"Absolutely. In fact, you can trust her when you're uncertain of me. Do you understand? I can't make it too emphatic."
"I understand," I said.
It was almost time to go now, and so, while I went up-stairs to see that my things were ready, Miss Fielding and Leah got Hiawatha, fixed a collar and chain on him, and put him into the carriage, highly excited at the prospect of traveling. Leah shook my hand and looked into my eyes with gratitude.
Uncle Jerdon drove up to the front door, and I got in beside him and captured the frisky puppy, who proceeded to bite my hand playfully. It had been arranged that I was to send some one down to repair the automobile, and I permitted myself to hope that I might find in that a sufficient excuse to come back myself. So it was not altogether with a feeling of permanent parting that I finally gave my hand to Miss Fielding.
"Well, good-by, White Cat," I said, as Uncle Jerdon took up the reins.
"Good-by, Prince!" she answered, smiling.
We drove off, and, as we turned into the long lane which led to the highroad, I saw the two women standing in the sunshine, at the front door, and waved a last farewell to them. With all the sinister suggestions that had been crowding upon me, I could not bear to leave them alone. "White Cat White Cat," was still echoing in my ears.
Uncle Jerdon winked at me.
"Lord, she's as crazy as a loon, ain't she?"
"Do you think so?" I asked coldly.