She went on to explain how she had run away from school and had no intention of going back, that she dreaded having to stay with her grandmother and how much she resented being pitchforked against her will into Society as a debutante and having to live with her aunt until she married.
She had no idea as she talked how revealing her story was, but as Mr. Gladwin listened attentively, Imeldra was sure that she was winning her case.
“If you will not have me with you,” she finally announced, “I have a good mind to go off somewhere on my own and I am sure Papa would not approve of that!”
“You are blackmailing me!” Mr. Gladwin exclaimed. “To do that might get you into a great deal of trouble.”
He thought as he spoke that it was quite impossible for him to allow this lovely young woman, who h
