"Mother?" said Sue.
Hattie and her father gravitated toward each other in mutual sympathy.
Then joined forces in a defensive stand behind Sue.
"Now, you'll catch it, Miss Susan!" promised Mrs. Balcome. "Here's someone who'll know how to attend to you!"
"My dear friend," answered Sue, "since early yesterday afternoon, here's a person that's been calling her soul her own."
"Susan!"—the cry was nearer, and sharp.
With elaborate calmness, Sue took up the Kewpie, seated herself, and prepared to look as independent and indifferent as possible.
"Susan!—Oh, help!"
It brought Sue to her feet. There was terror in the cry, and wild appeal.
The next moment, white-faced, and walking unsteadily, Mrs. Milo came from the drawing-room. "Oh, help me!" she begged. "I didn't tell her anything! I didn't! I didn't! How could she find us! That terrible woman!" She made weakly to the stone bench that was nearest, and sat—as Tottie followed her into sight and halted in the doorway, leaning carelessly.