Joan stood awkwardly beside the bed; she wanted to do something, to say something; a lump rose in her throat, but her eyes remained dry. She moved towards the door. Elizabeth watched her go, but at that moment she was conscious of nothing but pain and was thankful that Joan went when she did. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 1 MRS. OGDEN had been waiting at the dining-room window and ran to open the front door as Joan came down the street. The girl looked worn out and dispirited; she walked slowly and her head was slightly bowed as she pushed open the gate. Mrs. Ogden, who had heard from Milly of the accident, had not intended to remonstrate at Joan's prolonged absence. On the contrary, while she had been waiting anxiously for her daughter's return, she had been planning the manner in which she would welcome her, fold her in her arms; poor child, it was such a dreadful thing for her to have seen! As the time dragged on and Joan did not come a thousand fears had beset her. Had Joan perhaps been burnt too? Had she fainted? What had happened, and why had Elizabeth not let her know? Milly's account had been vague and unsatisfactory; she had rushed home in a panic of fear and was now in bed. Her sudden and dramatic appearance had upset the colonel, and he too had by now retired to his room, so that Mrs. Ogden, who had longed to go and ascertain for herself the true state of affairs, had been compelled to remain in the house, a prey to anxiety. At the sight of her daughter safe and sound, however, she temporarily lapsed from tenderness. The reaction was irresistible; she felt angry with Joan, she could have shaken her. "Well, really!" she began irritably, "this is a nice time to come home; I must say you might have let me know where you were." Joan sighed and pushed past her gently. "I'm so sorry," she said, "but you see there was so much to do. Oh, I forgot, you haven't heard." She paused. "Milly has told me; at least, she has told me something; the child's been terrified. I do think Elizabeth must be quite mad to have allowed either of you to see such a horrible thing." "Elizabeth put out the fire," said Joan dully. "Elizabeth put out the fire? What _do_ you mean?" "She wrapped the woman in her coat and her hands got burnt." "Her hands got burnt? Where is she now, then?" "At home in bed; I've just come from her." "Is _that_ where you've been all these hours? I see, you've been home with Elizabeth, and you never let me know!" "I couldn't, Mother, there was no one to send." "Then why didn't you come yourself? You must have known that I'd be crazy with anxiety!"