I had hard work to keep my temper, but I knew that I must not lose it.
“I declare to you on my honor that my business in New Orleans in no way concerns you, and that I had not the slightest notion of finding you here. Will you believe that?”
“And what then?” she asked.
“I also declare to you that, since meeting your son, my chief anxiety has been lest he should run across you.”
“You are very considerate of others,” she said. “Let us admit for the sake of argument that you come here by accident.”
It was the opening I had sought for, but despaired of getting.
“Then put yourself for a moment in my place, Madame, and give me credit for a little kindliness of feeling, and a sincere affection for your son.”
There was a new expression on her face, and the light of a supreme effort in her eyes.
“I give you credit at least for a logical mind,” she answered. “In spite of myself you have put me at the bar and seem to be conducting my trial.”
“I do not see why there should be any rancor between us,” I answered. “It is true that I hated you at Temple Bow. When my father was killed and I was left a homeless orphan you had no pity for me, though your husband was my mother's brother. But you did me a good turn after all, for you drove me out into a world where I learned to rely upon myself. Furthermore, it was not in your nature to treat me well.”