“Why did she not say so?” said Mrs Fortescue, “it was careless of her.”
“N-no,” replied Leila hesitatingly, “you and Auntie were out, and—well she did tell us to speak of it to you, but—”
“She told you, not me. I’d nothing to do with it,” exclaimed Christabel rather rudely, “and you forgot. But there wasn’t anything to tell. He was only cross over his sums, and cried like a baby.”
Mrs Fortescue seemed far from pleased.
“Jasper’s being cross about anything,” she said coldly, “certainly points to his being ill. I cannot understand neither of you speaking of it to me.”
And it was just then that Roland came in. Mr Fortescue had already left—unusually early that morning, as there was a pressure of work at his office.
“He’s coming—I just caught him,” said Roland, as he drew in his chair.
“You have been quick, dear,” said his mother. “It is a great relief. How soon do you think he will come?”
Leila and Chrissie turned to their aunt.
“Where has Roland been?” they asked. “What is he talking about?”