She answered merely “No.”
“And why not?”
“Because I do not choose to take that money.”
Hurstmanceaux’s face grew red and very stern.
“You insult me, Miss Massarene.”
“I do not mean to do so,” said Katherine gently. “I begged you not to send it to me. My father, I am certain, never expected the duchess to repay it.”
“That is very singular language. Do you mean that your father was on terms with my sister which would justify him in making her such gifts?”
She was silent; that was her meaning but she could not say so.
“If you do think it, you must cease to think it,” said Ronald. “If there were any man in your family——”
Katherine looked him straight in the eyes.