There was a silence.
“Could we possibly have a little supper?” asked Lexy politely.
“Yes, indeed you can!” said Mrs. Royce. “Right away!” But still she lingered. “Mrs. Quelton’s brother!” she said. “Well, I never!”
Then she tore herself away, leaving Lexy and Captain Grey alone in the parlor.
“Seems to bother her,” he said. “I wonder why!”
Lexy was also wondering, and longing to ask questions, but she felt that it wouldn’t be good manners.
“People in small places like this are always awfully curious,” she observed.
“Yes,” said he; “and Muriel may be a bit eccentric, you know. I rather imagine she is, from her letters. I’ve never seen her.”
“Never seen your own sister!”
Lexy would certainly have asked questions now, manners or no manners, only that Mrs. Royce entered the room again, to fulfill her promise to make a “nice wood fire.” Amazing, the difference it made in the room! The ugliness and stiffness vanished in the ruddy glow. It seemed a delightful room, now, homely and welcoming and safe.