"Just ask her to see us."
Prosperity disappeared, and Justin uneasily surveyed Derrice, who stood with clasped hands near the door.
Presently Chelda came to them. She was as composed as usual, but there were two red spots high up on her cheeks, and her lips were nervously compressed.
"Oh, Chelda, where is my father?" cried Derrice, running to meet her.
Chelda glanced at Justin. How much did he know? His expression told her that Captain White had revealed everything to him, but his slight nod toward his wife warned her to be careful.
"Your father has gone away," she murmured. "I think something recalled him."
"Gone—and without seeing me! My poor sick father! Oh, how could you let him go? Did he not want to see me? Will he not come back?"
Derrice was feverishly awaiting a reply, when an extraordinary change came over Chelda. Her puzzled gaze had gone wonderingly out the window. It now came back with rapid alarm.
"Derrice," she said, sharply, and seizing her by the shoulder, "do you value your father's life,—his reputation?"
"Oh, yes, yes," replied the startled girl. "What do you mean?"