Colonel Royall raised his bowed head. “She’s right, William,� he said, pathetically resigned; “tell it to the world.�
Dr. Cheyney rose. “Well, it has seemed like kicking a man who was down,� he remarked, “but, as Diana says, there is Caleb Trench.�
Diana followed him out into the hall. “Dr. Cheyney,� she said, “why did no one tell me about my mother?�
The old man put his hand on her shoulder. “Diana,� he said, “it was David’s wish, and we all respected it. I wish�—he paused—“I wish Letty had not come back. But she wanted to see you. Natural enough, I reckon, only she ought to have been natural in that way at first.�
“It was cruel not to tell me,� said Diana, “but I will not tell him so—dear father!�
The doctor looked at her thoughtfully. “You’re a good girl, Diana,� he said.
They walked together to the door. “Doctor, do you believe that—that my mother is unhappy?� she asked at last. “I could not go to her: I will not leave him.�
“Unhappy? No, child, not more so than others,� said the old man. “She’s got to bear her burden, Diana, that’s the law of life. Don’t you fret; she’s rich, courted, influential, I’ve known it for years.�
“I don’t see how she could treat my father so!� cried the girl.
“Thank God, you never will!� said the doctor with conviction.