He was in his aunt's sitting-room while Marion related to her the conversation she had just had with her father and, no doubt, Mrs. Caird's short and rather indifferent attention to her niece's trouble arose from the stress of his unacknowledged presence. For Donald had begged not to see Marion that evening. "She will ask me all kinds of questions about Richard," he said, "questions I cannot answer until I see him." So Marion felt as if she had been snubbed and sent off to bed with a little sermon just when she wanted to talk of Richard more than she had ever before done. Mrs. Caird explained the circumstances to her the following day, but she was more offended than satisfied by the explanation. "You supposed, Aunt," she answered, "that I was so selfish as to be insensible to Donald's anxiety and trouble, and would put my own before his. You must have a poor opinion of me. It hurts me." "You are too sensitive, Marion. Donald is going away from us." "Where is he going to?" "He does not know until he hears from Richard." "Where is Richard? I have not had a letter from him in two days." "I do not know--exactly." "Nor do I. He told me that he was going to see Lady Cramer about the settlement of his debt to her. It is shameful in her to press it." "Not at all. It is her right. He said that himself." "I did not mind getting no letter yesterday, but here is another day nearly gone, and I do not expect to sleep a moment to-night. I am so anxious about him." "Preserve us all! What are you talking about? It is fairly sinful of you to be making trouble where there is none. That is the way to worry love to death, if so be you want that result." "You care for no one but Donald now, Aunt." "You are not far wrong. Donald is in trouble." "You love Donald best." "I like Donald's way best. There is no shilly-shallying with Donald. I like a definite 'Yes' and 'No' in answer to important questions." "Women cannot get into passions and say unladylike words, especially to their fathers. You taught me that yourself. 'Exceed in nothing. Be moderate in all things.' These were among your regular advices." "All right. Moderation is a very respectable word. I wish you would apply it to the subject of letters." "You are cross with me, Aunt, and without any reason." "Reason enough when I see you worrying yourself--and me, also--about the coming of a letter from your lover; and caring nothing about the going away--perhaps forever--of your own brother. Kin is closer than all other ties--ever and always, blood is thicker than water." Then Marion was angry. "I am glad I was respectful and moderate with Father," she said haughtily. "He is the best and greatest of men. He is the Minister of God. I cannot be too respectful. I intend----" "To marry Allan Reid and send away Richard Cramer. Good girl! I wish you joy of your choice--such as it is."