"I think so," Betty replied slowly. "About the letter, Mrs. Atterbury; it makes no difference who offers it to me in this instance, I am to accept it without question?"
"Certainly. There will be no difficulty about that. There is the car, now. Remember, Betty, the fourth pew."
The girl nodded reassuringly and started upon her way. To her relief, there had been no sign of either of the house guests that morning and it was with freer breath that she found herself departing even for an hour from their vicinity. The gloom and apprehension which enveloped her and insensibly sapped her nerves in the environment of mystery and repression within the house, lifted as soon as she was beyond the gates, although a little frown gathered upon her brow.
Beneath the lamp-post stood the same idly-lounging figure she had seen on the day of her unexpected encounter with Herbert Ross, and he peered keenly into the limousine as it whirled by, making no attempt to cloak his eager interest. Whatever the motive of his protracted vigil, his presence alone indicated that it had not yet borne result, yet it served as a goad to her own secret intent.
A short, shrill whistle sounded upon the air as the car rounded the corner, but Betty was only subconsciously aware of it, so preoccupied was she with her own thoughts. Since the night of her encounter with Wolvert in the library and Mrs. Atterbury's adroitly conveyed command that she indulge in no future nocturnal wanderings, she had not ventured to leave her room in the small hours, but now the realization came to her that if she were not to be forestalled she must risk all.
The car took its place in the decorous line and Betty alighted before the doors of the imposing edifice, mingling with the brilliant stream which eddied about the vestibule. The measured chant of the processional welled forth when the inner door was opened and the girl waited until the others had preceded her to their places before venturing into the nave.
A tall, tow-haired usher, very young and very self-important, bowed stiffly and turned to conduct her down the aisle, when she touched his arm and whispered:
"The fourth pew on the right, please, if it is vacant. I have a particular reason for wishing to occupy that seat."
Betty fancied that his expression changed; it was patent, at any rate, that he regarded her curiously, although he responded with ready courtesy:
"Certainly, madam. The rear pews are all reserved for strangers."