“And you never told me!”
“My father wished it kept a secret for a time.”
“Did Mr. Wingfold know?”
“Not till yesterday.”
“Why didn't he tell me yesterday, then?”
“I think he wouldn't have told you if he had known all the time.”
“Why?”
“For the same reason that made him leave us together so suddenly—that you might not be hampered by knowing it—that we might understand each other before you knew. I see it all now! It was just like him!”
“Oh, he is a friend!” cried Barbara. “He knows what one is, and so knows what one is thinking!”
A silent embrace followed, and then Barbara said, “You must come and see my mother!”