“How long ago?”
“I forget,” she answered listlessly.
Her face was bent, and he could not see it under the shadow of her hat.
“Violet!”
Slowly she raised her head,—her eyes were full of tears. The Major smothered an oath and strove to speak calmly.
“Look here, child: you can trust me, can’t you?”
“Yes, uncle,” she murmured inaudibly.
“Well, don’t fret. Be a brave little woman. I will see to this for you. It is no good living in suspense. Better know the worst at once!”
Violet furtively dashed away her teardrops, and looked at him anxiously.
“The worst ...?” she murmured.