“I can't believe it!” cried Stephen.
“My dear boy, some facts are so plain and simple they can not be doubted. The facts Wade has gathered are absolutely convincing in themselves, and you don't doubt them really; you are only unwilling to believe them. At first I felt much as you feel, but after one or two talks with Wade I had to come around to his way of thinking; there was no help for it.”
“Well, I wish I knew what to do,” said Stephen gloomily. He had secretly hoped that Norton would be unpersuaded.
“I think you should consider your aunt somewhat, Stephen; she has no more land to sell unless she sells the cottage. In a way, you owe her more than you do Benson, for when General Gibbs brought you here, you went to her. Benson's interest in you was aroused later; and just fancy what a wrench it was to her when she relinquished all claim upon you.”
“I never quite understood that she did,” said Stephen.
“That was the condition Mr. Benson imposed. Of course she's hard and embittered; and can you wonder at it?”
“No, I suppose not.”
“You'll find my wife and daughter strong partisans of your aunt's. There comes Elinor now.”
Stephen glanced from the window and saw her approaching the house. He quitted his chair.
“Don't go,” said Norton. “We need not mention this before her.” A moment later Elinor entered the room. After a few words with Stephen and her father, she said: