“You would not think of leaving at such an hour. Are you not contented?”
“Certainly, but——”
“But what?”
I shall compromise you by remaining.
She laughed. “Ah! don’t mind me,” she cried.
“But the hour—ten minutes to three.”
“Well, I know that. When you desire to retire you have only to say the word. There is a bedroom already prepared for your reception. This house is my own; I am mistress here, and am a lady of independent means—what more do you desire to hear?”
Gatliffe had a very natural wish to know a great deal more, but he had the prudence not to broach so delicate a question.
“Oh! nothing—nothing more,” he stammered out.
“Good—you are weary. I will show you to your sleeping chamber,” said his companion, lighting a wax candle, and rising from her seat.