Without replying Mr. Colter turned and started back toward the house. Finally he said in a different tone:
"It is impossible for me to do what you wish, Jeanette. Do not discuss the question again."
In her father's tone there was a finality which Jeanette understood, resented and did not intend to obey. For the present she dared say no more.
"I must tell your mother and the other girls what I have just told you, Jeanette, and see if they receive the information in the same spirit."
Inside the drawing-room one could have supposed there had been no change or movement of any kind since the withdrawal of the others. Lina, however, still in her big chair, had ceased reading and sat with a closed book in her hand. Her brows were drawn close together and her cheeks were delicately flushed as if she were thinking deeply.
In a corner of the room Eda was still playing with her tiny gray kitten. Via and her new mother were still standing by the big mantel hand in hand.
Their attitude gave Jeanette another pang of annoyance as she and her father entered the room. She would never forgive Via's desertion of her for her stepmother, especially of late when she needed her sympathy and affection as never before.
Mr. Colter, as if he were physically weary, dropped into the big chair Lina offered him.
"What is it, father? Tell us at once!" Lina demanded, seating herself beside him on the arm of the chair and holding on to him for support.
As if she were a little jealous, Eda deserted her kitten and seated herself in his lap.