She looked worn and anxious. When she shook hands with the
old lawyer the charming smile that he remembered so well was gone.
"Don't say you have seen me," she whispered. "I am not to come into the
room till my aunt sends for me. Tell me two things before I run away
again. How is Lady Lydiard? And have you discovered the thief?"
"Lady Lydiard was well when I last saw her; and we have not yet
succeeded in discovering the thief." Having answered the questions in
those terms, Mr. Troy decided on cautioning Isabel on the subject of
the steward while he had the chance. "One question on my side," he said,
holding her back from the door by the arm. "Do you expect Moody to visit
you here?"
"I am _sure_ he will visit me," Isabel answered warmly. "He has promised
to come here at my request. I never knew what a kind heart Robert Moody
had till this misfortune fell on me. My aunt, who is not easily taken
with strangers, respects and admires him. I can't tell you how good he
was to me on the journey here--and how kindly, how nobly, he spoke to
me when we parted." She paused, and turned her head away. The tears were
rising in her eyes. "In my situation," she said faintly, "kindness is
very keenly felt. Don't notice me, Mr. Troy."
The lawyer waited a moment to let her recover herself.
"I agree entirely, my dear, in your opinion of Moody," he said. "At the
same time, I think it right to warn you that his zeal in your service
may possibly outrun his discretion.
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