And that thought was so plainly in his frank face and eyes as he sprang to his feet that it brought a slight rise of color to her own cheek.
"I saw you climbing up here as I passed in the coach a few minutes ago," she said, with a smile, "and as soon as I had shaken the dust off I followed you." "Where's Kitty ?" he stammered.
The color faded from her face as it had come, and a shade of something like reproach crept into her dark eyes.

And whatever it had been her purpose to say, or however carefully she might have prepared herself for this interview, she was evidently taken aback by the sudden directness of the inquiry.

Barker saw this as quickly, and as quickly referred it to his own rudeness.

His whole soul rushed in apology to his face as he said, "Oh, forgive me! I was anxious about Kitty; indeed, I had thought of coming again to Boomville, for you've heard the news, of course?
Van Loo is a defaulter, and has run away with the poor child's money." Mrs.Horncastle had heard the news at the hotel.

She paused a moment to collect herself, and then said slowly and tentatively, with a watchful intensity in her eyes, "Mrs.Barker went, I think, to the Divide"-- But she was instantly interrupted by the eager Barker.