She lingered by the window, nervously bending and rolling her letter, which she did not seem to think of opening.

After a glance or two of discreet curiosity, Mrs.Mumford left the room.

Daily duties called for attention, and she was not at all inclined to talk further with Louise.

The girl, as soon as she found herself alone, broke Mr.
Cobb's envelope, which contained four sides of bold handwriting--not a long letter, but, as usual, vigorously worded.

'Dear Miss Derrick,' he wrote, 'I haven't been in a hurry to reply to your last, as it seemed to me that you were in one of your touchy moods when you sent it.