Edna burst out at this into a wail of reproach and anger, ending with the not unnatural accusation that her brother must be in love with the woman too.
"Yes, perhaps I am," said Anthony.
The idea was new to him, and not repugnant; but he spoke more to annoy his sister than from any more serious motive; but as he spoke he saw that Pearl and Mr. Albertson were in the room and must have heard him, Pearl, however, was too much excited already to register any further excitement. She strode into the room as she strode into the board room of the Encyclopedia; and almost at once catching sight of her letter, still in Durland's hand, she made a grab for it; only Edna was quicker--or rather nearer--and succeeded in getting it first. Pearl turned to Anthony.
"Mr. Wood," she said, "I want my letter--I won't have anyone read my letter. It's an outrage!"
Mr. Albertson felt his moment had come.
"Now look, girlie," he said, "we about have the goods on you. Think of your folks! We want to help you." He took the letter from Mrs. Conway.
"I know," he said, "that a lady's correspondence ought to be sacred, but----"
"But," said Edna, not able to refrain from interrupting--"but ask her why it is she doesn't want her letter read."