"I shall act as I think best. If this case has been reopened--as I judge from your words, it has been--why was I not informed?
"I refer you to papa," said Ruth, coldly. "And, after all," she added, "I do not see what you have to do with it, Aunt Inez."
"More than you think," replied Mrs. Marshall, tightening her thin lips.
Then Ruth did a very foolish thing--a thing she repented of for many a long day after. "What about Job?" she asked. "Does he also take an interest in the case?"
Mrs. Marshall sprang forward in the most dramatic fashion, and seized her niece by the arm. "You have been asking him questions," she said.
"And what if I have?" cried the girl, twisting herself away. "Anyone has a right to ask questions, I suppose? But he told me nothing."
"He had nothing to tell."
"In that case you need not look so fiercely at me, aunt."
Mrs. Marshall realised how indiscreet was her demeanour.
"Don't trouble about me, child," she said, with a forced laugh. "I have done nothing to be ashamed of."