“Why—why, Mother.” Evelyn regretted the words the moment she had spoken; whatever her private opinion of the extent or limitation of her step-father’s authority it should not have found expression before a servant. “Mother is the proper person for you to go to to settle that question,” she added in haste.
“Where can I find Mrs. Burnham?” asked Jones.
Evelyn paused to reflect; where had she last seen her mother?
“I think she went down into the basement,” she said uncertainly. “Or did she go to the garret?”
Jones concealed a smile behind a discreet cough. “Never mind, Miss Evelyn, I’ll keep going until I find her,” he said as he moved off.
“Wait, Jones,” and the butler halted. “Has Mr. Maynard gone out?”
“Yes, Miss, about an hour ago; anything else, Miss?”
“No, that is all, thank you,” and the servant went down stairs.
Left to herself Evelyn stared reflectively down the hall. Was Dan Maynard really leaving? He had said nothing to her at the breakfast table about going; surely he would keep his word and help—— The sound of an opening door made her look around just as Mrs. Ward stepped out of the library. At Evelyn’s call she turned with reluctance, or so it seemed to Evelyn, and approached her.
“Yes, Miss Evelyn,” she said, and stood waiting respectfully.