"He fears, probably, to occasion you uneasiness."
"An unnecessary precaution: I am of elastic materials, not soon crushed; he ought to know that: but the man is proud: he has his faults, say what you will, Lina. Observe how engaged that group appear: they do not know we are watching them."
"If we keep on the alert, Shirley, we shall perhaps find the clue to their secret."
"There will be some unusual movements ere long—perhaps to-morrow—possibly to-night. But my eyes and ears are wide open: Mr. Moore, you shall be under surveillance. Be you vigilant also, Lina."
"I will: Robert is going, I saw him turn—I believe he noticed us—they are shaking hands."
"Shaking hands, with emphasis," added Shirley; "as if they were ratifying some solemn league and covenant."
They saw Robert quit the group, pass through a gate, and disappear.
"And he has not bid us good-bye," murmured Caroline.
Scarcely had the words escaped her lips, when she tried by a smile to deny the confession of disappointment they seemed to imply. An unbidden suffusion for one moment both softened and brightened her eyes.
"Oh, that is soon remedied!" exclaimed Shirley. "We'll make him bid us good-bye."
