"If he likes!" repeated an astonished Ada. "Then, of course he'll come, and at once! He is best away. Tell him to stay where he is."
"I can't always expect to keep the boy in leading-strings. He has always been very decent in doing the things I wish; but, as a fact, I have no longer the slightest authority over him, or hold upon him, and he knows it."
"Then, leave it. Say nothing. Don't write for him to come."
"I decided, last night, to write to him."
Miss Forcus was silent to show that she did not approve. She never argued with her brother. "It is fortunate, then, that Deleah Day is going," she said presently.
"We could not possibly have Reggie here with her. That silly affair would be on again, in no time."
"As to that, I withdraw my objection. The boy must play his own game."
"Francis!" unbounded astonishment sat on the good, plain face of Ada
Forcus.
Her brother left his place on the hearthrug, and walked over to the broad window at the end of the room. He stood there, tall, and fine, and upright, his back to her, his hands lightly clasped behind him.
"Deleah is a sweet girl, Francis; but in a marriage there is more than that to consider."