She waited until Constance and Shepherd had found reading matter and were settled before the fireplace, and then with the remark that she wanted to fix her hair, went upstairs; and after closing a door noisily to allay suspicions, went cautiously down the back stairs to the telephone in the butler’s pantry. Satisfying herself by a glance through the window that her father was still at the stables, she called Thomas’s number and explained her inability to go to the Burtons’ where they had planned to meet. Happy to hear his voice, she talked quite as freely as though speaking to him face to face, and his replies over the wire soothed and comforted her.... “No, dear; there’d only be a row if you asked father now. You’ll have to take my word for that, Freddy.” “I’m not so sure of that--if he knows you love me!” “Of course I love you, Freddy!” “Then let us be married and end all this bother. You’re of age; there’s nothing to prevent us. I’d a lot rather have it out with your father now. I know I can convince him that I’m respectable and able to take care of you. I’ve got the record of the divorce case; there’s nothing in it I’m ashamed of.” “That’s all right enough; but the very mention of it would make him furious. We’ve talked of this a hundred times, Freddy, and I’m not going to let you make that mistake. We’re going to wait a little longer!” “You won’t go back on me?” “Never, Freddy!” “You might meet someone on the trip you’d like better. I’m going to be terribly nervous about you!” “Then you don’t trust me! If you don’t trust me you don’t love me!” “Don’t be so foolish. I’m mad about you. And I’m sick of all this sneaking round for a chance to see you!” “Be sensible, dear; it’s just as hard for me as it is for you. And people _are_ talking!” In her absorption she had forgotten the importance of secrecy and the danger of being overheard. The swing doors had creaked several times, but she had attributed this to suction from an open window in the kitchen. Constance and Shepherd would wonder at her absence; the talk must not be prolonged. “I’ve got to go!” she added hurriedly. “Say you care--that you’re not just putting me off----” “I love you, Freddy! Please be patient. Remember, I love you with all my heart! Yes, always!” As she hung up the receiver she turned round to face her father. He had entered the house through the kitchen and might or might not have heard part of her dialogue with Thomas. But she was instantly aware that her last words, in the tense, lover-like tone in which she had spoken them, were enough to convict her. “Hello, Dada! How’s the live stock?” she asked with poorly feigned carelessness as she hung the receiver on the hook. Mills, his overcoat flung over his arm, his hat pushed back from his forehead, eyed her with a cold stare. “Why are you telephoning here?” he demanded. “No reasons. I didn’t want to disturb Connie and Shep. They’re reading in the living-room.”