"We have been rather anxious about dear Leo," said Sue, with a tender glance towards the shrinking figure in the background.
"Indeed? There is a good deal of influenza about;" replied Maud carelessly. Before anyone could rejoin she changed the subject. "They tell us the weather look-out is favourable, and we ought to have a good passage." She never once looked at Leo, nor spoke to her.
And she rose to go as soon as decency permitted. But though a good deal was said about future home-comings, and Val declared that he for one would never rest till he was back in Old England again, there was a general feeling that the impending separation would prove if not absolutely final, at least of long duration. Maud was evidently longing to be off. Her voice as she hurried to the door was sharp and impatient. She could scarcely wait for Val to make his adieux properly, and sprang into the hansom while he was still in the hall.
Then she leaned forward and beckoned, and Leo ran out. Leo was yearning for one little word, one kind look to prove her dreadful fears unfounded, but, "It was not you I wanted," said Maud, rearing her chin; "send my husband to me."
She turned her face aside, and Leonore, like Paul, cried within herself, "She knows".
CHAPTER XVIII.
"A TURN OF THE WHEEL."
"Hoots, it's in the blood," said Dr. Craig, briefly.
An old friend had come to visit him, and started the topic which had ceased to be a nine days' wonder in the neighbourhood.