"Lafe," interrupted his sister quietly, "will you go and see how
Annette is? I fear she stayed too long in the sun."
"I demand a father's right——"
"Yes, yes. Please do as I suggest. I am sure Annette is wanting you."
Alone, Mrs. Livingstone turned and faced Roger. Though she stood as hard and motionless as adamant, the jet pendants in her ears trembled and twinkled. And Payne, as he saw the hard lines about her mouth, lines of fear, struggle, determination, felt sorry for her.
"What did you say to Annette?"
"Not one word," replied Roger.
"What did she say to you?"
"That is a secret."
"Why did she leave you—as she did?"
"That is another secret—and she's the only one who knows it."