Mrs. Vansittart did not emerge from her cabin until the deck was deserted. She found Mr. Traill looking for her. In a neat black dress and feather hat she was rehabilitated.
"Why didn't you show up earlier?" he asked in good-humored surprise. "The breeze on deck was first-rate. It brought the color into many a pale cheek. And the way in which the crowd let itself go was splendid. Look at these waiting thousands—quivering yet with excitement!"
"I am worn out," she said quietly; "take me to your hotel. You have engaged rooms there I suppose?"
"Of course."
"When do you purpose leaving Penzance?"
"Well—er—that is part of the explanation I promised you."
"We can talk matters over in the hotel. Where is your nephew?"
For the first time he marked her air of constraint.
"Believe me, Etta," he said hurriedly, "that what I have to tell you will come as a great surprise, but it should be a very pleasant one."
"Anything that gratifies you will be welcomed by me," she said simply. "You have not said where Charlie is."