"Yes."
"Why didn't he come in and take breakfast with us?"
"I didn't ask him."
"You didn't? Nell Lamar, I'm ashamed of your rude behavior to that man! If he treats you henceforward with the coldest politeness, I am sure it will be no more than you deserve."
A curious smile trembled about the corners of Nell's lips for an instant, then was gone.
"Flora has passed the crisis," she remarked, "and the doctor says will get well if she has proper care."
"Oh, I am glad!"
"Can you take my place for to-day? He wouldn't let me stay, and her mother would kill her with the fretting and worrying."
"No wonder he wouldn't let you stay. You look wretchedly tired. Yes; I'll go over presently. You'd better eat your breakfast at once and go directly to bed."
"I will," Nell answered with unaccustomed meekness, and proceeded to redeem her promise without delay.