“Yes, I sent her away, for how could I dream that she was speaking the truth?”
“Cora, you should have brought her to me!” wildly.
“I feared it would kill you in your weak state, for every one thought you were sinking into death. It seemed to me I was acting very prudently, and when she was gone I kept the secret, believing it was for the best.”
Cora’s acting was superb. Her dark eyes were full of burning tears, and her whole behavior showed grief and regret.
Mrs. Dalrymple was completely deceived. She almost pitied Cora.
“Get up, dear girl, do not weep so bitterly. I will forgive you, for I know you did what you thought was for the best, though you made a sad and grievous mistake.”
She turned her eyes on Carey Doyle as if she had momentarily forgotten his presence, and exclaimed:
“Why, have you not seen the chauffeur who brought her here?”
“I did not neglect that, madam, but he said she paid her fare and dismissed him, saying she should remain with her friends all night.”
“Oh, heavens, what a mystery! Where did my Darling go, alone, penniless, friendless, that gloomy night?” sobbed the mother.