"Keep yourself in hand, Craig dear."
Jean moved quickly down the hall and confronted them.
"What is this mystery?" she demanded. "Did not the servant deliver my message?"
Mrs. Van Ostade signed for her to enter the library. She passed in with a bewildered look at Atwood, who walked uncertainly to the fireplace and stood gazing down into its lifeless grate. His sister shut the door and put her back against it.
"Didn't you receive my message?" Jean again addressed Craig. "Miss Hepworth was with you, and I disliked to interrupt. There was no time for a note. I left too hurriedly."
"With whom?" The question was Julie's and was delivered like a blow.
Jean faced her.
"I went alone," she replied quietly. "Does it matter?"
Mrs. Van Ostade flung out an imperious finger.
"Read that card beside you on the desk," she directed. "'Paul Bartlett, D.D.S. Crown and bridge work a specialty,' Do you deny meeting that person to-day?"