respectability. I made a bluff at believing that it didn't matter, and
that a thing done has an end. Well, now I've made a clean breast of it
to the ones who have a right to know. I should like you to tell
Mabel."

As he spoke the lovers appeared in the near distance at the edge of
the lawn, coming up from the beach. "But I don't think it will be
necessary to tell my son," he added yearningly.

"Certainly _not_" said Miss Rebecca with emphasis.

The sisters exchanged glances, trying to read each other's thoughts.

"It's a blot in the 'scutcheon, of course," said Miss Rebecca. "It's
for our niece to say." But there was no sternness in her tone.

This gave Miss Carry courage. Her hand shook a little as she put down
her teacup, for she was shy of taking the initiative. "I think I know
what she would say. In our time it would probably have been different,
on account of the family--and heredity; but Mabel is a modern girl.
And a modern girl would say that she isn't to marry the father but the
son. She loves him, so I'm certain she would never give him up.
Therefore is it best to tell her?"

Daniel Anderson's face was illumined with the light of hope, and he
turned to the elder sister, whom he recognized as the final judge.

Miss Rebecca sniffed. Her ideas of everlasting justice were a little
disconcerted. Nevertheless she said firmly after brief hesitation: