It seemed to her that Ethne had spoken her "yes" with much more of suspense than eagerness; her attitude as she leaned forward at the window had been almost one of apprehension; and though Mrs.Adair was not quite sure, she fancied that she detected relief when the cab passed by the house and did not stop.

"I wonder why you didn't go to the station and meet Colonel Durrance ?" she asked slowly.
The answer came promptly enough.
"He might have thought that I had come because I looked upon him as rather helpless, and I don't wish him to think that.

He has his servant with him." Ethne looked again out of the window, and once or twice she made a movement as if she was about to speak and then thought silence the better part.

Finally, however, she made up her mind.
"You remember the telegram I showed to you ?" "From Lieutenant Calder, saying that Colonel Durrance had gone blind ?" "Yes.

I want you to promise never to mention it.