“And must I give up Clarence because—because his father gets mad, and—and—”
“And insults your father, and insults you,” Carlota said.
“But that would be awful,” said she, looking at George, who full of sympathy for his favorite sister-in-law, said:
“Do not worry about that now—you have suffered enough. No doubt, Clarence will make it all right, if we only give him time. All will be explained.”
“I doubt that,” Carlota said.
“I don't think Mercedes knows all that Darrell said. I think Clarence himself will see the impossibility of his marrying Mercedes as things are now,” Doña Josefa said.
“What are we to do?” Mercedes exclaimed, in low, tremulous tones, that revealed all the desolation she felt.
“Try to be courageous, little sister,” Carlota said.
“What to do? Clarence himself ought to know—to separate for the present. Will you marry the son of a man who said of you and your father such horrible things?” Doña Josefa asked.
“But Clarence is innocent, and so am I,” pleaded Mercedes, with white lips.