"Then that lets us out," she smiled. "It hasn't been cleared."
"But it will be! Very soon! I am on the track now. By to-morrow I hope to show you the Underwood name as spotless as Overman."
She looked at him with unmistakable astonishment. "That you can make such a comparison makes sufficiently clear your amazing point of view. I hardly think we need discuss the matter further."
"I shall discuss it with Philip," he said abruptly.
"I shall follow him. I must talk with the boy himself. He must have some spark of manliness."
"Why are you so provoking, Hugh?" she exclaimed. "What difference does it make about these people? Who are they that you should care?"
"I care for Philip's honor," he said obstinately. "That is involved. And the girl's happiness is involved."
"I'm sorry," said Mrs. Overman, with a smile that did not look sorry. "I'm afraid the matter is out of our hands, though, Hugh. Janet Armstrong is in the party. I rather think that you would find it too late to interfere."
He looked at her steadily and in silence.
"Janet is a charming girl," she went on lightly. "She will be a better match even than Ellice Avery. A year ago it might have been Ellice, but it has turned out for the best all around. Janet and Philip were engaged the day they sailed. And you must see, Hugh, that there is nothing further to be said about it."
Perhaps he did, for he said nothing. He rose and walked to the window and stood looking out so long that the lady frowned and smiled and frowned again, and finally spoke.
"Where are your things, Hugh? It is getting late."
"But you are going on with me, aren't you?"
"I'm sorry," he said again, very gently. He could afford to be gentle now. "I have important work to do tonight."
"I did not mean that. I have a different engagement. But of course I shall see her as soon as possible."
Mrs. Overman bit her lip. "You are very punctilious! Well, I will wait a day for you. It need not take you longer."
He shook his head. "It may take me much longer. I shall be in High Ridge for some time, probably."
She was very pale, but she smiled. "Then this is goodbye?"
She did not see his extended hand. She was untangling an invisible knot in the chain she wore, so her fingers were occupied.