"I know what you mean. He certainly isn't that sort, there can be no mistaking that."
Margaret smiled happily. "Then you believe he isn't?"
"Of course! Who doesn't?"
"My brother objects to my name being mixed up in the scandal." Margaret had evaded answering Hadassah's question.
"But what scandal?"
"The reports that are going about that Mrs. Mervill is with him in the desert, that that is why I haven't heard from Mike. Everyone is saying it." Meg's words conveyed an apology for her brother.
"Your brother really believes this, and yet he knows Mr. Amory?"
"Yes. But you mustn't blame him. He has tried not to believe it; he is really awfully good about it all. And I must admit that it looks as if the story was true, but I just know it isn't."
"Of course it isn't!" Hadassah said, almost sharply. "Who spread the report?"
"First it came from the native diggers in the valley, and then my brother heard it from Mr. King. Now lots of people are talking about it, and my brother wants me to go home. . . . I've promised to go if . . ." Margaret paused. "That's why I came to you. I want your advice. If we could only hear from Michael, I know the whole thing would be explained. My brother would do anything he could to help me, but his business ties him and . . ." again she paused and then said hurriedly, "You know what men are—he hates my name being bandied about."