'I do not know. But, Emmie, tell me one thing—you agree with me that Audrey must not marry him?'
'Of course she must not marry him! What would Geraldine and Percival say?'
Then the Doctor muttered 'Pshaw!'
'Why, his name is not Blake at all. How could a daughter of ours form a connection with the O'Briens? My poor Audrey! And now, John, you must let me go to her.' And this time Dr. Ross made no objection.
It was nearly midnight by this time, but Audrey had not thought of retiring to bed; she was sitting by her toilet-table, with her hands folded in her lap. Her mother's appearance seemed to surprise her.
'Dear mother, why have you come? There was no need—no need at all.'
Then, as her mother put her arms round her, she laid her head on her shoulder as though she were conscious of sudden weariness. Mrs. Ross's eyes were red with weeping, but Audrey's were still quite bright and dry.
'Mother dear, you will be so tired!'
'What does that matter? It is your father who is tired; he feels all this so terribly. My own darling, what am I to say to you in this awful trouble that has come upon you, but to beg you to be brave for all our sakes?'
'Yes; and for his, too.'