“Was Miss Caroline expecting him?”
“I don’t know, ma’am. She—”
“Oh, you don’t know anything! You’re impossible. Go away!”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Edwards thankfully; and went. Mrs. Corcoran Dunn stood for some minutes by the window, thinking, or trying to think a way to the truth in this astounding development. Of course the man might be a lunatic who had gained his information concerning the Warren family from the papers; but he did not look like a lunatic. On the other hand, he certainly did not look as one would have expected a brother of Rodgers Warren’s to look. Oddest of all, if he was such a brother, why had neither Caroline or Stephen mentioned his existence? According to his story, Graves, the Warren lawyer, had warned the children of his coming. Caroline had been very reticent concerning her father’s will, the amount of his estate, and the like. And Mrs. Dunn had repeatedly, though discreetly, endeavored to find out these important details. Neither hints nor questions had resulted satisfactorily. Was it possible that this was the reason, this country uncle? If so—well, if so, here was a Heaven-sent opportunity for a little genteel and perfectly safe detective work. Mrs. Dunn creakingly crossed the room and spoke.
“Mr. Warren,” she said, “I feel guilty in keeping you out there. Won’t you come into the library?”
“Why, thank you, ma’am, I’m all right. Don’t you trouble about me. Go right on with your readin’ or sewin’ or knittin’ or whatever you was doin’ and—”
“I was not reading,” replied Mrs. Dunn, with a slight shudder. “Come in, please. I wish you to.”
Captain Elisha folded his paper and put it in his pocket. Entering the library, he stood quietly waiting.
“Won’t you sit down?” asked his impromptu hostess, trying hard to be gracious.
“Thank you,” said the captain. He sank into an armchair and looked curiously about him.