Vance looked resolutely at Miss Spear. Her eyes wavered, as if trying to escape from him; then they bathed him in a fluid caress. The caress poured over him, enveloping, persuading. The words were on his lips: "But after we left the library your brother went back to it alone—while he was there I heard a window opened … or thought I did… ." Thought you did? But only thought, her smile whispered back, silencing him. How can you suggest (it said) … and anyhow, what use would it be? Don't you see that I can't let you touch my brother? Vance felt himself subdued and mastered… . He couldn't hurt her … he couldn't. He had the sense of being shut in with her in a hidden circle of understanding and connivance.

"Of course a burglar broke in somehow and stole the books," he heard her begin again with renewed energy. "Come, Cousin Tom; why should we stay any longer? It's just upsetting you… . This is a job for the police."

She held out her hand to Vance. "I'm sorry—but I had to ask you to come."

He said of course she had to … he understood; but the only thing he really understood was that she had bound him fast in a net of unspoken pledges. As they reached the door she turned back. "We'll see you again soon—at Eaglewood? Promise… ."

But he had given her his last promise. "I don't know. I'm going to New York… . Maybe I'll have to go back home… ."

Mr. Lorburn had descended the steps and was walking unsteadily along the drive. Miss Spear looked at Vance. "Yes, go," she said quickly, "but come back someday." Her face was sunned over with relief; for a moment she reminded him of the girl of the mountaintop. "Don't forget me," she said, and pressed his hand. She unlocked the gate and sprang into the car after Mr. Lorburn. Vance watched them drive away. Then he walked slowly down the lane without once looking back at the old house. He felt sick at heart, diminished and ashamed, as he had at Crampton the day he had seen his grandfather prowling by the river.

Chapter 3