“Why, Charley, you here!” cried Tom. “Stop, I know; you need not say a word.”
“You know?”
“Yes. How long have you been on the continent? Stop, you need not answer. Ever since my sister eloped.”
The young man bowed his head.
“And you’ve been after her all the time.”
Melton bowed again.
“Then it was doosed good of you, Charley; but I don’t see what we are to do, old man. It’s very horrible for all of us, but I can’t see what is to be done. I came out with the intention of dragging her home, but if the poor girl is infatuated with the fellow our cause is lost.”
“What do you propose doing then?” said Melton, hoarsely.
“Seeing her, and letting her know that when she likes to return home there is a place for her, either there or with me. That’s all.”
“And you mean to let her stay with this—this scoundrel.”