"Yes"—and her eyes drooped—"but I hardly like to say it. You see, Dad made up his mind this morning that we were to settle things together—and he'll be angry and disappointed—"
Robin half-raised himself on one arm.
"He'll be angry and disappointed if we don't settle it, you mean," he said—"and we certainly haven't settled it. Well?"
A faint colour flushed her face.
"Couldn't we pretend it's all right for the moment?" she suggested—"Just to give him a little peace of mind?"
He looked at her steadily.
"You mean, couldn't we deceive him?"
"Yes!—for his good! He has deceived ME all my life,—I suppose for MY good—though it has turned out badly—"
"Has it? Why?"
"It has left me nameless," she answered,—"and friendless."