He turned abruptly. On the threshold of the door by which he had gone out he met Mrs. Everett. "Where is that young woman?" she demanded. "You seem to have frightened her," said Awdrey. "You had better not go to her now, she was half-fainting, but I think the fresh air has put her right again." His face looked cool and composed. "Fainting or not," said Mrs. Everett, "I must see her, for I have something to say to her. The fact is, I don't mind telling you, Mr. Awdrey, that I accepted your wife's kind invitation more with the hope of meeting that young woman than for any other reason." Awdrey raised his brows as if in slight surprise. "I left Mrs. Vincent outside," he repeated. "Then pray let me pass." "If you want my wife I'll take you to her," said Vincent's voice at that moment. "Glad to see you again, Vincent," said Awdrey. He held out his hand to the farmer, who stepped back a pace as if he did not see it. "Obliged, I'm sure, sir," he said awkwardly. "You'll excuse me now, Squire, I want to get to my wife." "Is that young woman really your wife?" demanded Mrs. Everett, in an eager voice. "Yes, ma'am." "Then I've something very important I wish to say to her." "I'll find out if she's well enough to see you, ma'am. Hetty is not to say too strong." The man pushed by, elbowing his way to right and left. Mrs. Everett followed him. He quickly reached the spot where Awdrey had left Hetty. She was no longer there. "Where is she?" asked Mrs. Everett, in an eager tone. "I can't tell you, ma'am. She is not here." "Do you think she has gone home?" "That's more'n I can say. May I ask what your business is with my wife?" "Your wife is in possession of a secret which I mean to find out." Vincent's face flushed an angry red. "So others think she has a secret," he muttered to himself. Aloud he said, "May I ask what yer name is, ma'am?" "My name is Mrs. Everett. I am the mother of the man who was accused of murdering Horace Frere on Salisbury Plain six years ago." "Ah," said Vincent, "it's a good way back since that 'appened; we've most forgot it now. I'm main sorry for yer, o' course, Mrs. Everett. T'were a black day for yer when your son----" "My son is innocent, my good sir, and it is my belief that your wife can help me to prove it." "No, you're on a wrong tack there," said Vincent slowly. "What can Hetty know?" "Then you won't help me?" "I say nought about that. The hour is late, and my wife ain't well. You'll excuse me now, but I must foller 'er." Vincent walked quickly away. He strode with long strides across the grass. After a time he stopped, and looked to right and left of him. There was a rustling sound in a shrub near by. Hetty stole suddenly out of the deep shadow. "Take me home, George, I've been waiting for you," she said.