"It's true, Haines," he said; "my father's money is in Altacoola lands."
Haines looked him up and down, with a sneer.
"Your money may be," he said. "I don't think you're a bit too good for it, but your father is a different kind."
Carolina Langdon stood at the back of the room, nervously awaiting the moment when, she knew, she would be forced into the unpleasant discussion.
"I reckon you can't refuse to believe Miss Langdon," drawled Norton, with aggravated deliberation.
"Of course," stammered Haines, "I'd believe it if Miss Langdon says it's so."
The Congressman turned toward Carolina as he spoke and fixed on her a tense look which spelled as plainly as though spoken, "It's all in your hands, my fortune—yours."
She slowly drew across the room. Haines could hardly conceal the turmoil of his mind. The world seemed suddenly snatched from around him, leaving her figure alone before him. Would she affirm what Norton and Randolph had said? He must believe her. But surely it was impossible that she—
Carolina played for time. She feared the making of a false move.
"I don't understand?" she said inquiringly to Norton.