“Do you expect me to explain them to you?”
“No,” answered Sproatly, “I’m only anxious to keep out of the thing. Gregory is a friend of mine, and, after all, he has his strong points. I should, however, like to mention that Winifred’s expression suggests that she’s thinking of something.”
Mrs. Hastings smiled. “Then I must endeavor to have a word or two with her.”
She left him with this, and not long afterwards she and Winifred went out together. When the others were retiring she detained Agatha for a minute or two in the empty room.
“Haven’t the six months Gregory gave you run out yet?” she asked.
Agatha said they had, but she spoke in a careless tone and it was evident that she had attached no particular significance to the fact that Sally had worn a new fur cap.
“He hasn’t been over to see you since.”
The girl, who admitted it, looked troubled. Mrs. Hastings laid a hand upon her shoulder.
“My dear,” she said, “if he does come you must put him off.”
“Why?” Agatha asked, in a low, strained voice.