"That is,--if their name were cleared? I think you so expressed it in one of your interesting letters."
"That was her phrase."
"Then that lets us out," she smiled. "It hasn't been cleared."
"But it will be! Very soon! I am on the track now. By to-morrow I hope to show you the Underwood name as spotless as Overman."
She looked at him with unmistakable astonishment. "That you can make such a comparison makes sufficiently clear your amazing point of view. I hardly think we need discuss the matter further."
"I shall discuss it with Philip," he said abruptly.
"I told you Philip had gone abroad."
"I shall follow him. I must talk with the boy himself. He must have some spark of manliness."
"Why are you so provoking, Hugh?" she exclaimed. "What difference does it make about these people? Who are they that you should care?"
"I care for Philip's honor," he said obstinately. "That is involved. And the girl's happiness is involved."