Page:Restless Earth.djvu/191

One of the letters slipped from her fingers and fell upon the floor with a slap. It was heavy and limp with water.

She stooped to recover it, and paused as she saw that the envelope had burst at the seams. She bent lower and read the printed words at the top of the disclosed sheet:

She lifted the sodden missive silently, glancing cautiously at the bed to see if her action were observed. Her immediate recollection of Grace’s blindness shamed her, and she flushed uncomfortably.

Grace, sensing a subtle change in Patricia’s attitude, spoke with timid apprehension.

“What is the matter?”

Patricia started. It was almost as if Grace had seen her slipping the letter into the pocket of her apron.

“Nothing,” she answered hurriedly. “Nothing, dear.”

“I thought you looked at me rather strangely, Pat.”

“Nonsense, Grace,” replied Patricia, forcing a laugh. “You mustn’t imagine things. Another cup of tea?”

“I haven’t finished this one yet.”

They chatted upon the fairness of the day, the possibility of growing asters in the plot near the breakfast-room window, the Easter holidays—a number of subjects which did not include those nearest to their thoughts—and Patricia remained uncomfortably aware of the letter in her pocket and an intention to deceive the blind woman.

“I wonder where Jimmy is?” asked Grace at last, no longer able to hold back her secret thought. “Do you think he will have received your letter?”

Patricia moved to the bed.

“He will come, my dear,” she answered consolingly. “You must not worry so much———”