“What’s the matter?” demanded Kate sharply. Then she looked around at her sister, who had moved away from the table.
Bill laughed again in his inconsequent fashion.
“Matter?” he cried. “Nothin’s the matter, only—only——. Say, did you ever have folks get on your nerves?”
“Plenty in Rocky Springs,” said Kate bitterly.
Bill nodded.
“That’s it. Say, I’ve just remembered I’ve got an appointment that was never made with somebody who don’t exist. I’m going to keep it.”
Helen laughed, and clapped her hands.
“Say, that’s really funny. And I’ve just remembered something I’d never forgotten, that’s too late to do anyway. Come on, Bill, let’s go and see about these things, and,” she added slyly, “leave Kate to settle Fyles—by herself.”
“Helen!”
But Kate’s remonstrance fell upon empty air. The lovers had fled through the open doorway, and out the back way. Nor had she time to call them back, for, at that moment, Fyles’s horse drew up at the front door, and she heard the officer leap out of the saddle.