"Yes; I'm sorry to go at such a time, dear," replied Mrs. Belswin, with an immovable countenance, "but it is a very important matter that takes me away."
"You will be back again soon?"
"In a fortnight at the least."
"Oh, I'm glad of that," said Kaituna, with a flush; "you know I want you to help me gain papa's consent to my marriage with Archie."
Mrs. Belswin smiled bitterly as she kissed her daughter, knowing how weak was the reed upon which the girl leaned. She ask Rupert Pethram to consent to the marriage--she dare to demand a favour of the man she had wronged for the child she had forsaken! She almost laughed as she thought of the terrible irony of the situation, but, restraining herself with her usual self-command, bade the girl hope for the best.
"Your father must like Mr. Maxwell, he is such a charming young fellow," she said encouragingly, "and as you love him so dearly, Sir Rupert, for the sake of your happiness, may perhaps overlook his want of money."
"But you will speak to papa, Mrs. Belswin?"
"Yes; if I see your father on my return I will certainly speak to him."
"How strangely you talk," said Kaituna, rather puzzled; "if you come back in a fortnight you will be sure to see papa."
"Of course, dear! of course. I was only thinking that some unforeseen accident----"