Dolly’s heart sank within her. She had not noticed the captain as she entered. With an effort she summoned one of her saucy smiles.
“Good-even, Mr. Robbins—this is an unexpected pleasure! You have not been here for so long—why, not since yesterday!�
“Come and entertain me, since I please you so much,� laughed the captain.
“No,� said Dolly, “it would not be proper to show it. I prefer to talk to Betty.�
“And I prefer you should talk to me,� said the captain, and there was a note in his voice that startled Dolly. She imagined that she was suspected. The color had come back to her face now, and her eyes were blazing. Somehow—how, she had not the least idea—she must warn John to-night. To-morrow would be too late, for the captain was on his guard.
She leaned back in a corner of the big settle, with a saucy laugh answered his teasing, and gradually regained control of herself. Yet all her will could not keep the color from flying to her face when she heard John’s step. She bent down and played with the kitten at her feet.
“Miss Dolly was desiring your presence, Mr. Thurlow,� said the captain.
“Oh,� said Dolly carelessly, “never mind, John. That was an hour ago.�
Thurlow smiled good-humoredly at her, knowing her to be whimsical. She sat wondering how she could get the message to him. Write it? Even could she do so unobserved she would have no opportunity to give it to him; of that she was certain. Equally sure was she that she would not be allowed to leave the room alone.
Suddenly a thought came to her and filled her with glee. “Oh, Mr. Robbins!� she cried. “Have you ever seen our courting-stick?�