"Mrs. Tice," said Dora that night when Joad had departed, "I am going to town to-morrow."
"Very good, Miss Carew," said the housekeeper placidly. "Will you return in the evening?"
"Probably. If I do not, I shall send you a wire. But I want you to conceal from Mr. Joad that I have gone to London."
"I shall not tell him, Miss Carew, if you do not wish him to know. But why, if I may be so bold?"
"Oh," said Dora, with a peculiar look, "I'll tell you that when I return."
"You will tell me on your return?" repeated Mrs. Tice, looking shrewdly at her companion. "I hope nothing is wrong, miss?"
"Everything is wrong. I am endeavouring to put everything right."
"That will be difficult, my dear young lady, in your present state of ignorance. You do not know all."
Dora laughed.
"I know more than you give me credit for, Mrs. Tice. Allen has told me something."