"No, indeed; she'll stay here," Miss Vane replied for her. "She'll stay here until she is married; and I hope that that day may not be far off."
"I hope not," said Maurice fervently. "Do you think that I may speak to the General to-day?"
"I should think so. But what about Hubert Lepel, Enid?"
Enid flushed crimson.
"If there is one thing more than another about which the General is particular, it is the keeping of a promise," continued Miss Vane. "He may say that he will hold you to your word."
"He cannot," Enid answered, with lowered eyelids. "For, if what I have been told is true, Hubert has broken his word to me—and so I am free."
"She must be free; she did not love him," said Maurice Evandale conclusively, as if that statement settled the question.
"Ah, well, if love were all," Miss Vane began, but the opening of the door interrupted her. "What is it, Hodges? Another telegram? Is it the General again, I wonder?"
She tore open the brown envelope with more anxiety than she liked to show; her eyebrows went up, and her mouth compressed itself as she read the words—first to herself, and then to Enid and the Rector. The message was again from the General, and ran as follows—
"Hope Enid is safe. Cannot come myself because of carriage-accident. Dick seriously injured; but doctor gives hope."