"I do not know. At any rate he will bear watching. I think he is about to ask for a more important command."
Stephen then told her of his adventures, relating to her wholly and candidly the details of his suspicions, together with his plan for the future. Throughout it all she listened with attention, so much interested that she was scarce aware that they were crossing the wide road before her own home. Her eyes had been about her everywhere as they walked, yet they had failed to perceive anything.
"Won't you come in?" she asked. "You are almost a stranger here now."
"I would like to more than I can tell you; but truly I have business before me which is pressing. Pardon me just once more, please."
"Mother would be pleased to see you, you know," she insisted.
"I should like, indeed, to see your mother. I shall stop to see her, just to inquire for her."
"Will you come when this terrible business is completed?"
"Gladly. Let us say,—next week. Perhaps you might be pleased to come canoeing with me for the space of an afternoon?"
"I should be delighted. Next week?"
"Yes. Next week. I shall let you know."