human
Father was never in Australia! He made his money trading in Africa. We've heard him say that many times, and I believe him. I shall not believe those papers. They are blackmail.
gpt
Then, I must go on alone. My temptation was to cover this up, but, Bets, I can't. I had hoped that you'd go through it with me, for it's going to be a mighty dirty mess to clean up. But if you persist in believing Father's story instead of mine----
human
I do believe you, too! But can't there be some mistake?
gpt
If there had been the slightest chance I should have discovered it before now, but there isn't. It is God's truth. All these years Father has been safe only because Adoniah Phillips refused years ago to disclose his identity. It's awful, Sis, but true.
human
It's too awful to be true! It seems like a horrible dream.
gpt
You have no idea what agony it has cost me. Do you think you can go through it with me?
human
I'll try, Harold. But, oh, it's hard!
gpt
Yes.
human
Don't you think that Father might clear the whole matter up if we should tell him all we know? Maybe he could explain things----
gpt
That was the first thought that occurred to me. But the longer I worked on the case, and the more I discovered of the truth, the more impossible I saw that to be. I'm not so sure that we'd want him to save his skin, anyway. He ought to face the music for his wrong just the same as any other man.
human
Father will not be afraid to face the truth, even though it may mean financial ruin. He is brave, and he is honest now. I shall tell him all.
gpt
Don't be too hasty, Bets. I admire your spunk. But answer me this: did it strike you as strange the way Father acted that night when I announced my contemplated trip to Australia to look up Phillips?
human
And did it strike you as strange the way he treated Mr. McGowan when he offered to help him to his room?
gpt
But why do you bring Mr. McGowan into this?
human
Bets, if I had known one grain of the truth that night I'd have flatly refused the appointment to this case at the risk of losing my position in the firm. Father was afraid that night. Here is one more paper I wish you to read. I had it copied in Washington last week.
gpt
Be it known that one Adoniah Phillips, after due application, and upon his own request, for reasons herein stated, is authorized to change his name to----
human
Mack McGowan! she whispered faintly.
gpt
Oh, what am I saying? Why am I saying that name? What has happened to me?
human
Poor little girl! I thought my little sister was stronger than that. I've been a fool for letting you read all those papers after the strain you've been through.
gpt
Mack McGowan! she repeated. She seized the paper which her brother had lifted from the floor.
human
Oh, it's in that paper, and it's _his_ name! Harold, what does it mean?
gpt
You must brace up, Beth. The man you are in love with is the son of Adoniah Phillips. He bears his father's new name.
human
I want to go home, and I need you to drive the car.