You cannot know her very well, Mr. Tavernake, but she
is not very wise, that young lady. She is very obstinate, and
she has some strange ideas. It is not well for her that she
should be left in the world alone. You must see that for
yourself, Mr. Tavernake."
"She seems a very sensible young lady," he declared slowly. "I
should have thought that she would have been old enough to know
for herself what she wanted and what was best for her."
The woman at his side wrung her hands with a little gesture of
despair.
"Oh, why can't I make you understand!" she exclaimed, the emotion
once more quivering in her tone. "How can I--how can I possibly
make you believe me? Listen. Something has happened of which
she does not know--something terrible. It is absolutely
necessary, in her own interests as well as mine, that I see her,
and that very shortly."
"I shall tell her exactly what you say," Tavernake answered
apparently unmoved. "Perhaps it would be as well now if we went
on to view the sleeping apartments."
"Never mind about the sleeping apartments!" she cried quickly.
"You must do more than tell her. You can't believe that I want
to bring harm upon any one. Do I look like it? Have I the
appearance of a person of evil disposition? You can be that
young lady's best friend, Mr. Tavernake, if you will. Take me to
her now, this minute. Believe me, if you do that, you will never
regret it as long as you live."
Tavernake studied the pattern of the parquet floor for several
moments.
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