“We've come about Derek,” John said.
“Yes,” broke in Stanley. “For goodness' sake, Kirsteen, don't let's have any more of this! Just think what would have happened yesterday if that poor fellow hadn't providentially gone off the hooks!”
“Providentially!”
“Well, it was. You see to what lengths Derek was prepared to go. Hang it all! We shouldn't have been exactly proud of a felon in the family.”
Frances Freeland, who had been lacing and unlacing her fingers, suddenly fixed her eyes on Kirsteen.
“I don't understand very well, darling, but I am sure that whatever dear John says will be wise and right. You must remember that he is the eldest and has a great deal of experience.”
Kirsteen bent her head. If there was irony in the gesture, it was not perceived by Frances Freeland.
“It can't be right for dear Derek, or any gentleman, to go against the law of the land or be mixed up with wrong-doing in any way. I haven't said anything, but I HAVE felt it very much. Because—it's all been not quite nice, has it?”
Nedda saw her father wince. Then Stanley broke in again:
“Now that the whole thing's done with, do, for Heaven's sake, let's have a little peace!”