She looked from him to Adela. "I'm sorry I'm late," she said. "I'm afraid
I forgot about supper."

"Oh, you're in love!" joked Adela. "You'll forget to come in at all one
of these days."

The girl gave her a swift look, but said nothing, passing through with
a weary step on her way to her own room.

Robin followed her closely, as one in her confidence; and Jack laid a
quiet hand on his wife's arm.

"Don't laugh at her!" he said.

She stared at him. "Good gracious, Jack! What's the matter? I didn't mean
anything."

"I know you didn't. But this thing is serious. If Fletcher Hill comes
to-night, I believe she'll have him--that is, if she's let alone. But she
won't if you twit her with it. It's touch and go."

Jack spoke with great earnestness. It was evident that the matter was one
upon which he felt very strongly, and Adela shrugged a tolerant shoulder
and yielded to his persuasion.

"I'll be as solemn as a judge," she promised. "The affair certainly has
hung fire considerably. It would be a good thing to get it settled. But
Fletcher Hill! Well, he wouldn't be my choice!"