The woman untwisted her veil, drew out the pins from her hat, and threw both upon the sofa.

Then she turned suddenly upon Mannering.
"Look here," she said, "the last twice you've been here you seem to have carefully chosen times when I am out.

I don't understand it.

It can't be that you want to see that chit of a girl of mine.

Why don't you come when I ask you?
Why do you act as though I were something to be avoided ?" Mannering rose to his feet.
"I came to-day without knowing where you were," he answered, "but I will admit that I wished to see Hester." "What for ?" "I have asked her to come and live at Blakely with my niece and myself.
She is an excellent typist, and I require a secretary." The woman looked at him angrily.