The next day Miss Stanbury again came out of her room, and on the third day she was manifestly becoming stronger. Dorothy had as yet not spoken of her letter, but was prepared to do so as soon as she thought that a fitting opportunity had come. She had a word or two to say for herself; but she must not again subject herself to being told that she was taking her will of her aunt because her aunt was too ill to defend herself. But on the third day Miss Stanbury herself asked the question. "Have you written anything to Brooke?" she asked.
"I have answered his letter, Aunt Stanbury."
"And what have you said to him?"
"I have told him that you disapproved of it, and that nothing more must be said about it."
"Yes;—of course you made me out to be an ogre."
"I don't know what you mean by that, aunt. I am sure that I told him the truth."
"May I see the letter?"
"It has gone."
"But you have kept a copy," said Miss Stanbury.
"Yes; I have got a copy," replied Dorothy; "but I would rather not shew it. I told him just what I tell you."