Miss Van Patten started. Barnes waited relentlessly.
“I—I don’t know,” faltered Aunt Philomela.
Still he waited. Miss Van Patten started to interpose but he checked her with a glance. The silence grew oppressive.
“You have no right,” squirmed Aunt Philomela.
“Exactly,” he interposed. “You alone have the right.”
“Then,” she snapped. “I suppose we must.”
“I think it’s the only way,” he agreed quietly.
Miss Van Patten embraced her aunt excitedly.
“I knew you’d approve,” she cried.
“Upon compulsion,” interjected Aunt Philomela.