Rosamond's little face grew pink.
'I'd rather——' she began, 'rather not——' and then again she hesitated. 'It's a sort of a secret.'
'Well, you might as well tell us about it,' said Justin. Rosamond looked distressed.
'I think it's not fair of you to tease her, Justin,' said Archie indignantly. 'You don't like people prying into your secrets, I know that,' and Justin looked a little ashamed of himself, while Miss Mouse gave Archie's hand a grateful squeeze.
They had been walking fast all this time as well as talking, and they were now within sight of the cottage, but no Bob was to be seen, and when they came nearer they saw to their surprise that the door was shut, and the usually open window closed also.
'Where can they be?' said Justin, stopping short in front of the hut. 'I told Bob we'd be passing about now, and he said he'd be sure to be back. I wonder if the old woman knows?' and he was preparing to knock at the door when Pat stopped him.
'It's no good, Jus,' he said, 'there's no one there. I know how it is, it's Saturday morning, and Nance has gone to buy her marketings for the week. You see we never come by on Saturdays, so we've not noticed it before.'
'It's too bad of Bob,' said Justin, falling back. 'I'll come home this way, for I must see him to-day.'
'You can come by yourself then,' said Pat. 'I wish to goodness I hadn't given you my money. You worry one's life out when you take a thing in your head.'
Justin was about to make an angry reply, pretty sure to be followed by a quarrel, when Rosamond interposed.