"Obliged, I'm sure, sir," he said awkwardly. "You'll excuse me now, Squire, I want to get to my wife."
"Is that young woman really your wife?" demanded Mrs. Everett, in an eager voice.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then I've something very important I wish to say to her."
"I'll find out if she's well enough to see you, ma'am. Hetty is not to say too strong."
The man pushed by, elbowing his way to right and left. Mrs. Everett followed him. He quickly reached the spot where Awdrey had left Hetty. She was no longer there.
"Where is she?" asked Mrs. Everett, in an eager tone.
"I can't tell you, ma'am. She is not here."
"Do you think she has gone home?"
"That's more'n I can say. May I ask what your business is with my wife?"