Olga
herself looked on the point of collapse; she was haggard with fear;
she trembled and wept. In spite of her deep concern and sympathy,
Irene's more courageous temper reproved this weakness, wondered at
it as unworthy of a grown woman.
"Did Mr. Otway come?" she asked, as soon as It was possible to
converse.
"Yes. He was a long time in mother's room, and just before he left
her your father came."
"They met?"
"No. Uncle seemed angry when I told him. He said, 'Get rid of him at
once!' I suppose he dislikes him because of his brother. It's very
unjust."
Irene kept silence.
"He came down--and we talked. I am so glad to have any friend near
me! I told him how uncle felt. Of course he will not come again
----"
"Why not? This is _your_ house, not my father's!"
"But poor mother couldn't see him now--wouldn't know him. I
promised to send him news frequently. I'm going to telegraph this
morning."
"Of course," said Irene, with emphasis. "He must understand that
_you_ have no such feeling----"
"Oh, he knows that! He knows I am grateful to him--very grateful
----"
She broke down again, and sobbed. Irene, without speaking, put her
arms around the girl and kissed her cheek.
Dr. Derwent and his daughter met again at luncheon. Afterwards,
Irene followed into the library.
"I wish to ask you something, father. When you and Arnold spoke
about this hateful thing, did you tell him, unmistakably, that aunt
was slandered?"
"I told him that I myself had no doubt of it.
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