He looked up at her. "By the way," he said, "it's doubtful whether mother will see you this evening. You'd better go and ask, but I expect——"
"What's happened?"
"I may as well tell you. You're bound to hear sooner or later. Your cousin Francis is back in London. He's written a most insulting letter to your grandmother. It's upset her very much."
"Cousin Frank?"
"Yes. He's living apparently quite near here—in some cheap rooms."
May Eversley had, long before, supplied Rachel with all details as to that family scandal.
Rachel now only said: "Well, I'll go and see whether she would like me to come."
For a moment she hesitated, then turned back and flung her arms again about her uncle's neck.
"Whatever happens, Uncle John, whatever happens, we'll stick together."
"Whatever happens," he repeated, "we'll stick together."