“I think, sir, that if you would come at once with me to Mrs. Falconer she would explain everything to your satisfaction.”
“Very well, then, I will do so, for I am very much puzzled over all this. Will you come with me in my carriage, Mr. Laurens?”
“I shall be glad of a seat with you, sir, as it will enable us to reach Mrs. Falconer sooner.”
“Come, then!” And they entered the carriage, where they found Phebe in a fever of curiosity.
“Would it be advisable to take my wife’s maid?” the colonel then asked; and Willie, remembering that Pansy would need a nurse, and that his mother would have her hands full in caring for Alice, replied in the affirmative.
He then gave the address to the driver, and in a very short time they arrived at their destination.
“Perhaps you had better leave the maid in the carriage,” suggested Willie, and Colonel Falconer readily acquiesced, thinking that Pansy would be ready to accompany him home in a few minutes.
During the drive to Mr. Finley’s house he had come to the conclusion that Pansy’s warm sympathies had been enlisted by some charitable object for which she wished to secure his pity and aid. For this laudable purpose she had doubtless delayed starting on her trip, thinking that to-morrow would do as well.
“But Juliette and the Wyldes will have already gone,” he thought. “No matter; Mrs. Wylde can chaperon Juliette until Pansy goes.”
But his complacent feelings were soon dissipated, for, as they went upstairs, Willie Laurens said reluctantly: