"Do you think you'd better — at such a time?"
"I think it's a good time. It will divert her mind, anyway. I want her to come to Harrod Place."
"She won't," said Stormont grimly.
"She might. Let me talk to her."
"Do you realise how she feels toward you, Jim?"
"I do, indeed. And I don't blame her. But let me tell you; Eve Strayer is the most honest and fair-minded girl I ever knew. … Except one. … I'll take a chance that she'll listen to me. … Sooner or later she will be obliged to hear what I have to tell her. … But it will be easier for her — for everybody — if I speak to her now. Let me try, Jack."
Stormont hesitate, looked at him, nodded. Darragh stood his rifle against the bench on the kitchen porch. They entered the house slowly. And met Eve descending the stairs.
The girl looked at Darragh, astonished, then her pale face flushed with anger.
"What are you doing in this house?" she demanded unsteadily. "Have you no decency, no shame?"
"Yes," he said, "I am ashamed of what my kinsman has done to you and yours. That is partly why I am here."