"I thought I heard him telephoning a few minutes ago," added Lily. "Look over the banisters, dear, and see if he's still there."
"He is," said Stephanie, not stirring.
"Telephoning all this time? Is he talking to somebody in town?"
"I believe so."
Lily suddenly looked up. Stephanie was quietly examining some recently laundered clothing for the children.
"To whom is Louis talking; do you happen to know?" asked Lily abruptly.
Stephanie's serious gaze encountered hers.
"Does that concern us, Lily?"
After a while, as Mrs. Collis sat in silence working her ivory needles, a tear or two fell silently upon the little white wool garment on her lap.
And presently Stephanie went over and touched her forehead with gentle lips; but Lily did not look up—could not—and her fingers and ivory needles flew the faster.