But it was exactly the opposite of the connection suspected by Mrs.Gallilee.The telegram had prevented Carmina from leaving the house.
Mrs.Gallilee paved the way for the necessary investigation, by making a few common-place inquiries.

How had Carmina passed the night?
Had the maid taken care of her at breakfast-time?
Was there anything that her aunt could do for her?
Carmina replied with a reluctance which she was unable to conceal.

Mrs.Gallilee passed over the cold reception accorded to her without remark, and pointed with a bland smile to the telegram.
"No bad news, I hope ?" Carmina handed the telegram silently to her aunt.

The change of circumstances which the arrival of the message had produced, made concealment superfluous.

Mrs.Gallilee opened the telegram, keeping her suspicions in reserve.