“We didn’t mean to steal,” Cora said tearfully. “You’ve always been so good and kind to us. For the sake of little Etta—”
“It seems to me you haven’t considered her yourself until now,” Azalea interrupted. “However, we are not without sympathy even for those who have plotted against us. Cora, I feel that you have allowed your husband to lead you astray. Your mother worked for us a number of years and I promised her that I would try to see that you never came to grief. For that reason Iris and I shall permit you and your husband to go free, providing you promise to lead a straight life from this day on.”
“We promise,” the two murmured together.
“Then take your things and leave the house immediately. You have demonstrated that you are unfit parents, so Etta must be left behind. You may go now.”
Cora and Henry, without a word of thanks, rushed out of the room. Within half an hour they had left the house.
“Now I’ll be gettin’ this fellow out of your way,” Jake declared briskly.
“Just a minute,” Iris said quietly. “You’re quite sure there can be no mistake. This man is really Joe Jeffery and not Ronald Trent.”
“There’s no mistake, ma’am. He’s just an impostor.”
“But how did he ever learn of John Trent?” Doris demanded. She turned to Ronald. “What do you know about my uncle?”
“Please tell us,” Azalea begged. “It will mean so much to know.”