WHITEWASH
"It's done, then. My congratulations, dear." Approval beamed from the majestic presence.
Philippa punched a pillow and shrugged her shoulders.
"Yes."
"Well, it was about time you came to your senses and brought things to a crisis. I began to despair of you," Mrs. Ford coolly commented.
"I can take care of myself."
"No, my love, you can't, as I've noticed to my great regret. However, I shall announce the engagement with great pleasure."
"You'll do nothing of the sort!" Philippa's face grew crimson with annoyance.
"What are you up to now?" her aunt inquired, with obvious cynicism.
"Nothing. But I don't want it known yet; I've good reasons."
Mrs. Ford went to the core of the matter with brutal directness. "You have your good-for-nothing flirtation with that Valdeck on foot, that's what you have. Now, mark my words, you'll get into trouble; if you do, don't come to me. You are a fool if you take chances with Morton
