Before we retired, Joy went out to see the dogs, and on returning she brought in Nokomis.
"I think I'll let her sleep in my room to-night, Leah, she's got such a poor, sore head," she remarked.
Leah looked at me as if to ask my help or advice.
"Aren't you afraid that—Edna may object in the morning, if she should be there?" I asked.
Instantly her suspicions were aroused. "Object to Nokomis! Dear old Nokomis, how could she!"
Nokomis whined anxiously, stretched her forelegs and waited.
I did not know what to say. Joy knew, of course, that Edna was not particularly fond of the collies, but she had no idea of the extent of her dislike. There was, I feared, some danger if, after what had happened yesterday, Edna and Nokomis found themselves together in the same room. Still, I wished to spare Joy, as long as possible, knowledge that would, I was sure, make her extremely sad. As Leah had tacitly left it for me to decide, I said:
"Leah, can't you call Nokomis out early in the morning, before Miss Fielding awakes—in case——"
"Yes, I think it will be all right," she replied.
If Joy suspected anything definite in this quick exchange of glances she did not inquire. She turned to bid me good night, and went up-stairs, Nokomis with her.