Gertrude did not look happy. She did not sit down. Instead she hastily declared that she was not hungry, and left the room.
Serena stared after her.
“Was she crying, Daniel?” she asked. “She looked as if she was just going to. Ever since she came in from her walk she has been so downcast and sad. She won't talk and she hasn't smiled once. Daniel, has she said anything to you? Do you know what ails her?”
The captain shook his head.
“She and I had a little talk out in the store,” he admitted. “I shouldn't wonder if she was thinkin' about—about—”
“About John, do you mean?”
“Maybe so.”
“Did she talk with you about HIM? She won't let me mention his name. Daniel, I feel SO bad about that. I'm afraid I was to blame, somehow. If we hadn't gone to Scarford—if ... Daniel, I'm going to her.”
She rose. Her husband laid a hand on her arm.
“Sit down, Serena,” he urged. “Sit down.”