'There cannot be a doubt of it; I had it from her own lips. To-morrow I must see O'Brien himself, and hear his side. I cannot help saying that I am sorry for the woman, in spite of her falseness; she is utterly crushed with her misery.' But it may be doubted if Dr. Ross heard this: he was occupied with his own reflections.
'This will break Audrey's heart; she is devoted to the fellow.'
'Oh, I hope not; she has more strength than other girls.'
'Of course I cannot allow this affair to go on: I must see Blake, and tell him so at once.'
'There is no hurry, is there? I think you should let me speak to O'Brien first.'
'Well, if you wish it; but I confess I do not see the necessity.'
'And I hope you will be gentle with Blake: remember that not a vestige of blame attaches to him; it is simply his misfortune that he is the son of such parents. I expect he will be utterly broken-hearted.'
Then Dr. Ross gave vent to an impatient groan. No man had a softer heart than he, and he had liked Cyril from the first.
'I must think of my child, Mike,' he said at last.
'Yes, you must think of her; but you must be merciful to him, too. Think what he will suffer when he knows this; and he is as innocent as a babe! I suppose'—and then he hesitated, and looked at his cousin—'that there will be no way of hushing up things, and letting the engagement go on?'