Mortlake looked at them unsteadily. Then his voice broke and he stepped quickly toward Budd. The recluse of Lost Brig Island extended his lean palm and met the other's outstretched hand half way.
"I bear no grudge, Mortlake," he said. "You will always be welcome at our home—Regina's and mine."
"Oh, yes—always," cried the girl, with a catch in her voice.
"Thank you," said Mortlake simply. "I don't—I don't dare trust myself to, speak now; to-morrow, perhaps——"
He strode abruptly through the door and was gone.
Old Mr. Harding arose to his feet.
"After this affecting tableau, is there anything you wish to say to me, hey?" he grated out.
"Nothing, sir," said Mr. Bell, turning his back upon the wizened old financier. "I have seen to it that the money taken from them has been returned to the Galloways."
"Then, I'll bid you good-night, too, since you seem to have taken possession of these rooms. Come, Fanning."
Without a word, Fanning shuffled across the room and reached his parent's side. Not till they were both at the door did he speak. Then, with a malevolent look backward, he paused.