"I misunderstood your question," he faltered. "I had something else in mind."
"I don't see how you could have. I can think of nothing but the jewels and their recovery. I am so happy I had completely forgotten your breakfast. Forgive me. You shall have it right away."
"If you would allow me, I can prepare it myself. I am accustomed to doing such things."
"No, indeed. Scrambled eggs take only a few moments; and bacon. You might run up to see Mr. Heath while I am getting them ready."
"I will do that. I shall be leaving at once and he may have final orders for me, or perhaps a letter for Mrs. Heath."
"Mrs. Heath!" Marcia repeated, as if the name suddenly brought before her consciousness something hitherto forgotten. "Yes, yes! Of course!"
Then turning her head aside, she inquired with studied carelessness:
"How long, I wonder, does Mr. Heath plan to remain in Wilton?"
"I think," hurried on the woman, "that as soon as he is able to make the journey he would better go home. This climate is--is--damp and he will, perhaps, pick up faster away from the sea. If you have any influence with him, won't you please advise it?"
"I have no influence with Mr. Heath," replied he. "Mrs. Heath has, however. Shall I tell her?"
An hour later _My Unknown Lady_ weighed anchor and on the breast of the high tide, rounded the Point and disappeared out to sea, carrying with her Currier and the jewels.
Marcia watched until the last snowy ripple foaming in her wake had disappeared. When the infinitesimal, bobbing craft was no longer visible, she sank into a chair and brushed her hand across her eyes.
The lips which but a short time before had curled into smiles were now set and determined.
"And that's the end of that foolishness!" she muttered. "The end!"
In spite of Elisha's indignation toward Stanley Heath, and his resolve to go to the Homestead with the break of dawn, it was noon before he and Eleazer got under way.
In the first place, the two men disagreed as to the proper method of arresting the alleged criminal.
"You can't take him on no warrant, 'Lish," Eleazer objected, "'cause you ain't actually got proof he's guilty."
"Proof? Ain't I got a clear case? Ain't I roundin' him up with the loot on him?" blustered Elisha.
