A residence in the sty is
apt to leave a stain which I have not found on him, though I have
looked for it."
The eyes of the two women met, and, though nothing more was said, each
realized that the other was perplexed by the same question, while the
girl was astonished to find her vague suspicions shared. While they
sat silent, Colonel Barrington came in.
"I am glad to see you looking so much better, Maud," he said, with a
trace of embarrassment. "Courthorne is still resting. Now, I can't
help feeling that we have been a trifle more distant than was needful
with him. The man has really behaved very discreetly. I mean in
everything."
This was a great admission, and Miss Barrington smiled. "Did it hurt
you very much to tell us that?" she asked.
The Colonel laughed. "I know what you mean, and if you put me on my
mettle, I'll retract. After all, it was no great credit to him,
because blood will tell, and he is, of course, a Courthorne."
Almost without her intention, Maud Barrington's eyes wandered towards
the photograph, and then looking up she met those of her aunt, and once
more saw the thought that troubled her in them.
"The Courthorne blood is responsible for a good deal more than
discretion," said Miss Barrington, who went out quietly.
Her brother appeared a trifle perplexed. "Now, I fancied your aunt had
taken him under her wing, and when I was about to suggest that,
considering the connection between the families, we might ask him over
to dinner occasionally, she goes away," he said.
Pages:
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155