“Who said I told her any such things?” he demanded in a voice that fairly made Gretel tremble.
“Ada said so; she said I told you her mother’s private affairs, but I didn’t; you know I didn’t. I only told you about myself. Oh, Percy dear, won’t you please tell them you made a mistake? Mrs. Marsh is so very angry, and Ada’s angry too.”
“Gretel,” said her brother, and he made a great effort to speak quietly, “go and put on your hat and jacket; I want you to come out with me.”
Gretel was very much surprised, but she was pleased as well. It was a great relief to know that she would not have to encounter Mrs. Marsh’s wrath just yet, and even if her brother did accuse her of telling people’s private affairs, his society was infinitely preferable to that of either Ada or the maid Annie.
“Where are we going?” she inquired, regarding her brother’s grave face, wonderingly.
“Never mind; I’ll tell you later. Run and put on your things.”
“But oughtn’t I to ask Mrs. Marsh first? She doesn’t like to have people go out without letting her know.”
“Mrs. Marsh knows all about it; I told her last night. Now hurry, like a good child; I want to get away from here as soon as possible.”
Gretel was very much puzzled. She felt sure that something unusual had happened, but what it was she had not the slightest idea. Without another word she turned, and went back to her room; put on her hat and jacket, and in less than five minutes was back at her brother’s side again. Mrs. Marsh’s door was closed, and neither she nor her daughter was to be seen. Gretel paused for a moment outside the closed door, on her way back to the parlor. She could hear the sound of low, agitated voices from within but she dared not linger for fear of making her brother more angry than he appeared to be already.
Mr. Douane was standing by the parlor table, hastily writing a note, when Gretel rejoined him.