"Oh, forgive me!" cried Carlita, regretfully. "I am in too great distress to consider my words carefully, and I thought you would understand. We have grown to be so much to each other in these last few days—or weeks, is it? Let me tell you, will you not, dear Jessica? You know the solemn oath that I have sworn, and you will help me?"
"You mean about Olney?"
"Yes."
Jessica did not reply. A knock came in answer to her ring just then, and pushing Carlita back into her chair again, she answered the summons, then drew another chair up in front of her mother's ward.
"You startle me," she said, gently.
"I, too, am startled—frightened," answered Carlita, shivering. "Here is the translation of those figures—read it."
Jessica took the paper into her hand, and read aloud:
"The gentleman to whom you were engaged was not shot as you were told."
The paper fluttered from her hand. She lifted her eyes and allowed them to rest upon Carlita's, heavy, dull with apprehension. She was a magnificent actress.
There was a long, dense silence between them, then Jessica's lips moved slowly.