"You may believe that, Mr. Ostrander." Young Ostrander bowed.
"I have no doubt of the fact," he assured her, with an unsuccessful effort to keep his trouble out of his voice. "But as my father allows me some explanation, I shall be very glad to hear what has happened here to occasion my imperative recall."
"Do you not read the papers, Mr. Ostrander?"
"I have not looked at one since I started upon my return."
Mr. Black glanced at Deborah, who was slipping away. Then he made a move towards the parlour.
"If you will come in and sit down, Mr. Ostrander, I'll tell you what you have every right to know."
But when they found themselves alone together, Oliver's manner altered.
"One moment," said he, before Mr. Black could speak. "I should like to ask you first of all, if Miss Scoville is better. When I left you both so suddenly at Tempest Lodge, she was not well. I—"
"She is quite recovered, Mr. Ostrander."
"And is here?"