"Because of her quarrel? Because she was ashamed of her part
in it?"

"Oh, no. There was nothing for her to be ashamed of. But
the Farlows had found the place for her, and she didn't want
them to know how suddenly she'd had to leave, and how badly
Mrs. Murrett had behaved. She was in a terrible plight--the
woman had even kept back her month's salary. She knew the
Farlows would be awfully upset, and she wanted more time to
prepare them."

Darrow heard himself speak as though the words had proceeded
from other lips. His explanation sounded plausible enough,
and he half-fancied Anna's look grew lighter. She waited a
moment, as though to be sure he had no more to add; then she
said: "But the Farlows DID know; they told me all about
it when they sent her to me."

He flushed as if she had laid a deliberate trap for him.
"They may know NOW; they didn't then----"

"That's no reason for her continuing now to make a mystery
of having met you."

"It's the only reason I can give you."

"Then I'll go and ask her for one myself." She turned and
took a few steps toward the door.