"Come in then."
"No--not to-night."
"You won't tell me!--"
"There is nothing I can tell you--Maybe there'll be nothing to tell--Run in, run in, and keep quiet."
Fleda hurried back to the house, feeling that she had gone to the limit of risk already. Not daring to show herself to Hugh in her chilled state of body and mind she went into the kitchen.
"Why what on earth's come over you?" was Barby's terrified ejaculation when she saw her.
"I have been out and got myself cold--"
"Cold!" said Barby,--"you're looking dreadful! What on earth ails you, Fleda?"
"Don't ask me, Barby," said Fleda hiding her face in her hands and shivering,--"I made myself very cold just now--Aunt Lucy doesn't feel very well and I got frightened," she added presently.
"What's the matter with her?"