Camilla started back frightened, her eyes shining through her tears.
"You must not speak of this to him—to General Bent—not yet. I must think what it is best for us to do."
"No, dear. I'll not speak of it. I'll never speak of it unless you allow me to. It is your husband's affair. He shall do what he thinks best. As for Cornelius—it is a matter for my brother—and his God——"
"He has forgotten. Perhaps it would be better if he never knew."
"Something tells me that he will learn the truth. It was written years ago. It will not come through me—because it is not my secret to tell. One thing only is certain in my mind, and that is that your husband, Jeff, must be told. It is his right."
"Yes, I know. I must go to him. It will be terrible news for him."
"Terrible?"
"I fear so. I remember his once saying that if he ever found his father he'd shoot him as he would a dog."
As Mrs. Rumsen drew back in alarm, she added quickly, "Oh, no, of course he didn't mean that. That was just Jeff's way of expressing himself."
As Camilla rose, Mrs. Rumsen sighed deeply.