“Why do you hate Nat Burns so? You couldn’t have told me that if you hadn’t hated him.”
Elsa looked up from her book impatiently, quite oblivious to the wound she had caused.
“Because I was very fond of that girl!” she said, and went back to the translation of the message. Suddenly she sprang to her feet with a little cry of dismay and rang the bell.
“Annette!” she cried. “Annette!” The maid rushed in, frightened, from the adjoining room.
“Tell Charles I am going to St. John’s to-morrow, and to have the carriage at the door at half-past six. Pack my steamer trunk immediately. Great guns! Why isn’t there a night boat?”
The maid flew out of the room, and Elsa, still doubtful, retranslated the message. Mrs. Tanner, taken aback by these sudden activities, rose hurriedly to go. This sudden flurry was inexplicable to her. Since the departure of the fleet Elsa had not as much as hinted leaving Freekirk Head. Now, in a moment, she was beside herself to go.
“I hope it isn’t bad news, Elsa,” she faltered.
“Well, it is, ma, it is, b-but only in a business way. A little trip will straighten it up, I think.” And she was courteous but indefatigable in hastening the departure of her guest.