"Bah! I sniff the ogre here, auntie. 'The trail of the serpent' is over the entire house."
"I sniff the dead odor of a vile segar," retorted Mrs. Aliston. "As for the ogre—if he won't appear in person, I'll try and survive the rest."
"I am very glad you have come, Constance," said Mrs. Lamotte, entering at this moment. "We are so dull here, and Sybil has wished much to see you." And then she extended a courteous but more stately greeting to Mrs. Aliston.
"It grieves me to hear that Sybil is not so well, dear Mrs. Lamotte. Does she employ a physician?" asked Constance, presently.
"She will not have a physician called, much to my regret. The very suggestion makes her wildly nervous."
"And—she keeps her room too much. I think Frank told me."
"Yes, recently. But, Constance, go up to her; Mrs. Aliston and I will entertain each other for awhile, and then we will join you. Sybil heard you announced, and will expect you."
Thus commanded, Constance lost no time in making her way, unattended, to Sybil's room.
In the upper hall she met Frank, who started, and flushed at sight of her, and then hurried forward, with extended hand.
"Constance," he exclaimed, eagerly, "how glad I am to see you."