He nodded again. "Be careful! She's coming. Here's Robin!"
Robin came in, wagging his tail and smiling, and behind him came Dot. She moved slowly, as if dispirited. Jack's quick eyes instantly detected the fact that she had been shedding tears.
"You're too late, little 'un," he said, with kindly cheeriness. "The work is all done."
She looked from him to Adela. "I'm sorry I'm late," she said. "I'm afraid I forgot about supper."
"Oh, you're in love!" joked Adela. "You'll forget to come in at all one of these days."
The girl gave her a swift look, but said nothing, passing through with a weary step on her way to her own room.
Robin followed her closely, as one in her confidence; and Jack laid a quiet hand on his wife's arm.
"Don't laugh at her!" he said.
She stared at him. "Good gracious, Jack! What's the matter? I didn't mean anything."
"I know you didn't. But this thing is serious. If Fletcher Hill comes to-night, I believe she'll have him—that is, if she's let alone. But she won't if you twit her with it. It's touch and go."