“How did you—come home that day—and why? I didn’t expect you until the next day.”
Kate drew a deep breath.
“I came back—riding,” she said. “I came back because—because I had to.”
“Why?”
“Because of the—disaster out there.”
“You knew?”
Kate nodded.
“Pretty well everything. That is all I can tell you, dear.” Kate crossed the room, and stood beside her sister’s chair. She laid one gentle hand upon her shoulder. “Don’t ask me any more about that. It—it is like—like searing my very soul with red-hot irons. That must be my secret, and you must forgive me for keeping it from you. Ask me anything else, and I will tell you—but leave that alone. It can do nobody any good.”
Helen leaned her head on one side till her soft cheek rested caressingly upon her sister’s hand.
“Forgive me, Kate,” she said. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’ll never mention it again—never.”