"I--we did have an appointment with Mr. Sylvester," she admitted,
reluctantly; "but the business was not important. And," haughtily, "I do
not care to discuss it here."
The captain opened his eyes. "Hey?" he exclaimed. "Not important? You
surprise me, ma'am. I judged 'twas mighty important. 'Twas about the
real size of your father's estate, Caroline," turning to the girl. "I
thought Mrs. Dunn and Mr. Malcolm must think 'twas important, for I
understand they've been telephonin' and askin' for appointments for the
last two days. Why, yes! and they come way down here in all this storm
on purpose to talk it over with him. Am I wrong? Ain't that so, ma'am?"
It was so, and Mrs. Dunn could not well deny it. Therefore, she took
refuge in a contemptuous silence. The captain nodded.
"As to discussin' it here," he went on with bland innocence, "why, we're
all family folks, same as I said, and there ain't any secrets between us
on THAT subject. So suppose we all listen while Mr. Sylvester tells just
what he'd have told you and Mr. Malcolm. It's pretty hard to hear; but
bad news is soon told. Heave ahead, Mr. Sylvester."
Mrs. Dunn made one more attempt to avoid the crisis she saw was
approaching.
"Surely, Caroline," she said testily, "you don't wish your private
affairs treated in this public manner.
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