There was a ring of protest and pain in Hope Georgia's voice as she darted out of the door after the servant.
"What's the matter with that girl?" asked Norton, trying to be calm.
Carolina shook her head.
"I don't know. She's queer to-day. I believe she imagines herself in love with Mr. Haines."
"Aren't you afraid she'll make trouble?"
The other sister laughed confidently.
"Little Hope make trouble? Of course not. If she does, we can always frighten her into obedience."
The door reopened and Hope entered, followed by Bud Haines. The girl's head was high; her cheeks were red; her eyes glittered ominously.
"I brought him back, Carolina," she said coolly. "Father will want to see him. I know there has been some mistake."
"Yes," supplemented Bud, "there has been a decided mistake, and I must refuse to accept the word that came to me from Senator Langdon."