"I hoped you would come," he said. "But I was half afraid——"
Alice smiled and as she turned her head the fading glow touched her face. It gave no hint of resentment or surprise.
"That I would not come?" she suggested. "After all, I really think men are more conventional than we are. But why did you not let John bring you in?"
"When I was last here, I noted a change in your father's manner. That is one reason, though there are others. Then I must go in two or three minutes."
Alice looked at him steadily and he knew that frankness was best.
"You mean you thought he had lost his confidence in you?"
"I was afraid he might find it getting strained. He seemed disturbed."
"He is disturbed," Alice said quietly. "We have heard nothing from my brother yet."
"One can sympathize with you, but I don't think you have much ground for uneasiness. Lawrence was told he must be careful, but that was all, and there's no likelihood of his health's suddenly breaking down. Then I understand he was rather irregular about writing home; he forgot now and then."
"He did forget," Alice agreed and fixed her eyes on Foster while a slight flush crept into her face. "Perhaps I had better say I do not altogether share my father's anxiety."