"You better return to town; a traveling man on the train said there was a good hotel. Probably Coombs has some kind of a rig we can drive down in. I 'll ask him after breakfast."
"Is it because you do not wish me with you?"
I hesitated slightly, confused by such direct questioning.
"I shall feel more free alone," I replied at last, "for I shall have only myself to guard. I am used to taking care of myself. Besides, this is likely to prove a rather unpleasant situation for a lady. You must remember I propose to fight this thing out now in the open. I am going to be Gordon Craig, and not a make-believe Philip Henley. The scene has changed, and I 'm glad of it. I feel more like a man already."
"And you conclude I can be of no help, no assistance—"
The cracked voice of Sallie came to us up the stairs, the unexpected sound startling both.
"I reckon you all better com' down an' eat."
She stood in the light of the front door watching us, and we descended the flight of steps without exchanging a word. The woman turned and walked in advance into the dining-room.
"Where is Coombs?" I asked, looking about curiously.
"He done eat already, but I reckon he 'll be 'round 'gain after a while. You all just help yerselves."