Mrs. Baxendale had quite ceased to smile. When any puzzling matter occupied her thought she always frowned very low; at present her frown indicated anxiety.
'What reason have you to think she was in London, Beatrice?'
'Only her being here now.'
Beatrice said it with a show of pleasant artfulness, holding her head aside a little and smiling into her aunt's eyes. Mrs. Baxendale relaxed her frown and looked away.
'Have you seen her lately?' Beatrice continued.
'I have not soon her for years.'
'Ah! But you have corresponded with her?'
'At very long intervals.'
Before Beatrice spoke again, her aunt resumed.
'Don't lay traps for me, my dear. Suppose you explain at once your interest in Emily Hood's whereabouts.'