It was no use arguing with her, she would not listen to reason. They decided to appeal the case to their father.
They told him all Berenice’s resentment, all her hatred of Rosalind, whom she had already wronged so deeply, and they told him it was his duty to lecture the unreasonable young wife and compass her reconciliation with Rosalind.
“For if Rosalind is willing to forgive her, Berenice ought to be thankful to be forgiven,” they said, very pertinently, and indeed it seemed that way.
So Senator Bonair himself went to argue the case with his daughter-in-law, which he did with all the eloquence at his command, since it was the dearest wish of his warm heart to have all his family on friendly terms.
Berenice listened with downcast eyes and heaving breast to every word, for she knew she was being blamed for causeless resentment.
They thought Charley was asleep in so deep a stupor he comprehended nothing, but suddenly he opened his eyes full upon them with the clear light of reason shining through.
“Oh, Charley, do you know us? Have we disturbed you?” sobbed Berenice. And he answered weakly:
“I have been hearing and understanding all you and father said, and I think you are in the wrong, my darling.”
“In the wrong?” she panted.
“Yes, all in the wrong. If Rosalind wants to be friends with us, let us yield for father’s sake, because it will make him happier.”