"I should suggest that we hold our talk anywhere but at Mrs. Carew's
house, since she is liable to be the chief subject of our conversation."
"Now?"
"Now, more than ever. Her share in the child's disappearance was not
eliminated or affected in any way by the destruction of her footprints."
"I will go back to the house; I will see him in my own room," Mrs.
Ocumpaugh suddenly announced to her greatly disturbed companion. "Mr.
Trevitt will follow in a few minutes. I must have time to think--to
compose myself--to decide--"
She was evidently thinking aloud. Anxious to save her from any
self-betrayal, I hastily interrupted her, saying quietly:
"I will be at your boudoir door in a half-hour from now. I myself have
something to think of in the interim."
"Be careful!" It was Miss Porter who stopped to utter this word in my
ear. "Be very careful, I entreat. Her heart-strings are strained almost
to breaking."
I answered with a look. She could not be more conscious of this than I
was.