"Is it you, Maurice?" she said. "Is mamma there?"
"Yes, and no," he answered; "Mrs. Costello is just gone in."
"How is Mr. Leigh? I have not seen him to-day."
"No; I have been at home most of the day."
"Is he worse then?" she said, alarmed.
"He is not quite so well, but nothing serious. Are you tired?"
"No, not at all. Something is the matter, Maurice. I can hear it in your voice."
"Nothing is the matter, I assure you. Something unexpected has happened, but only to my father and me, and I want to talk to you about it. That is all."
"Something unexpected? What?"
"Come down to the river side; it is quiet there and cool."