"And do you know what it is?"
"Yes, miss; I know what it is, and so does Mr. Allen. It was a knowledge of that past which sent him up to London. Since he returned we have talked over the matter, and we have both concluded that it is best to hold our tongues. But if Mr. Joad knows the secret, and you rebuff him, he may not be wise enough to keep silent."
"I am glad to hear you say so!" cried Dora with animation. "Since I can learn the secret from no one else, I'll see if a rebuff cannot loosen Mr. Joad's tongue."
"If you are wise, you will let well alone," warned Mrs. Tice, feeling that she had said too much.
Dora crossed the room, and stood with her hands behind her back, looking indignantly at the old woman.
"Upon my word, it is a shame!" she said in a low voice. "I am apparently surrounded by pitfalls on all sides, yet no one will tell me how to avoid them."
"If you remain quiet, you won't fall into them," replied Mrs. Tice with a nod.
"Quiet!" cried Dora, frowning. "Good heavens! how can I remain quiet when I see my life falling into ruins? No, no, no!" She stamped her foot defiantly. "I must act, I must inquire, I must know what all these mysteries mean!"
"You will never arrive at that knowledge, Miss Carew."
"I'm not so sure of that, Mrs. Tice. Remember your hint about that Joad creature. I'll wring it out of him, if I can't out of anyone else. Mrs. Tice"--Dora flung herself on her knees before the housekeeper--"did you know Mr. Edermont before he came to the Red House?"