“I think Kit, carried away by his boyish generosity, paid for another’s fault,” Mrs. Haigh agreed. “The important thing is, Jasper knew. When Kit resolved to start for Canada, his uncle was willing to help, and although Kit did not want his help, I doubt if he was offended. He liked the boy’s independence. In fact, Kit got his chance to vindicate himself.”
Evelyn saw a light and the blood came to her skin. Kit’s innocence and his romantic charm had not moved her mother. Only his uncle’s suppostitious plans for him had weighed. Mrs. Haigh had reckoned on his being Jasper’s heir.
“You imply he disappointed Jasper another time?”
“It is rather obvious,” Mrs. Haigh replied. “As soon as Kit arrived in Canada he joined his uncle’s antagonists. Then he gave up his appointment and went to the bridge works, where he admits he cannot make much progress. He does not state why he went, but I expect something like a repetition of his folly at the shipyard accounts for it. Well, Jasper Carson is sternly practical, and has no use for fools. He has done with Kit!”
“You want me to copy Jasper?” said Evelyn in a queer, hard voice.
“I want you to consider. That is all,” said Mrs. Haigh, and went off quietly.
Evelyn put away her clothes and gloves and sat down by the fire; she felt she did not want to go to the ball. Harry was going, and he had forced her to indicate whether she was loyal to Kit. If she sent back his present, he would know.
Then her mother’s calculating cleverness jarred. Mrs. Haigh had supported Kit because she thought him Jasper’s favorite; when she knew he was not she supported Ledward. She knew where to stop, and when she had pointed out the consequences of Kit’s folly she allowed Evelyn to finish the argument. Since Harry had the advantages Kit ought to have got, the argument was plain.
Although Evelyn knew herself shabby, the advantages weighed. She liked a noble part, and until Kit let her down she had meant to be noble. Romance called, but to follow romance one must be brave, and Evelyn knew her pluck was not very great. Besides, Harry attracted her; he was really her sort, and to some extent Kit was not. In fact, had she not known Kit——
Mechanically she picked up the leather case and pressed the spring. The jewel flashed in the light, and she knew she would hate to send it back. She would go to the ball and trust her luck.