“As well as I can know anything that I have not been an eye and ear witness to. I will tell you how I unraveled the mystery when we have more time. I wish to speak to Odalite now, my dear,” said Abel Force.
And he crossed to where his daughter stood, put his arm around her waist, drew her to his heart, and said:
“Cheer up, my darling girl. You shall be as safe from all future persecution by that scoundrel as if he were in the convict settlement of Norfolk Island—where he ought to be. Try to forget all about him, my dear, and remember only how much we all love you, and how much we are anxious to do for your happiness.”
Odalite put her arms around her father’s neck, and kissed him in silence, and smiled through her tears.
Rosemary and Elva now came up, and put out their hands to welcome the travelers home.
Le came in, and almost in silence shook hands with his aunt and the two younger girls, and then took the hand of Odalite, pressed it, dropped it, and turned away to conceal his emotion.
Lastly entered the earl, leaning on the arm of his secretary.
He smilingly greeted the returning travelers, and hoped that they had had a pleasant journey.
Fortunately the announcement of dinner prevented the necessity of a reply. The earl gave his arm to his sister, smiling warmly, as he said:
“But it is you who must support me, my dear.”