The words were repeated very quietly, but there was that in the well-known voice, so close at hand, that seemed to Claire to shake the world. In an instant she was upon her feet, gazing up speechless, into Francis Ronald's baffling eyes.
"You are kind to every one," he said, "but for me you have only a sting, and yet—I love you."
* * * * *
Martha was still busy wrestling with the pyramid of dishes left over from the feast, when at last Claire came in alone.
"Did you get a chance to compose yourself, an' quiet down some under the stars?" inquired Mrs. Slawson. "It's been a noisy day, with lots doin'. I don't wonder you're so tired—your cheeks is fairly blazin' with it, an' your eyes are shinin' like lit lamps."
"You knew—you knew he was here!" said Claire accusingly.
"He? Who? O, you mean Mr. Ronald? Didn't I think to tell you, he come up along with Mr. Blennerhasset? I been so flustrated with all the unexpected surprises of the day, it musta slipped my mind."
"I've seen Mr. Ronald!" Claire said." I've spoken with him!"
"Now, what do you think o' that! Wonders never cease!"
"Do you know what I did?"