You understand perfectly, she resumed, with a certain abruptness, which came of the effort it cost her to broach the subject, the meaning of Ada Warrens presence in this house?
Perfectly, I think, her cousin replied, with a slight motion of his eyebrows.
That is to say, pursued Isabel, looking at the fringe of her shawl, you know the details of Mr. Clarendons will?
He paused an instant before replying.
Precisely, was his word, as he tapped the table.
Isabel smiled, a smile different from that with which she was wont to charm. It was one almost of self-contempt, and full of bitter memories.
I had never heard of her, she continued, until I was called upon to take her as my own child. Then she was sent to me from people who had had the care of her since she was three years old.
Asquith slowly nodded, wrinkling his forehead.
Well, we will speak no more of that. What I wish to ask you to do for me is this:Oh, I am ashamed to speak of it! It is something that I ought to have done myself already. But I am a coward; I have always been a coward. I cant face the consequences of my ownmy own baseness; that is the true word. Will you tell Ada Warren what her real position is, and what mine?
Asquith raised his head in astonishment.
She is still ignorant?
I have every reason to believe so. I dont think any one will have told her.
Robert bit his upper lip.
Has she never asked questions about her origin?
Yes, but only once. I told her that her parents were friends of Mr. Clarendon, and that she was an orphan, therefore I had taken her. That was several years ago.
Again there was a pause in the dialogue. Isabel had difficulty in keeping her face raised; her cheeks had lost their pallor, the blood every now and then made them warm.
She seems a strange being, Asquith remarked. I am not as a rule tempted to puzzle about peoples characteristics, but hers provoke ones curiosity.
I cannot aid you, Isabel said, speaking quickly. I know her as little as on the day when I first saw her. I have tried to be kind; I have tried to
She broke off. Her voice had begun to express emotion, and the sound seemed to recall her to self-command. She looked up, smiling more naturally, though still with a touch of shame.
Will you help me, cousin? she asked.
Certainly I will do what you wish. Do you desire me to explain everything in detail
The will, the will, she interposed, with a motion of her hand. Yes, the full details of the will.
And if she asks me?
You know nothingthat is best. You cannot speak to her on such a subject. Will you wait for me a moment?
She rose hastily and left the room. Asquith remained standing till her return. She was only a few moments absent, and came back with a folded paper in her hand.