Bernard smiled.
“What on earth did you two find to talk about?” he demanded.
“Well, I like that! We talked about ourselves, of course! Or rather,” Ethel laughed, “about me! I told her all about being unhappy at home and running away and who my parents were. She knew some Cuddys out near Riverhead but I told her where mine lived and that they couldn’t be the same ones. But she thought they might be relatives and wrote down the address. She was so sweet and sympathetic. She understood why I ran away!” Ethel directed a demure and mischievous glance at Bernard.
“I’m an old fool,” smiled Bernard contritely. It was evident that he had taken a great fancy to Ethel Graham.
“Not a bit of it!” she cried. “I just hoped you—wouldn’t jump to conclusions without understanding!”
“Look here,” he said, “we won’t keep you from your walk a minute longer than we have to. But I would like a word with your husband first—just a word, eh? Will you tell him?”
“Of course.” Ethel jumped to her feet and made for the billiard-room.
When her back was turned, Landis and Bernard exchanged glances.
“Cuddy again!” murmured Landis, as soon as she was out of hearing. “This is getting interesting. Wonder where he fits into this jig-saw puzzle!”