Dot leaned upon the stair-rail, waiting for her, and eventually Fletcher drew Adela’s attention to the fact.

Adela laughed.  “Oh, that’s just her way, my dear Fletcher.  Some women were born to wait.  Dot does it better than anyone I know.”

It was at that moment that Warden came quietly up the passage from the billiard-room, moving with the lightness of well-knit muscles, and checked himself at sight of Fletcher.

“I should like a word with you—­when you have time,” he said.

Adela swooped upon him with effusion.  “Mr. Warden!  Your play is simply astounding.  Allow me to congratulate you!”

“Please don’t!” said Warden.  “I played atrociously.”

She laughed at him archly.  “That’s just your modesty.  You’re plainly a champion.  Now, when are you going to let Mr. Hill show us that wonderful mine?  We are dying to see it, aren’t we, Dot?”

“The mine!” Warden turned sharply to Hill.  “You’re not going to take anyone over that—­surely!  Not in person—­anyhow!  What, sir?” He looked hard at Hill, who said nothing.  “Then you must be mad!”

“He isn’t obliged to go in person,” smiled Adela.  “I am sure you are big enough to take care of us single-handed.  Dot and I are not in the least nervous.  Will you take us alone if we promise not to tease the animals?”

Warden’s eyes flashed a sudden glance upwards to the girl who still stood silently leaning upon the rail.  It was almost like an appeal.

As if involuntarily she spoke.  “What is the danger?”

Hill turned to her.  “There is no danger,” he said, curtly.  “If you wish to go, I will take you to-morrow.”

Warden made a brief gesture as of one who submits to the inevitable, and turned away.

Fletcher held out his hand to Adela with finality.  “Good-night,” he said.

“Are you really going to take us to-morrow?” she said.

“Yes,” said Fletcher.

She beamed upon him.  “What time shall we be ready?”

He did not refer to Dot.  “At five o’clock,” he said.  “I shall be busy at the court all day.  I will come and fetch you.”

He shook hands with Dot, and his face softened.  “Good-night,” he said. 
“Go to bed quickly!  You’re very tired.”

She gave him a fleeting smile, and turned to go.  She was tired to the soul.

Adela caught her by the arm as they ascended the stairs.  “You little quiet mouse, what’s the matter?  Aren’t you enjoying the adventure?”

Dot’s face was sombre.  “I think I am too tired to enjoy anything to-night,” she said.

“Tired!  And no work to do!  Why, what has come to you?” Adela surveyed her with laughing criticism.

“Let’s go to bed!” said Dot.  “I’ll tell you when we get there.”

Something in tone or words stirred Adela.  She refrained from further bantering and gave her mind to speedy preparations for bed.

Then, as at last they were about to separate, she put a warm arm about the girl and held her close.  “What is it?  Aren’t you happy?” she said.