He would have done
it, but we persuaded him to wait and think it over for a day or two. He
did think and then decided to wait a little longer, for your sake."
"For my sake? For mine?" she passed her hand in a bewildered way across
her forehead. "Mr. Sylvester, I don't seem to understand even now. I--"
"For your sake, Caroline. Remember, at that time you were engaged to
Malcolm Dunn."
Her intent gaze wavered. She drew a long breath. "I see," she said,
slowly. "Oh... I see."
"Yes. Captain Warren is one of the best judges of character I ever met.
The Dunns did not deceive him for one moment. He was certain Malcolm
intended marrying you because of your money; for that matter, so was I.
But his was the plan entirely which showed them to you as they were. He
knew you were too honest and straightforward to believe such things of
the man to whom you were engaged if they were told you; you must see the
proof with your own eyes. And he showed it to you."
"But then," she begged, distractedly, "why couldn't he tell me after
that? I--I am so stupid, I suppose--but, Mr. Sylvester, all this
is--is--"
"He might have told you then, but he did not think it best. Caroline,
your uncle has always believed in you. Even when you sent him from your
home he did not blame you; he said you were deceived, that was all.
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