But once, when she had made some
allusion to it Captain Chunn had exploded into vigorous denial. It
was a puzzle the meaning of which she could not guess.
"He has several times mentioned his wish to thank you for your
kindness," Jeff mentioned.
"I'll be glad to meet him." Swiftly she flashed a question at him.
"Is he James Farnum's father?"
"Haven't you read the papers? He is said to be mine."
"But he isn't. He isn't. I see it now. James was ashamed to
acknowledge a father who had been in prison. Your enemies made a
mistake and you let it go."
"It's all long since past. I wouldn't say anything about it to
anybody."
"Of course you wouldn't," she scoffed. Her eyes were very bright.
She wanted to laugh and to weep at her discovery.
"You see it didn't matter with my friends. And my reputation was
beyond hope anyhow. It was different with James."
She nodded. "Yes. It wouldn't have improved his chances with
Valencia," her cousin admitted.
Jeff permitted himself a smile. "My impression was that he did not
have Mrs. Van Tyle in mind at the time."
They had waded through the wet ferns to the edge of the woods. As
her eyes swept the russet valley through which they had passed
Alice drew a deep breath of pleasure.
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