Volume Three—Chapter Twelve.
Aunt Marguerite Finds a Friend.
Uncle Luke met them at the garden gate, and took Madelaine’s hands in his, drawing her toward him, and kissing her brow.
“Tell me, Mr Luke,” she said quickly, “it is not true?”
“What he says is not true, Maddy,” said the old man quietly.
“But Louise?”
“Gone, my dear. Left here last night. No,” he continued, “we know nothing except what her letter says. She has good reason for what she has done, no doubt, but it is very terrible for my brother.”
Madelaine darted a triumphant look at Leslie.
“Look here, my child,” said Uncle Luke, “I am uneasy about George. Go in and see him, and if he says anything about Louie, you will side with me and take her part?”
“Do you think I could believe it of Louise?” said Madelaine, proudly.