She went off and found Jim opening a drawer. "You can study your plans; I won't disturb you," she said, sitting down by the fire. "I really don't care for billiards."
He shut the drawer and leaned against a table opposite. "You were not playing billiards; you were talking to Lance. That was why I went away."
"You flatter me," said Evelyn. "But don't leave the plans. I expect they are important."
"They are important. The rain is giving us trouble, and although I began the job to occupy my leisure, I'm going to finish it because I must."
"I think I understand. I am sorry you have had bad luck in Canada."
"Thank you. How did you know?"
"Bernard told us."
"I wonder why," Jim remarked, thoughtfully. "Although it doesn't matter much, I didn't expect him to tell."
Evelyn pondered. Bernard had, no doubt, had an object, but she could solve the puzzle afterwards. She was alone with Jim, and in a few minutes the others might return.
"I was rather hurt when I found you had given Bernard your confidence and left me out," she said. "But does this reverse in Canada hit you hard?"