"There is no fault so far as you are concerned," Nigel said quietly. "The finding was accidental. The hiding could not have been. But I don't wish to discuss Fulvia's conduct with you, Daisy. I trust you not to let it go any further. Now you can take these boxes away, and leave me alone."
"But—if Fulvia asks—?"
"She will not. If she should, you may refer her to me."
Daisy gave him a frightened look of acquiescence, and caught up the empty box.
Nigel carried the heavy full one upstairs for her, and then he disappeared into the study.
"If only I had not found it! I wish I hadn't!" sighed Daisy.
Mr. Carden-Cox did not look particularly ill, but he proclaimed himself so, and required much pity. Fulvia gave him some expression of it, to the best of her power, while her thoughts wandered constantly to Nigel. The first hour of talk was aimless. Then Mr. Carden-Cox arrived at the point, with a jerk.
"So your madre allowed you to come! Didn't forbid it!"
"No."
"You made up a decent message from me, I hope."