"It's like a play or a novel," she said; "the hazard of our coming here the way we did, and of you coming back to America; but, of course, the same cause operated in both cases, so perhaps it isn't so remarkable after all! And"--she repressed a laugh--"to think that I should mistake you for a malefactor! Did it seem to you that I behaved in a silly manner?"
"On the contrary, you exhibited great dignity and courage and self-restraint."
"Do you really mean it? I was nearly scared blue, and I was perfectly certain you'd stuffed your suit cases full of our toilet silver. _Wasn't_ it funny, Mr. Edgerton! And _what_ did you think when you looked into your studio and saw a woman?"
"Of course--after a glimpse into our bedroom! But that must have astonished you, didn't it?"
"Slightly. The first thing I saw was a white cat staring at me from the top of a trunk."
She laughed, arranging the covers with deft touch.
"Also a silk-flowered slipper with a very high heel on the threshold."
"Mine," she said. "You see, in the days of our affluence, I used to have a maid. I forget, and throw things about sometimes."
"Oh, just a combination cook and waitress until we can find employment. She's horridly expensive, too, but it can't be helped, because it would create an unfavorable impression if Silvie or I answered the door bell."
"You're quite right," he said; "people have a curious aversion to employing those who really need it. Prosperity never lacks employment. It's odd, isn't it?"
"It's rather cruel," she said under her breath.
Silvette came in bringing a chilled fruit salad, bread and butter, cold chicken, and tea. "We'll have to put it all on at once. You don't mind, do you, Mr. Edgerton?"
He said smilingly but distinctly: "One's own family can do no wrong. That is my creed."
"I wondered whether you knew we were relations," she said, flushing deliriously.
"You see," added Silvette, "it was not for us to remind you."
"Because you might have considered it an added obligation toward us," said Diana, blushing.
"I do--a delightful one; and it is very gracious of you to acknowledge it."
"But we don't mean to presume on it," interrupted Silvette hastily. "Some day we really do mean to regulate our financial obligations toward you."