Austen strove to conceal his surprise at his father's words and change of manner.
“Tredway saw him,” he said. “I'm pretty sure Mr. Flint doesn't feel that way, Judge. He has taken your illness very much to heart, I know, and he left some fruit and flowers for you.”
“I guess his daughter sent those,” said Hilary.
“His daughter?” Austen repeated.
“If I didn't think so,” Mr. Vane continued, “I'd send 'em back. I never knew what she was until she picked me up and drove me down here. I've always done Victoria an injustice.”
Austen walked to the door, and turned slowly.
“I'll go at once, Judge,” he said.
In the kitchen he was confronted by Euphrasia.
“When is that woman going away?” she demanded. “I've took care of Hilary Vane nigh on to forty years, and I guess I know as much about nursing, and more about Hilary, than that young thing with her cap and apron. I told Dr. Tredway so. She even came down here to let me know what to cook for him, and I sent her about her business.”
Austen smiled. It was the first sign, since his return the night before, Euphrasia had given that an affection for Hilary Vane lurked beneath the nature.