"Nonsense, John!"
"Well, nonsense, if you like. But Chrysophrasia has been putting this ridiculous notion into your head. I believe she is in love with Paul herself."
"Oh, John!" exclaimed Mrs. Carvel, smiling at the idea.
But John rose from his chair, and indulged in a hearty laugh at the thought of Chrysophrasia's affection for Patoff. Then he stirred the fire vigorously, till the coals broke into a bright blaze.
"Annie is better," he said presently, without looking round. "You know she recognized Paul; and Griggs thought she knew him, too, when he went in with Cutter, the other night."
"Would you like me to go and see her to-day?" asked Mrs. Carvel. Her husband had already told her the news and seemed to be repeating it now out of sheer satisfaction.
"Perhaps she may know you," he answered. "Have you seen Mrs. North this morning?"
"Yes. She says Annie has not slept very well since that day."
"The meeting excited her. Better wait a day or two longer, before doing anything else. At any rate, we ought to ask Cutter before making another experiment."
"Why did you not go to the meet to-day?" asked Mrs. Carvel suddenly.