Roger pondered this information, but could make nothing of it. He resumed frowningly:
"I suppose you have no idea why she went off so suddenly, have you,
Chalmers?"
"Why, no, sir, I was very much surprised myself. Almost as surprised as I was when I heard …"
He did not finish the sentence, and looked sorry he spoken.
"Go on, Chalmers, what were you about to say?"
"Oh, it was nothing, sir, not of the least consequence," returned the old man, embarrassed. "Only women's gossip, sir, and Frenchwomen's gossip at that."
Roger looked at him keenly.
"Never mind, I must insist on your telling me what it was you heard, if it has the least bearing on Miss Rowe."
"I'd rather not, sir. I'm extremely sorry I mentioned it. It was a slip, sir."
"Chalmers, you can't say that much without telling me the rest, so go ahead."