The sensitive sympathies of Iris interpreted that look.

She prettily touched her cheek, inviting the nurse to kiss her.

At this act of kindness the poor old woman broke down; she apologised quaintly for her tears: "Think, Miss, how _I_ must remember that happy time--when _you_ have not forgotten it." Shown into the parlour, the first object which the visitor noticed was the letter that she had written to Arthur lying unopened on the table.
"Then he is really out of the house ?" she said with a feeling of relief.
He had been away from the farm for a week or more.

Had he received a warning from some other quarter?
and had he wisely sought refuge in flight?
The amazement in the housekeeper's face, when she heard these questions, pleaded for a word of explanation.

Iris acknowledged without reserve the motives which had suggested her journey, and asked eagerly if she had been mistaken in assuming that Arthur was in danger of assassination.
Mrs.Lewson shook her head.