“My poor Sarah! It is too bad.”
“Such a misfortune could not have happened had his father lived. We women are of no use where a headstrong man is concerned. I am thinking of consulting Senator Meiklejohn. He is discreet and experienced.”
“But he is not in town.”
“What a calamity! Do tell me where I can find him.”
“I have reason to know that Rex would not brook any interference from him.”
“Oh, no, of course not. It would never do to permit his influence to appear. I was thinking that the Senator might act with the girl, this wonderful Winifred. He might frighten her, or bribe her, or something of the sort.”
Now, Helen Tower was not in Meiklejohn’s confidence. He was compelled to trust her in the matter of the Costa Rica concession, but he was far too wise to let her into any secret where Winifred was concerned. Anxious to stab with another’s hand, she thought that Mrs. Carshaw might be used to punish her wayward son.
“I’m not sure—” She paused doubtfully. “I do happen to know Mr. Meiklejohn’s whereabouts, but it is most important he should not be troubled.”
“Helen, you used to like Rex more than a little. With an effort, I can save him still.”
“But he may suspect you, have you watched, your movements tracked.”