Page:Miss Madelyn Mack Detective.pdf/83

"Yes, sir."

Adolph Van Sutton thrust his hands restlessly into his pockets. "I—I beg your pardon, Miss Mack! Please sit down, and overlook a nervous man's excitability. You can hardly understand the strain I am under. You were asking me—what was it you were asking me? Ah, you were inquiring into my relations with young Endicott!"

Mr. Van Sutton rolled his handkerchief into a ball between his hands as Madelyn coldly resumed her chair. "There is really nothing to tell you. You are a woman of the world, Miss Mack. I objected to Mr. Endicott as a husband for my daughter because, frankly, he was a poor man and Bertha has hardly been raised in a manner that would teach her economy. Have I made myself clear?" He dropped his handkerchief into his pocket and his lips tightened. "Bertha had her own way in the end as she generally does—and I gave in. Is there anything more?"

"I believe that personally you preferred Willard White as a son-in-law. Am I right?"

"What of it?"

Madelyn gave a little sigh. "Nothing—nothing! You have been very patient, Mr. Van Sutton. I am going to ask you just one question more before we leave for 'The Maples.' Does the sec-