With a feeling of utter dismay, Brownie disengaged herself from Wilbur Coolidge’s embrace, and started to leave the room.
But the two women barred the way, and would not let her pass; while Mrs. Coolidge demanded, in stern tones:
“Pray, what is the meaning of this affecting scene?”
Wilbur colored deeply, but braced himself for battle.
“Mother—Isabel—let Miss Douglas pass!” he commanded, in a voice as stern as Mrs. Coolidge’s own.
They dare not disobey him in that mood, and moving aside, Brownie passed out, and sped swiftly to her own room.
“Now I will answer your questions, if you have any to ask,” the young man said, folding his arms, and regarding them with a gloomy brow.
“I should like to know how that designing hussy succeeded in entrapping you into making such a fool of yourself?” said Isabel, furiously.
“Really, Isabel, you are acquiring an elegance of speech at which I am surprised!” retorted her brother, sarcastically.
“Wilbur, hush! Isabel, keep quiet!” said Mrs. Coolidge, authoritatively. Then, turning to her son, continued: