As she failed to explain, I asked, "Why is it not necessary?"
"Because she is not a fool," returned Sarah, indicating by her manner
that I might find her meaning if I could.
A moment's thought carried me to her conclusions, and I laughed because I
was answered and pleased, being convinced that Sarah, at least, did not
consider her sister in danger. Then I caught Sarah in my arms and kissed
her, saying:--
"A kiss! That's for wisdom, cousin!" Sarah's was a drawing personality.
"A slap! That's for impudence!" answered Sarah, suiting the action to the
word, though there was a smile in her eyes.
Later in the afternoon Frances came home radiant and offered me her cheek
to kiss. She was delighted to see me, though I noticed short lapses from
attention, which seemed to indicate preoccupation. But I had learned my
lesson from Sarah and soon came back to my belief that Frances was not a
fool, and that whatever malady her symptoms might indicate, she would
never permit it to inure her.
After talking with my uncle and my cousins a few minutes, I said: "I have
had a long ride and want a good supper Come, Frances, let us go out and
buy all the good things in Sundridge."
Sir Richard said nothing, and a faint shadow of humiliation came to
Frances's face, but practical Sarah settled the question by saying:--
"Go with him, Frances, and see that he buys enough. You know we have had
barely a crust in the house the last fortnight, and not a farthing in all
that time with which to buy one.
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