“’Tain’t the minister. It’s Reliance Clark.”
“What!... Humph! How did she get here? I’ve been watching the front gate.”
“She never come in that gate. Come across lots, I cal’late. She’s at the side door. I told her I wan’t sure that you could talk to her now.”
“Who is with her?”
“Eh? Why, nobody’s with her. She’s all alone. Kind of funny, her comin’, ain’t it?”
Townsend frowned. Alone? What might that mean?
“Bring her in here,” he ordered. “Light that lamp on the table. It’s getting dark.”
Nabby lighted the student lamp and hurried out. A moment later she ushered Reliance into the library.
“Good afternoon, Foster,” said Reliance, pleasantly. Townsend nodded. Then he turned to the housekeeper.
“You needn’t wait, Nabby,” he said. “You better go out in the kitchen. Yes, and shut the door after you.”