She brought her eyes back to Markham with sudden resentment.
“No!” Then her voice took on its former note of terror. “It was mother. The match was burning close to her face, and there was a terrible look in her eyes. I was only a few feet from her—looking straight down on her.”
Her hold on Vance’s arm tightened, and once more her agonized gaze turned to him.
“Oh, what does it mean? I thought—I thought mother could never walk again.”
Vance ignored her anguished appeal.
“Tell me this, for it’s very important: did your mother see you?”
“I—don’t know.” Her words were scarcely audible. “I drew back and ran softly up the stairs. Then I locked myself in my room.”
Vance did not speak at once. He regarded the girl for a moment, and then gave her a slow, comforting smile.
“And I think your room is the best place for you now,” he said. “Don’t worry over what you saw; and keep what you have told us to yourself. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Certain types of paralytics have been known to walk in their sleep under the stress of shock or excitement. Anyway, we’ll arrange for the new nurse to sleep in your room to-night.” And with a friendly pat on her arm he sent her up-stairs.
After Heath had given Miss O’Brien the necessary instructions we left the house and walked toward First Avenue.