Mr. Lorimer, however, looked over her head as if she did not exist, and addressed Avery.
"Mrs. Denys, be so good as to spare me two minutes in the study!" he said with extreme formality.
"Certainly," Avery made quiet reply. "I will come to you before I go back to Mrs. Lorimer."
He raised his brows slightly, as if he had expected a more prompt compliance with his request. And then his eyes fell upon Gracie, clinging fast to Avery's hand.
"Grace," he said, in his clear, definite tones, "come here!"
The child gave a great start and shrank against Avery's shoulder. "Oh no!" she whispered. "No!"
"Come here!" repeated Mr. Lorimer.
He extended his hand, but Gracie only shrank further away. She was trembling violently, so violently that Avery felt impelled to pass a sustaining arm around her.
"Come, my child!" said the Vicar, the majestic composure of his features gradually yielding to a look of dawning severity.
"Go, dear!" whispered Avery.