Oh, if you could but know how we feel for you and pity you!" Pity was not what Caroline wanted just then.

The word jarred upon her.
She avoided the lady's embrace and once more faced the embarrassed Malcolm.
"You got my letter ?" she cried.

"You _did_ ?" "Yes--er--yes, I got it, Caroline.

I--by Jove, you know--" He hesitated, stammered, and looked thoroughly uncomfortable.

His mother regarded him wrathfully.
"Well," she snapped, "why don't you go on?
Caroline, dear, you really must excuse him.