Daniel smiled.
“I’m afraid Emmy’s right,” he said quietly. “It’s too bad, mother.”
“We never meant to do that—I mean your father and I!” cried Mrs. Carter with emotion. “I can’t see why those two children adore her so. Emmy says Leigh would die for her!” she added with a tremulous laugh.
“She’s got Leigh twisted about her finger—that’s true enough,” said Daniel, smiling grimly. “I found a poem of his the other day. It was addressed to ‘my soul-mate’! The mate was plainly Fanchon. Poor Leigh—he’ll survive it!”
“I don’t think Willie really cares about her! I’ve been watching and watching. He’s sickened of it all, poor dear boy! I know he’s always loved Virginia Denbigh,” she added with conviction.
Daniel was silent for a moment, and then he spoke with determination.
“He has no right to care for Virginia or any one now but this poor girl. He’s married her, and—” He paused, and added more quietly: “Mother, I think she needs him.”
“There! She’s got you on her side with those—those fawn eyes of hers!”
Daniel laughed.
“She calls me her enemy,” he replied dryly.