Page:Chipperfield--Unseen Hands.djvu/284



OR the rest of the day Odell pondered over the reluctant admission which he had dragged from the attorney and its possible significance in relation to the hint which Mrs. Gael had given him; but although he studied the members of the family with whom he came in contact he could read nothing in their expressions or speech which pointed to the slightest irrationality.

Mrs. Traymore herself arrived with her son to take Nan home with her, and after some urging the young girl consented to go. Cissie remained in her room with her aunt in constant attendance upon her; so that Odell had opportunity for only a brief talk with the older woman, but short as it was it temporarily quieted his uneasiness.

Miss Meade's face was drawn with fatigue, but her eyes shone as she told him that Cissie had confided to her the end of her sorry romance and thanked him for their deliverance from Drew's pernicious influence. As for Cissie's indisposition, she had often suffered in the same way after too great an indulgence in sweets, and would doubtless be quite recovered on the morrow.

Rannie had locked himself in his room and was unapproachable; but before he departed for the night Odell had 272