Sharlee, turning toward him, her chin in her white-gloved hand, looked at him earnestly.
"Do you care to have me discuss it with you?"
"Oh, yes, I have invited an expression of opinion from you."
"Then I agree with you in thinking that your father is not treating you fairly. His attitude toward you is extraordinary, to say the least of it. But of course there must be some good reason for this. Has it occurred to you that he may be in some—situation where it is not possible for him to reveal himself to you?"
"Such as what?"
"Well, I don't know—"
"Why doesn't he say so plainly in his letters then?"
"I don't know."
The young man threw out his hands with a gesture which inquired what in the mischief she was talking about then.
"Here is another thought," said Sharlee, not at all disconcerted. "Have you considered that possibly he may be doing this way—as a test?"