Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/446

Rh judgments in that way … she had never known a mind so free from the spell of the Lamiæ.

Some one knocked, and she put aside the book and rose to her feet. It was a maid bringing a note from Wyant.

“There has been a motor accident beyond Clifton, and I have been sent for. I think I can safely be away for two or three hours, but ring me up at Clifton if you want me. Miss Mace has instructions, and Garford’s assistant will be down at seven.”

She looked at the clock: it was just three, the hour at which she was to relieve Miss Mace. She smoothed the hair from her forehead, straightened her cap, tied on the apron she had laid aside.…

As she entered Bessy’s sitting-room the nurse came out, memoranda in hand. The two moved to the window for a moment’s conference, and as the wintry light fell on Miss Mace’s face, Justine saw that it was white with fatigue.

“You’re ill!” she exclaimed.

The nurse shook her head. “N o—but it’s awful … this afternoon.… Her glance turned to the sick-room.

“Go and rest—I’ll stay till bedtime,” Justine said.

“Miss SaFFord’s down with another headache.”

“I know: it doesn’t matter. I’m quite fresh.” [ 430 ]