This conversation did not make it easier for me to go back to the starting-point of our acquaintance; but the moment came when I did it.
CHAPTER XVI
I did not, however, do it that spring, since the event that compelled me at last to the step took up all my attention.
It was toward the end of April that I received a telegram signed by my sister’s name:
“Mother seriously ill. Wants to see you. Come at once.”
In spite of my alarm at this summons I saw the opportunity of putting up a good front before my relatives. Taking Lovey with me as valet, and stopping at the best hotel, I presented the appearance of a successful man.
Though anxiety on my mother’s account made my return a matter of secondary interest, I could see the surprise and relief my apparent prosperity created. My brothers had been expecting one of whom they would have to be ashamed. Furthermore, they had not been too confident as to my attitude with regard to my father’s will. Looking for me to contest it, they had suspected that behind my acquiescence lay a ruse. When they saw that there was none, that I made no complaint, that I seemed to have plenty of money, that I traveled with a servant, that I had the air of a man of means—a curious note of wonder and respect stole into their manner toward me. I know that in private they were saying to each other that they couldn’t make me out; and I gave them no help in doing so.