Winnie was fighting to keep down sobs. "She—she—promised—she wouldn't tell anybody."
This brought a frown.
"She! Do you mean Miss Winton? What reason did you give for asking her to be silent?"
"I said—oh, I said—you didn't—didn't—like people to know it."
"I do not. Stop crying, and listen to me." But he ordered in vain. The little thin hands were clenched over her face. He put a kind hand on her shoulder, and that only made her worse.
"Winnie—stop!" She obeyed this time, and sobbed no more, but the slight frame was convulsed. Mrs. Morris brought a glass of water, and he made her sip it.
"Now you are better. Don't begin again. If you do, I shall have to go away."
She clutched at his sleeve. "Oh please—please—don't."
He waited in silence, till the struggles for self-control were successful.
"Now you must listen to me. I wish you once for all to understand. People do not know what you mean, when you talk in that way; and it causes gossip. Remember, I owe much to your mother, for her care of Miss Stirling in infancy. I am always grateful for it; and if I choose to show particular kindness to her and you, that is my affair. But I do not choose my actions to be made the talk of Lynnbrooke. Even Jane knows this. I have warned her; and she does not forget. I did not think it would be needful to warn you."