“She is one of Mother's dearest friends, and any friend of Mother's should be good enough for me.”
The captain choked. “You—you talk to her, Serena,” he stammered; “I can't.”
Serena looked more troubled than ever.
“Gertie,” she faltered, “if Mrs. Lake has been advising you—to—to—”
“She hasn't advised me at all. Now, Mother, what IS the use of all this? If I have learned anything from you and your Chapter friends it is to be broad-minded and independent. If Mrs. Lake is not a living example of independence, who is?”
Serena could not seem to find an answer at the moment. Her husband tried again.
“Gertie Dott,” he declared, “I—I don't know what to make of you, all at once. And John Doane wouldn't either. If John knew—”
Gertrude interrupted. “That's enough, Daddy,” she said, firmly. “I am quite willing John shall know; when I am ready I shall tell him. He is a dear, good fellow, in his way, but—”
She hesitated. Her parents asked a question in concert.
“But what?” they demanded.