"I was if he was not. From the very first I wondered. But I got
used to the fact during the five months of his courtship. And I
got used to another fact too; that my secret was safe so far as it
ran the risk of being endangered by a meeting with yourself. Mr.
Ostrander made it very plain to us that we need never expect to
see you in Detroit."

"He did? Did he offer any explanation for this lack of--of
sympathy between us?"

"Never. It was a topic he forbore to enter into and I think he
only said what he did, to prevent any expectations on our part of
ever seeing you."

"And your daughter? Was he as close-mouthed in speaking of me to
her as he was to you?"

"I have no doubt of it. Reuther betrays no knowledge of you or of
your habits, and has never expressed but one curiosity in your
regard. As you can imagine what that is, I will not mention it."

"You are at liberty to. I have listened to much and can well
listen to a little more."

"Judge, she is of a very affectionate nature and her appreciation
of your son's virtues is very great. Though her conception of
yourself is naturally a very vague one, it is only to be expected
that she should wonder how you could live so long without a visit
from Oliver."