"Not that I know of," Estelle replied, surprised by the sudden question, "though I suppose it is quite possible. Grandmother's sister married a young man who went out to the colonies, somewhere near Toronto, I think. We have known nothing of them since Grandmother died and that was before I was born. I think Mother completely lost touch with Great-aunt Emma. It is easy, you know, when one belongs to a different generation and has never seen one's aunt."
"Then you don't know whether your Great-aunt Emma had children?" asked
Mrs. Thayne, twisting the odd chain reflectively between her fingers.
"Oh, yes," said Estelle. "I do happen to know that. There were two, a girl and a boy. Now I think of it, I recall that the girl married and went to the States. I do not know how one speaks of your counties, but it was not the city of New York,—perhaps New Yorkshire?"
"New York State," put in Win so abruptly that his mother jumped. To all appearances he had been completely absorbed in his painting.
"But you don't know the name of the man she married?" Mrs. Thayne asked.
"I do not," replied Estelle. "But I could find out, for it will be among Father's papers. I think he had a hazy idea of writing some time to Canada to get in touch if possible with Mother's relatives. But it was never done, and I should hesitate to do it,—especially now."
"Lest they might think you were seeking aid," Mrs. Thayne thought, with a tender appreciation of Estelle's proud independence, but she kept her inference to herself.
"Do you know whether your grandmother's sister who went to Canada also possessed a chain like this?" she asked.
"Why, yes," said Estelle, laying down her work and looking out to sea.
"I know she did. Great-grandfather Avery once bought two just alike in
Paris and gave one to each of his daughters. This came to me through
Mother."
Mrs. Thayne started to speak but caught Win's eyes fixed upon her inquiringly. Something in their expression checked the words she was about to utter.