“Right-oh!—we’ll go and get the ponies, Jack!” They raced off together.
Dr. Firth looked keenly at us both.
“I must say that neither of you look as fresh as you might,” he observed. “I suppose you have been worrying over this wretched robbery. You did not sit up on guard, did you?”
“Oh no!” Mrs. McNab replied hastily. “Harry suggested doing so, but it seemed foolish and he gave up the idea. I am really not at all alarmed about The Towers—we are such a large party, with several active young men: a thief would meet with a warm reception here.”
“I think so, too. Still, if you should feel in the least nervous I would send one of my men over here at night.”
This well-meant suggestion caused us both acute anxiety. The very last thing we desired was a guardian for The Towers at night. Mrs. McNab was so emphatic in declining the proposal that Dr. Firth looked at her curiously.
“Well—just as you please. But if you are not worried, I should like to see you looking rather more like yourself. Is the work going badly?”
Poor Mrs. McNab leaped at the suggestion.
“Very badly,” she said, with a wintry smile. “There are so many interruptions—so much to think of throughout the day. I never can expect really free time during the holidays; although Miss Earle does everything in her power to spare me, and never spares herself.” She patted my hand. “I do not know how much magic is in your jewels, Dr. Firth, but my good fairy was certainly at work when she sent me this kind girl.”
Dr. Firth beamed on us.