His face was serene and undisturbed. Isla therefore surmised that he had not encountered the lady of the purple gown. Should she enlighten him? Was it her duty to warn him that the woman, with whom he undoubtedly had some slight acquaintance--even if nothing more--was in the vicinity making inquiries about him? Though he had happened to miss her that day, she was haunting the neighbourhood, and Strathyre was, so to speak, but a stone's throw from Glenogle.
"I've been trysting Jamie Forbes for the morning, Malcolm," she said quietly. "I'm going with the nine-thirty."
"Going where?" he asked with a start.
"To Glasgow, first. I will have just a word with Mr. Cattanach. Then I will take the two o'clock train."
"For London?"
She nodded. There was no reason why she should hide the first step of her journey from him--no reason at all.
"And will you go on to Dieppe by the night boat, then?"
She shook her head.
"There is no need for such haste," she answered. "And I am not a stranger in London. I can find my way about. I'll stop the night at the Euston Hotel."
"Have you money?" he asked, trying hard to hide his relief.