“He isn’t sick, oh, no; much worse! He has gone crazy!”
“Hush, dearie!” admonished Madam Fortescue, glancing significantly at the servant in waiting, while she added, to Rosalind, kindly and with dignity:
“The news of Charley’s escapade will keep till we have finished luncheon.”
After that no one had much appetite, and the four soon adjourned to a private room where Rosalind said brusquely:
“If there’s anything to tell, let me hear it quickly—I never could bear suspense.”
As they hesitated, with great eyes of sorrow and sympathy, she continued:
“Why do you all look at me so strangely and pityingly? Has Charley done something very bad indeed?”
“He has gone crazy!” again answered Marie angrily, mopping her wet eyes with her lace handkerchief.
“It will break your heart!” sobbed Lucile, adding:
“Dear Rosalind, please do not be angry with us when you hear it. We are not to blame, and we will love you all the more for the grief he has caused you.”