“He is popular as a turn at a music hall is,” answered Joan. “He will be dropped as he was taken up.”
“There's something about him they like, and he represents what everybody most wants. For God's sake! Joan, don't behave like a fool this time. The case is more desperate. There is nothing else—nothing.”
“There never was,” said Joan, “and I know the desperateness of the case. How long are you going to stay here?”
“I am going to stay for some time. They are not conventional people. It can be managed very well. We are relatives.”
“Will you stay,” inquired Joan in a low voice, “until they ask you to remove yourself?”
Lady Mallowe smiled an agreeably subtle smile.
“Not quite that,” she answered. “Miss Alicia would never have the courage to suggest it. It takes courage and sophistication to do that sort of thing. Mr. Temple Barholm evidently wants us to remain. He will be willing to make as much of the relationship as we choose to let him.”
“Do you choose to let him make as much of it as will establish us here for weeks—or months?” Joan asked, her low voice shaking a little.
“That will depend entirely upon circumstances. It will, in fact, depend entirely upon you,” said Lady Mallowe, her lips setting themselves into a straight, thin line.
For an appreciable moment Joan was silent; but after it she lost her head and whirled about.