He turned abruptly. On the threshold of the door by which he had gone out he met Mrs. Everett.
"Where is that young woman?" she demanded.
"You seem to have frightened her," said Awdrey. "You had better not go to her now, she was half-fainting, but I think the fresh air has put her right again."
His face looked cool and composed.
"Fainting or not," said Mrs. Everett, "I must see her, for I have something to say to her. The fact is, I don't mind telling you, Mr. Awdrey, that I accepted your wife's kind invitation more with the hope of meeting that young woman than for any other reason."
Awdrey raised his brows as if in slight surprise.
"I left Mrs. Vincent outside," he repeated.
"Then pray let me pass."
"If you want my wife I'll take you to her," said Vincent's voice at that moment.
"Glad to see you again, Vincent," said Awdrey. He held out his hand to the farmer, who stepped back a pace as if he did not see it.