"Oh, assuredly, dear." And Edith rose, looking very much hurt. "Of course, if I'm not needed—"
At this her father scowled again. Why couldn't Deborah show her sister a little consideration?
"What is it?" he demanded.
"Suppose we go into the study," she said.
He followed her there and shut the door.
"Well?" he asked, from his big leather chair. Deborah had remained standing.
"I've got some bad news," she began.
"What is it?" he snapped. "School burnt down?" Savagely he bit off a cigar.
"I've just had a talk with Harold," she told him. He shot a glance of surprise and dismay.