"No; I shall take care that he does not. Violet is in very delicate health, and that must be her excuse for staying at home."
The brothers talked on for a little while longer; and then, when they had exhausted the subject for the time being, Mr. Clarence said he would go and look up Sylvan, and he went out for the purpose. Fabian Rockharrt, left alone, resumed his disturbed walk up and down the room, muttering to himself:
"The traitress! the unprincipled traitress! How dared she do such a deed? Didn't she know that I could expose her, and have her cast forth in ignominy from my father's house? Or did she venture all in the hope that consideration of my father's age and position in the world would shut my mouth and stay my hand? She is mistaken, the jade! Unless she falls into my plans, and works for my interest, she shall be exposed and degraded from her present position."
Mr. Fabian was interrupted by the re-entrance of Mrs. Rothsay. He turned to meet her and inquired:
"She is in her own room, which is next to mine. I went in with her and saw her to bed, and waited until she went to sleep," replied Cora.
"Poor little one! She is very fragile, and has been very much fatigued. I do not think, my dear, that I can take her on to Rockhold to-morrow. I think I must let her rest here for a day or two."
"It would be best, not only on account of Violet's delicacy and weariness, but also on account of the condition of the house at Rockhold, which has not been opened or aired for months."
"That is true; though I had not thought of it before," said Mr. Fabian, who was well pleased that Cora so readily fell in with his plans.
"What do you think of the pater's marriage, Cora?' he next inquired.
"I would rather not give an opinion, Uncle Fabian," she answered.
"Then I am equally well answered, for that is giving a very strong opinion!" he exclaimed.
"Nothing that you need trouble yourself about, my dear. But tell me this--what do you mean to do, Cora? Do you mean to stay on at Rockhold?"
"Not at all, if you do not like! You are an independent widow and may go where you please."
"I know that and wish to go; but I do not wish to make a scene or cause a scandal by leaving my grandfather's protection so suddenly after his marriage, which is open enough to criticism, as it is. So I must stay on at Rockhold so long as Sylvan's leave shall last, and until he shall receive his commission and orders. Then I will go with him wherever his duty may call him."