Carl hurriedly communicated to his father’s friend what he had learned about his stepmother.
“Mr. Cook, Peter’s father, is just outside,” he said. “Shall I call him in?”
“I think we had better do so, but arrange that the interview shall take place without your father’s knowledge. He must not be excited. Call him in, and then summon your stepmother.”
“Mrs. Crawford,” said Carl, re-entering his father’s room, “Mr. Ashcroft would like to have a few words with you. Can you come out?”
She followed Carl uneasily.
“What is it you want with me, sir?” she asked, frigidly.
“Let me introduce an old acquaintance of yours.”
Mr. Cook, whom Mrs. Crawford had not at first observed, came forward. She drew back in dismay.
“It is some time since we met, Lucy,” said Cook, quietly.
“Do you come here to make trouble?” she muttered, hoarsely.