“And assuming it was a mistake—an error, he might have gone thither with some relative—a friend’s wife, perhaps. It surely must be so.”
Lady Marvlynn shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.
“We are most of us prone to put the worst construction on the matter in cases of this sort.”
“All I can say is, I hope we have.”
“But you do not think so?”
“I confess I do not.”
“Very well. Nothing ought to be done till we have made further inquiries, if it be as you think.”
“As I think?”
“Well, say me, if you like. If it be so, then, indeed, I shall not hesitate for one moment.”
“So be it, Aveline. We will make further inquiries, and so let the matter rest for the present. You are a dear darling girl,” and with these words the speaker embraced her young charge fondly.