He tossed the packages on the dresser, then he went and stood directly in front of his sister, looking at her.
"I want to know if it's true," said he.
Then Madelon knew that he had heard.

"Yes," said she.
"And that is--" Richard pointed at the silk.
"Yes." Richard continued to look at his sister and the gorgeous silk.

There was consternation in his look, and withal a certain relief.

Boy as he was, he reasoned it out astutely.

If Madelon married Lot Gordon the merest shadow of suspicion that her confession had been true would not cling to her, and Richard hated Burr, and was fiercely triumphant that he should not think his sister dying for love of him; and then Burr would lose the Gordon money.
All at once Madelon rose up, let her silk breadths slip rustling to the floor, and took Richard by the shoulder.