“Uncle Jasper is quick. But why would he take the poetry?”
Now Judy knew! It was like a heavy load falling from her shoulders. She remembered what Emily Grimshaw had said about his suing her. He had schemed to do it and stolen the poetry himself. Besides, he may have suspected Irene’s identity and been afraid she would find out too much.
Irene’s eyes sought Judy’s and found in them understanding and sympathy. She had told the truth, and, with Judy to explain, everyone would believe her. But she couldn’t forget that it was Dale Meredith who had believed her without an explanation.
CHAPTER XXVIII
DALE’S HEROINE
Two weeks later Dale Meredith came into Emily Grimshaw’s office and under his arm he carried a new book manuscript. It was the day that Pauline took over Judy’s position—with her father’s consent. Dr. Faulkner was home now, as busy and professional as ever. But he had not been too busy to listen to the smallest detail of Irene’s remarkable story. She wanted his advice as a brain specialist. Was it fair with insanity in the family——
Dr. Faulkner had not let her finish the sentence. Of course it was fair. Sarah Glenn had once been a patient of his and he declared that she was only slightly eccentric—not insane until her brother had driven her to it.
“And don’t you know that this type of insanity cannot be inherited?” he had asked Irene. “There’s no need to worry your pretty head about that. Under the same conditions, perhaps. But those conditions cannot exist with Jasper Crosby in prison. And do quit calling him Uncle Jasper. He’s no blood relation, only a stepbrother, and Glenn was really your grandmother’s maiden name.”
“Oh, Father, if you had only been home before!” Pauline had exclaimed.