Now, Lawrence happened to know that Stella had a cousin, a young surgeon; in fact, she had asked him about his chance of success in that part of the country. He now invited young Winlock to come down and make him a visit with a view to recommending him. He was a handsome, lively young fellow, and Lawrence liked him from the first. He and Cora got on well together, and Lawrence found the house pleasanter than he had for a long time.
Stella came back to Elmtree two or three weeks later. Kate had felt the long strain after it was over, and had stumbled and broken down. Stella quickly perceived some things about her cousin that troubled her. One morning he came on some errand, and she detained him. He was a frank fellow, and he and Stella were good friends. She made him come and sit with her. She talked to him and watched him. He took out his watch and rose to go. She stood up before him.
“Eugene,” she said, “where are you going, now?”
The tall fellow looked down at her and changed color.
“I am going to ride.”
“With Mrs. Enfield?”
“Yes,” he answered, doggedly.
She looked away slowly and then back, till their eyes met again. She spoke in a lower voice than usual, but steadily.
“What do you think of Mrs. Enfield?”