“What is it, Dan? How is she, really?” his mother asked anxiously. “I felt so ashamed when the colonel told us. We’ve been very unkind to her, Dan.”
He nodded. They were behind the others, but he saw Virginia on the stairs.
“Fanchon has been delirious and very ill,” he answered in a low voice; “but Dr. Barbour says she’ll get well. The Denbighs have been most noble, most kind to her.”
“You mean Jinny,” his mother murmured.
“I mean both.” His eyes softened. “Virginia is an angel!”
Mrs. Carter, looking at him suddenly, winked back her tears. She knew now—he loved Virginia! She patted his arm, but she was looking at the stairs.
Virginia, in a pink morning gown, the short sleeves falling away from her white arms, came down, bearing a tray. She saw them at the door, and she blushed, but she put down the tray before she spoke.
“Daniel, please take your mother into the drawing-room and tell her about Fanchon.” She took a step forward and held out her hand. “William, I hope you’re coming with me?” she said.
He took her hand, aware that his father and Colonel Denbigh, his mother and Daniel, were all watching. His blush was deeper than hers.
“I came because you sent for me, Virginia,” he replied in a hard, level tone.