"What has come upon my children, Constance?" she asks, brokenly; "even Frank has changed for the worse."
"Poor Evan," sighs Constance, thinking of his loyal love for Sybil; and thus with her new resolve strong in her mind, she says, briefly:
"I must go to town at once, Mrs. Lamotte, and will return as soon as possible. Can you spare me without too much weight upon yourself."
Without a question, Mrs. Lamotte bids her go; and very soon she is driving swiftly toward W——, behind the splendid Lamotte horses.
Straight to Lawyer O'Meara she is whirled, and by the time she reaches the gate, she is as calm as an iceberg.
Coming down the steps is a familiar form, that of her aunt, Mrs. Aliston. Each lady seems a trifle disconcerted by this unexpected meeting; neither is inclined to explain her presence there.
Mrs. Aliston appears the more disturbed and startled of the two; she starts and flushes, guiltily, at sight of her niece.
But, Constance is intent upon her errand; she pauses long enough to inquire after her aunt's health, to report that Sybil is much the same, and Evan ill, and then she says:
"Is Mr. O'Meara at home, Aunt Honor?"
"Yes. That is, I believe so," stammers Mrs. Aliston.