The reluctance betokened some affection on Mrs. Westbury's part, he thought, though he could not divine the secret joy this new aspect had brought her. She was not desirous of sharing her right in him with anybody.
Laverne waited in a state of tremulous fear and expectation. Mrs. Westbury was quietly gracious at dinner. Afterward they retired to the library.
"Lord Wrexford came to me this afternoon when you had dismissed him," she began rather severely.
She did not mean to be too lenient with the girl.
"You have been most foolish and short-sighted," she said. "And knowing that it was your father's dearest wish, his plan for a splendid future. The money he put in Wrexford Grange was for you. He would not have risked his money merely for the young man."
"I—I couldn't have married him. Oh, you do not understand——"
"You are a little fool. I suppose that young Savedra stood in the way?"
Laverne was silent. She was glad she had her scarlet face turned away.
"You pride yourself on truthfulness and honor, yet you have been underhand and deceitful. You have carried on an intrigue with a lover while you assumed a sort of ultra conscientiousness toward Lord Wrexford——"
Laverne rose and came forward in the light. Now she was very pale, but her face wore a high, serene expression.