"I know him well," retorted Theodora. "I know his boys too well to believe the father so bad and merciless as you suppose him. All his enmity would be forgotten could he but believe the glad tidings which I have for him."
"Then the knowledge of this will risk all our lives."
"No; I am convinced that all will be well."
"Theodora!"
"Delay me not. My duty points clearly to that."
And before she could offer to interfere further with her resolve, Theodora was gone.
She fled like a deer.
Nor did she pause for breath until she was at the villa.
* * * * *
"Mr. Harkaway will not see anyone," said the servant.