He spoke weakly, but in a clear voice and a most imperative manner. He took his hand off Caroline’s shoulder. If he were to deal with this, so grave and critical a situation, he must do it without feminine support. By a great effort he held himself resolutely erect, repeating his command.
“Send her to me.”
“No,” said Caroline faintly, just as Mrs. Varney reëntered the room.
“What is it?” asked the mother.
“He wants to see Edith,” returned the girl.
“Not now, Wilfred,” persisted Mrs. Varney; “you are weak and ill, and Edith——”
“Tell her to come here, I must see her at once,” repeated Wilfred.
Mrs. Varney instantly divined the reason. Caroline had told him about the telegraph office, but she could see no advantage to be gained by the interview he sought.
“It won’t do you any good, Wilfred,” she said. “She won’t speak a word to anybody about it.”
“I don’t want her to speak to me,” returned the boy grimly; “I am going to speak to her.”