CHAPTER XXI
AT THE GRANGER MILLS
"I really think, little Miss Robin, that you ought to go."
"Why, I should think you'd be crazy to go!"
"If I may be so bold's to remind you, the man is waiting for an answer."
Robin looked from her guardian's face to Beryl's to Harkness'.
"You're all conspiring against me, I do believe!" she cried. "I'll go if you say I ought to, but I just hate to. I don't want to meet the young people, there. And I'm dreadfully afraid of Mrs. Granger since Susy spoiled her dress."
"Mrs. Granger was one of your Aunt Mathilde's closest friends—until the death of young Christopher. Then, in the strange mood your aunt encouraged, she let the intimacy drop. I've often wondered if the Grangers did not resent that. You have an opportunity now, Robin, to restore the old terms between the two families, so that when your—aunt returns she will find the old tie awaiting her."
Robin stared, wide-eyed, at her guardian. It was the first time he had spoken of her aunt's return.
"When is my aunt coming back? Do you know I never think of her coming back? Isn't that dreadful? I know she won't like me—"