Miss Stuart meanwhile was content to keep Farr at her side, despite the fact that he was a most morose and taciturn companion. She knew wherein lay her advantage, and although the knowledge was not flattering to her self-pride, it did not prevent her from making the best of her opportunities. It was galling to her that Jean had the power to make him so miserable, but the trouble between them served her purpose very well for the present. As she talked to him pleasantly, she did not seem to notice that his replies were monosyllabic, and that he watched Jean's every movement with gloomy eyes. She was a clever woman, with a rare gift of conversation, and ere long her tactful efforts were rewarded, and Farr, roused from his abstraction, shook himself out of his ill-humor. In the course of the day he made one or two attempts at a reconciliation with Jean, but as both she and Miss Stuart had concentrated their energies to prevent his accomplishing his purpose, he failed signally.
As day followed day, the breach between Jean and her lover was not healed, and no hand was stretched forth to stay its ever-widening limits.
"Lillian!"
Miss Stuart laid down her book, and looked expectantly up at Helen.
"I have a suggestion to make for this afternoon. How would you like to drive over to Crescent Beach to call on Mrs. Maynard?"
"I agree to the drive," replied Miss Stuart, stifling a yawn, "but why must we call on that stupid woman? She always bores me to death."
There was a ring of annoyance in Helen's voice as she answered:
"Oh, it is not at all necessary for you to go with me. One of my sisters would be delighted to do so."
"So much the better, my dear," said Miss Stuart indifferently, as she picked up her book and resumed her reading.