So he repeated rapidly all he knew, and his theory with regard to Arthur, whom he wished so much to find, and of Billy’s proposition that he should go on his business to Tacoma.  For a few moments the judge seemed perplexed and undecided, for he was balancing in his mind the pros and cons for going from the people, or staying to face them.  If he stayed he might have some unpleasant things to bear and hear, for there were those who would talk, in spite of their protestations of the young man’s innocence; while to go might look like running away from the storm, with the matter unexplained.  On the whole, however, he decided that it was better to go.

‘Jerrie’s interests are safe with me,’ he said, ’and by the time you return everything will be explained; but find Mr. Tracy as soon as possible.  I am inclined to think your theory with regard to him correct.’

So it was decided that Harold should go, and the next night was appointed for him to start.  Had he known that Peterkin, and even Mrs. Tracy, were each in his or her own way insinuating that he was running from public opinion, nothing could have induced him to leave.  But he did not know it, and went about his preparations with as brave a heart as he could command under the circumstances.  Jerrie was more quiet now, though every effort on his part to learn anything from her concerning the diamonds brought on a fit of raving, when she would insist that the jewels were hers, and must be brought to her at once.

‘But you told me they were Mrs. Tracy’s,’ he said to her once.

With a cunning gleam in her eyes, she replied: 

‘So they are, or were; but oh, how little you know!’

And this was all he could get from her.

He told her he was going away, but that did not seem to affect her, and she only began to talk of Maude, who, she said, must not be harmed.

‘Have you seen her? have you seen her?’ she kept saying.

‘Not yet,’ he replied, ‘but I am going to say good-bye;’ and on the day of his departure he went to the Park House and asked if he could see Maude.

‘Of course not,’ was Mrs. Tracy’s prompt reply, when the request was taken to her.  ’No one sees her, and I certainly shall not allow him to enter her room.’

‘But, Dolly,’ Frank began, protestingly, but was cut short by the lady, who said: 

’You needn’t “Dolly” me, or try to take his part, either.  I have my opinion, and always shall.  He cannot see Maude, and you may tell him so,’ turning now to the servant who had brought Harold’s message, and who softened it as much as possible.

Harold had half expected a refusal, and was prepared for it.  Taking a card from his pocket, he wrote upon it: 

’DEAR MAUDE,—­I am going away for a few weeks, and am very sorry that I cannot see you; but your mother knows best, of course, and I must not do anything to make you worse.  I shall think of you very often, and hope to find you much better when I return.

    ‘HAROLD.’