The girl and her mother talked late that evening, and Gordon saw on the following morning that Gloria, at least, had passed a trying night; but he gave himself no uneasiness. Emotional storms were not unusual; he always disregarded them as far as possible, and usually they passed off quietly. During breakfast he informed them:
"I received a letter from Miss Golden in yesterday's mail. She is to be one of the new party."
"Did you invite her to return this summer?" Mrs. Gerard inquired.
"Yes!"
"I remember her well," said Natalie—"too well, in fact. I thought her very bold."
"She is one of our largest investors, and she writes she would enjoy spending a fortnight here after the others go back."
"Will you allow it?"
"Allow it! My dear Gloria, I can't possibly refuse. In fact it would be the height of inhospitality not to urge her to do so. She is welcome to stay as long as she chooses, for these quarters are as much hers as ours. I hope you will be nice to her."
Mrs. Gerard made no answer, but later in the morning sought Gordon in his private office.
"I preferred not to discuss the Golden woman before Natalie," she explained, coldly, "but—you don't really intend to have her here, do you?"