Imogene had been startled by a note in Lee's answer to her bantering question that she never before had heard him use.

Though his words were uttered lightly, there nevertheless was a hard ring to them, a grate, as if his teeth were on edge.

Something had happened.

Ruth had driven during the afternoon to see him and returned exceedingly put out.

If anything had occurred, Imogene hoped it was--well, one certain thing.
When Bryant brought her home that evening, he went with her into her cabin.