“But—but it is wonderful!”
“Yes, it is. But I have learned to think him a wonderful man.”
She shook her head.
“It is wonderful!” she repeated, brokenly. “Even though we cannot take it, it is wonderful.”
“What? Cannot take it?”
“Of course not! Do you suppose that either my brother or I will take the fortune that our father stole—yes, stole from him? After he has been living almost in poverty all these years and we in luxury—on his money? Of course we shall not take it!”
“But, Caroline, I imagine you will have to take it. I understand your feelings, but I think he will compel you to take it.”
“I shall not!” she sprang to her feet. “Of course I shall not! Never! never!”
“What’s that you’re never goin’ to take, Caroline? Measles? or another trip down in these parts? I hope ’tain’t the last, ’cause I’ve been cal’latin’ you’d like it well enough to come again.”
Caroline turned. So did Sylvester. Captain Elisha was standing in the doorway, his hand on the knob. He was smiling broadly, but as he looked at the two by the fire he ceased to smile.