"Thank you. Now, sister, we are going to trust to your sagacity in this matter. But you must promise me, as your brother, who is bound to look after your welfare, that you will take no decisive steps without first informing us, and that as soon as the work becomes too heavy for your hands, you will call upon me to help you. My sister will surely do nothing that her brother cannot sanction?"
She dropped her eyes and said, simply: "I will do what you wish me to."
"You will give me your confidence, then?"
"Yes."
"Am I to hear a complete history of all that has happened thus far from Mrs. Girard?"
"Yes."
"And, after hearing it, may I communicate with you?"
She glanced up in surprise.
"Or," continued he; "better still, may I come down to Bellair and talk things over with you, should I deem it advisable?"
"If you wish;" looking glad.