfastening the chain and holding it out to Mrs. Thayne. "I think it is very old for I never saw another like it."
Mrs. Thayne examined the trinket carefully. It was hand-made, of pale yellow gold, and the links, instead of being round, were rectangular, yet so fastened in a series of three as to produce the effect of a round cable.
"It is an awkward thing to use," said Estelle, "because sometimes those links get turned and it is very difficult to work them into place."
Mrs. Thayne looked up, a curiously intent expression on her face.
"Estelle," she said abruptly, "have you any relatives in America?"