Helbeck of Bannisdale, vol 2

Mason went away and returned.

"Of course he swears there is. You won't get Seaton to say he's mistaken in a hurry. All I know is I never heard of it."

"He must be right," said Laura obstinately. "Don't trouble about me--send a cab. Oh!"

She put her hands to her ears for an instant, as they stood by the door, as though to shut out the child's cries. Hubert looked down upon her, hesitating, his face flushed, his eyes drawn and sombre.

"Now--you'll let me take you home, Miss Laura? It'll be very late for you. I can get back to-morrow."

She looked up suddenly.

"No, no!" she said, almost stamping. "I can get home alone quite well. I want no one."

Then she caught the lad's expression--and put her hand to her brow a moment.

"Come back for me now at any rate--in an hour," she said in another voice. "Please take me to the train--of course. I must go then."

"Oh, Laura, I can't wait!" cried Polly from the stairs--"I wi