and turned back.

'I didn't think this kind of thing was in your way,' he said
gruffly. 'I thought you were above it.'

Nancy defended herself as she had done to Jessica, but without the
playfulness. In listening, her father seemed to weigh the merits of
the case conscientiously with wrinkled brows. At length he spoke.

'Horace is no good. But if Samuel Barmby will go with you, I make no
objection.'

A movement of annoyance was Nancy's first reply. She drummed with
her fingers on the table, looking fixedly before her.

'I certainly can't ask Mr. Barmby to come with us,' she said, with an
effort at self-control.

'Well, you needn't. I'll speak about it myself.'

He waited, and again it chanced that their eyes met. Nancy, on the
point of speaking, checked herself. A full minute passed, and
Stephen stood waiting patiently.

'If you insist upon it,' said Nancy, rising from her chair, 'we will
take Mr. Barmby with us.'

Without comment, Mr. Lord left the room, and his own door closed
rather loudly behind him.