"There! there!" purred the friend of the family. "You mustn't, you know.
You really mustn't. Who is this man? This uncle? Where does he come
from? Why does he force himself upon you in this way? I didn't know your
poor father had a brother."

"Neither did we," growled Stephen, savagely. Malcolm laughed again.

"What does it all mean, dear?" begged Mrs. Dunn. "You are in trouble,
I'm sure. Don't you think we--Malcolm and I--might be able to help you?
We should so love to do it. If you feel that you CAN confide in us; if
it isn't a secret--"

She paused expectantly, patting the girl's shoulder. But Caroline had
heard young Dunn's laugh, and was offended and hurt. Her eyes flashed as
she answered.

"It's nothing," she said. "He has come to see us on a matter of
business, I believe. I am nervous and--foolish, I suppose. Mr. Graves
will see us soon, and then everything will be arranged. Thank you for
calling, Mrs. Dunn, and for the ride."

It was a very plain hint, but Mrs. Dunn did not choose to understand it
as such.

"You're sure you hadn't better tell me the whole story, dear?" she
urged. "I am old enough, almost, to be your mother, and perhaps my
advice might... No? Very well. You know best but--You understand that it
is something other than mere curiosity which leads me to ask."