"I don't think she dislikes me. She has a very kind heart, but she has been ill and finds it a little difficult to be always nice. You must not blame her."
"But I do blame her. Why did you have her?"
"I knew it would make Luke happier. You see she was all alone in rooms in Trowsby."
"I can't see why Luke should be made happy at your expense."
"But you must remember that before I arrived on the scene she had Luke to herself. She is devoted to him, and must have missed him dreadfully when we left Trowsby."
"Well it seems to me that my next move will have to be to tackle her, as my words take such effect. But look there's Luke. Why is he tearing down the drive on his bicycle at such a rate?"
"There's a fire in the village," he shouted, and was gone before there was time to ask questions.
Both girls rose.
"Yes, I smell the smoke," said Gwen. "It comes from the bottom of the hill. I shall run down and see it."
Rachel stood looking in the direction of the fire and had just made up her mind to follow Gwen slowly, when Mrs. Greville appeared.