"Do you think it is an enemy?" asked Mrs. Morley.
Anne nodded.
"And an enemy that knows something about my father's life," she said emphatically, "else why was mention made about the Scarlet Cross?
But I'll learn the truth somehow, even if I have to employ a detective."
"You had much better leave the matter alone and get another situation, Miss Denham," said Morley sagely. "We will probably hear no more of this, and when you go the matter will fade from Daisy's mind.
I'll send her away to the seaside for a week, and have the doctor to see her."
"Dr. Tait shall see her at once," said Mrs. Morley, with more vigor than was usual with her. "But about your going, Miss Denham, I am truly sorry.
You have been a good friend to me, and the dear children do you credit.
I hope we shall see you again."
"When Daisy is married, not before," replied Anne firmly; "but I will keep you advised of my address."
After some further conversation on this point the two women left the library.
Daisy had shut herself in her room, and thither went Mrs. Morley.
She managed to sooth the girl, and gave her a sedative which calmed her nerves.
When Daisy woke from sleep somewhere about five she expressed herself sorry for her foolish chatter, but still entertained a dread and a hatred of Anne.
The governess wisely kept out of the way and made her preparations for departure.
As yet the children were not told that they were to lose her.
Knowing what their lamentations would be like, Mrs. Morley wisely determined to postpone that information till the eleventh hour.
There was to be a midnight service at the parish church in honor of the New Year, and Anne determined to go.
She wanted all the spiritual help possible in her present state of perplexity.
The unhappy love that existed between her and Giles, the enmity of Daisy, the anxiety of the anonymous letter—these things worried her not a little.
She received permission from Mrs. Morley to go to the midnight service.
"But be careful Daisy does not see you," said she anxiously.
"Is Daisy going also?"
"Yes.
Giles is coming to take her in his motor-car."
"I hope she will say nothing to him about the letter."
"I'll see to that.
She is much quieter and recognizes how foolish she has been.
It will be all right."
Morley was much upset by the state of affairs.
But a few days before and life had been all plain sailing, now there was little else but trouble and confusion.
His ruddy face was pale, and he had a careworn expression.
For the most part of the day he remained in his library and saw no one.
Towards the evening he asked his wife not to bring the triplets to the library as usual, as he had to see some one on business.
Who it was he refused to say, and Mrs. Morley, having no curiosity, did not press the question.
After dinner the visitor arrived—a tall man muffled in a great-coat against the cold, and wearing a thick white scarf round his throat.
He was shown into the library and remained with Mr. Morley till after nine.
About that time Anne found occasion to go into the library in search of a book.
She had not heard the prohibition of Morley, and did not hesitate to enter without knocking, supposing that no one was within.
Meantime Daisy dressed herself very carefully in expectation of Ware's arrival.
He was to take her for a ride in his motor before Church, and then they were to go to the service together.
There was plenty of snow on the ground, but the nights were always bright with moonlight.
Daisy had a fancy for a moonlight ride, and Giles was willing to humor her.
She expected him about ten, and descended shortly after nine to watch for him from the drawing-room window.
Outside it was almost as light as day, and the white sheet of snow threw back a reflection of the moonlight.
Daisy gazed eagerly down the avenue, where the leafless trees rocked in the cutting wind.
Unexpectedly she saw a tall man come round the corner of the house and walk swiftly down the avenue.
She knew from Mrs. Morley that there was a visitor in the library, and wondered why he had elected to leave by the window, as he must have done to come round the house in this way.
Being curious, she thought she would tell Mr. Morley of what she had seen, and went in search of him.
At the door of the library she had just laid her hand on the handle when it suddenly opened, and Anne came out.