But she was interrupted in further comment by the entrance of Eleanor. She had often been interrupted in further comment this last week by the entrance of Eleanor.
The girl had regained her color at a wonderful rate these last few days. This may have been due to the rapid recovery her father was making, or it may have been due to the return of her brother and the good news he brought of ‘The Lucky Find,’ or it may have been due to Carl, who was noticeably assiduous in his attentions. Barnes spent a great deal of time trying to make out which it was. Last night she had played duets with Carl until ten o’clock, while Barnes and Aunt Philomela sat at cards in the next room.
“Are you at liberty this morning?” inquired Barnes of Miss Van Patten.
“I don’t know what Aunty has planned for me,” she said dutifully.
“As though what I planned for anyone mattered,” exploded Aunt Philomela.
“I’m sure,” murmured Barnes, “that so far we have all of us followed your plans to the letter.”
“So far?”
“From the beginning,” nodded Barnes. “From the moment you sent me upstairs to see Mr. Van Patten.”
“I? I sent you upstairs? I’m responsible for this whole affair?”
“But for your orders I should have gone on again along the saffron road.”