"You may be sure she never heard of that,
or she would have made fun enough of it."
It was impossible for me to allow this dear girl to remain longer in
ignorance of the true state of affairs.
"Miss Raynor," I said,--how I longed to say "Sylvia"!--"I am ashamed
that I have allowed you to remain as long as this under a
misunderstanding, but in truth I did not understand the case myself. I
did not know that the lady of this house was your mother, but I have met
her, and have been kindly entertained by her. I did not know Miss
Laniston's name, but I have also met her, and talked to her about you,
and she knows you used to write for me, and I do not like her."
Sylvia answered not a word, but, as she sat and looked at me with
wide-open eyes, I told her what had happened since my companion and I
had landed at Racket Island. I omitted only my confidences to Mother
Anastasia and Miss Laniston.
"Mother Anastasia has been here," repeated Sylvia, "and she never told
me! That surpasses all. And mother never mentioned that you had been
here, nor did any one." She gazed steadfastly upon the ground, a little
pale, and presently she said, "I think I understand it, but it need not
be discussed;" and, closing her portfolio, she rose to her feet.
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