Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/125

Rh "You know I do. I never heard of a brother and sister getting on better together."

"Then why shouldn't I stay?"

My sense of the proprieties rose in revolt; but an equally strong feeling that it was a purely artificial, unworthy sense rose with it. I said weakly, "It's very tempting."

"There's nothing really wrong in it, is there?" she said, looking at me squarely in the eyes.

"No, there is not. But people are evil-minded, and we have to reckon with that fact. And these things have a way of coming out."

"No one knows that you're not my brother. Indeed, no one this side of Cumberland knows anything about me," she said thoughtfully.

"No. And only Chelubai and Bottiger and Mrs. Plimsoll know that you are staying here. And I could always answer for Chelubai and Bottiger."

"Yes; even if they found out we were not really brother and sister, they would not say anything."

"Really, I don't think that they are very likely to find out. And we're not likely to tell them—not at present, at any rate."

"Why should we ever?" she said, opening her eyes.

"Oh, we might have to."

"Then I shall stay," she said joyfully. "After all, the Company should keep together. We can work better."