Waldstricker could feel himself growing hot to the edge of his collar. At the sight of the girl he hated, a sudden fury took possession of him.
Tess became aware that the crimson churchman was looking her over from head to foot. She flushed painfully as she realized her masculine attire and thrust one hand behind her to loosen Frederick's arm, while with the other she steadied herself against a chair. She could not force herself to speak.
Waldstricker cleared his throat.
"How long has it been considered good taste, Mr. Graves," he demanded icily, "for a man to bring his mistress into his wife's home?"
Every word was perfectly articulated. Frederick grew deathly sick and sat down quickly, making a violent gesture with his hand. He wanted to deny Waldstricker's deadly insult, but he, suddenly, had no strength. How Tess came into the house he did not know. But he did know she was not there at his instigation. He could see that Waldstricker had hurt her beyond expression, too. She was staring at his brother-in-law, silent, as if frozen by his cold contempt.
Looking from one to the other, Ebenezer went on.
"It is my painful duty to ask Miss Skinner to leave this house ... now," said he.
Frederick managed to stand up and fling one protecting arm about the pale girl.
"Not in this terrible storm, Ebbie," he got out hoarsely.
"She came in the storm," returned the elder, "and I see no reason why she can't go back in it. She seems nicely dressed for such weather."