“Very unlikely. You see, he would have to have something to go upon.”

Mrs. Kettering did not answer. Van Aldin looked at her sharply.

“Come, Ruth, out with it. There’s something troubling you⁠—what is it?”

“Nothing, nothing at all.”

But her voice was unconvincing.

“You are dreading the publicity, eh? Is that it? You leave it to me. I’ll put the whole thing through so smoothly that there will be no fuss at all.”

“Very well, Dad, if you really think it’s the best thing to be done.”

“Got a fancy for the fellow still, Ruth? Is that it?”

“No.”