“I thought it best to leave Ward with Granny and Father,” Nina said, in vague explanation, going straight to Blondin, who rose, dusty and weary, but with a solicitous manner that was infinitely soothing.

“I hoped you wouldn’t mind just seeing me,” he said in a low tone.  “I’m not quite family, and yet I felt myself nearer than all the neighbours and friends, eh?”

“I shan’t see any one for ages,” Nina murmured, plaintively, “but you—­you’re different.”

“And shall we talk about her sometimes?” Royal pursued, still close to her, and holding both her hands.  “As she was, beautiful and sweet and good.  For who are you and I, Little Girl, to judge what passion—­what love will do with human hearts?”

“Yes, I know!” Nina, who never could keep pace with him, said mournfully.

Harriet could hear the undertones, and imagine what they said.  She felt extremely uneasy.  If this unforeseen calamity had lifted her suddenly in the family estimation, it would appear to be drawing Royal Blondin closer as well.

His manner, she had grudgingly to admit, was perfection.  When Richard and Ward joined them a few moments later, he expressed himself with manly brevity to the older man.  He realized, said Blondin simply, that he was absolutely de trop; he had merely imagined, as “the lad” had imagined, that the sudden summons from camp meant illness or ordinary emergency, or he would not have intruded at this time.  He would not express a sympathy that must sound extremely airy to the stricken family.  And now, if they would lend him Hansen, he would go over to the club—–­

“Nonsense!” Ward said.  “You’re all dirty and tired and hungry, and so am I. We’ll clean up, and then we’ll have something to eat first!  Miss Harriet’ll look out for us.”

“And I’d like to see you for a moment in the library, Miss Field,” Richard said, rather wearily.  He had been obviously displeased at seeing the stranger, but Blondin’s manner would have won a harder heart than his.  “I want something sent to the papers,” Richard explained, in an undertone.

Ah—­they all wanted her, and needed her!  How quick, and how efficient, and how self-effacing Harriet was, as she went about the business of making them all comfortable!  She and Nina talked with the young men while they demolished the cold roast and drank cup after cup of coffee.  Then Blondin selected several books, and went upstairs, and Harriet and Nina disappeared in their own rooms; but Ward came downstairs again, and he and his father settled in the library for a talk.

They talked deep into the night, Harriet knew, for she herself was sleepless, and she could see from the upper balcony that a stream of golden light was pouring across the brilliant flowers beneath the library windows.