They changed the subject, and a few minutes later Wannop left them. Crossing the lawn, he met Hilda in a shrubbery walk. "Where have you been?" he asked. "I haven't seen you since we came." "Florence found me an errand that kept me out of the way," said Hilda pointedly. "Now what have you and the others been talking about?" "I mustn't betray a confidence," answered Wannop with twinkling eyes. "Still, I dare say you can guess." "Of course! They were discussing my erring brother. Aren't they silly?" "I think so. It's curious that you and I, whose opinions don't count for much, should venture to differ with the rest." Hilda gave him a grateful glance. "But we are the ones who see most clearly. I have always felt that you are to be trusted." He made her a humorous bow. "I must try to deserve such confidence." "Don't be foolish; this is serious. They mean well, but they're all wrong about Andrew. Of course, I make fun of him now and then, but I'm very fond of him. It's a mistake to think he's stupid; and Leonard's responsible for it." "I'll admit that something of the kind has occurred to me," Wannop said. Hilda hesitated. "Well," she said, "I have never had much confidence in Leonard, though the others think him perfect. I've an idea that all along he has been gently pushing Andrew aside, making him look silly, and undermining the influence he ought to have. Now he's sending him to Canada--I very much wonder why? He has some reason." Wannop started. "My dear, your suspicions go a trifle farther than mine. You may be right, though it's not nice to think so. But where does all this lead?" "Andrew may need supporters who don't altogether believe in the immaculate Leonard some day. I think, if needful, he could count on us." "And on nobody else?" "Not until the others understood; and it would be hard to make them see." "Uncommonly hard," Wannop admitted. "Well, Hilda, you and I will be allies. We can conspire together unsuspected, because we are the two who are not supposed to count--you because you're too young and charming; I because I haven't the fine moral fastidiousness and air of distinction that marks the Allinsons. But I'll let you into a secret--Gertrude's wavering in her ideas about Andrew: I'm perverting her." "There's something I'd better tell you. I met Mrs. Olcott half an hour ago and I stopped and spoke. I like her--there isn't the least reason why I shouldn't--and I'm sorry for her. I know she feels being left alone, and we're going to be friends. Now if the others should try to make things unpleasant?" "I imagine Robert means mischief." "I was afraid of it," said Hilda. "Of course, he's as silly and unable to see things properly as an owl in daylight, but solemn stupid people often pass for being wise, and he might do harm. If he tries, can you stop him? I know Andrew would like it." Wannop made a sign of rather dubious assent.