His lips trembled and there was a set hardness in his usually gentle, pink-and-white face.
"We telegraphed to you to come," said Aunt Adèle, still crying, softly, "because Elly will have to go into business-matters at once ..."
"Perhaps I might have come home by myself," said Elly, "for these matters of business...."
"Steyn is the executor," said Aunt Adèle, gently, "and he thought ..."
"Steyn?" asked Elly. "Why not Lot?"
"The old man had settled it so, dear.... He's the husband of Mamma ... who comes into money too ... with you ..."
"Mamma?" asked Lot.
"Yes," said Aunt Adèle, a little embarrassed.
They understood and asked no more questions, but it was obvious that they were out of harmony; their features looked both tired and hard.
"Mamma is coming this evening to see you," said Aunt Adèle.