"I'm sorry, Katherine, that you have seen it too. I have suspected it
for several days. But I have not dared to speak--it seemed too
improbable. What are we to do?" She sat down suddenly, even weakly.
"She's not only leading Freddie on, but she's flirting with her own
brother-in-law--her own sister's husband--her--her--"
"Her own niece's father! It's atrocious!"
"She's a horrid beast! And I _thought_ I loved her. Oh, mamma, it's just
dreadful!"
"Katherine, control yourself. I will not have you upsetting yourself
like this. You'll have another of those awful headaches. Leave it all to
me, dear. Something _must_ be done. We can't stand by and see dear Edith
betrayed. She's so happy and so trusting. And, besides all that, we'd be
dragged into the scandal. I--"
"And the Odell-Carneys too. Heavens!"
"It _must_ be stopped! I shall go at once to Mrs. Odell-Carney and tell
her what we have discovered. It will prepare her. She is the best friend
I have, and I know she will suggest a way to put a stop to this thing
before it is too late. We must--"
"Why don't you speak to father about it first?"
"Your father! My dear, what would be the use? He wouldn't believe it. He
never does. I wonder if dear Mrs. Odell-Carney is in her room." The
estimable lady fluttered loosely toward the door. Her daughter called to
her.
"If I were you, I'd wait a day or two, mamma.
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