CHAPTER XHe could not be unaware of Esther’s relief. She said in a hurry,
“We were going down to the beach, weren’t we? If the sun is coming through, I had better go and put on my hat.”
As the door closed behind her, Alan broke into a laugh.
“The eye of faith!” he observed.
Carmona said,
“Not entirely. This is the dark side of the house. It really is clearing on the other side. Alan, you are worrying Esther. Why?”
He said lightly.
“Do you know, you haven’t changed in the least. You are still beautiful—and devastatingly frank.”
She did not smile.
“Alan, I’m serious.”
“You always were.”
“I want to know what is going on.”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you.”
“Esther will.”
“I wonder.”
“I suppose it’s the old story—you want money.”
“How right you are! I always did, didn’t I? Only thi
