‘Yes, my dear, and for myself too. You shall have it before bed-time.’
Aunt Jane had followed Dolores to her own room the girl, who was sitting on her bed, dazed, regretted that she had not bolted her door, as her aunt entered with the words, ‘Oh, Dolores, I am very sorry I could not have thought you would so have abused the confidence that was placed in you.’
To this Dolores did not answer. To her mind she was the person ill-used by the prohibition of correspondence, but she could not say so. Every one was falling on her; but Aunt Jane’s questions could not well help being answered.
‘What will your father think of if?’
‘He never forbade me to write to Uncle Alfred’ said Dolores.
‘Because he never thought of your doing such a thing. Did he give you this cheque?’
‘Yes.’
‘For yourself?’
‘N-n-o. But it was the same.’
‘What do you mean by that?’