To his great surprise and relief, a theory gained ground that Ida was subject to spells of ill-health, to long fits of despondency, and that her suicide had occurred during one of these.

If Ida's family knew anything of the truth, it was apparent that they were doing their best to cover up their disgrace.

Vandover was too thoroughly terrified for his own safety to feel humiliated at this possible explanation of his security.

There was as yet not even a guess that implicated him.
He thought that he was bearing up under the strain well enough, but on the evening of the second day, as he was pretending to eat his supper, his father sent the servant out and turning to him, said kindly: "What is it, Van?
Aren't you well nowadays ?" "Not very, sir," answered Vandover.

"My throat is troubling me again." "You look deathly pale," returned his father.