“I am astounded. Known to you?”
“Yes,” said Aveline, with something like sadness in her tones. “Years ago he did me a service.”
“Impossible.”
“It is a fact. He was mainly instrumental in throwing a light on the dark and, at that time, impenetrable mystery which hung over the house of Ethalwood. He it was who gave Mr. Wrench the information which led to his discovery of me.”
“His name is then——”
“Charles Peace. Oh, Lady Marvlynn, I have every reason for believing him to be a bad man, but I frankly confess I was quite unprepared for this. I did not think he had sunk so low—that he was so callous—so debased—but that is but little to the purpose just now. I have one favour to ask.”
“What is it?”
“That you let him go about his business. Do this for my sake. I cannot explain all the circumstances which lead up to this, but I say again let him go.”
“You must be mistaken, my dear. It cannot possibly be the man to whom you allude.”
“I am not mistaken,” said Aveline. “I saw his face distinctly as he stood in the greenhouse. Time has not improved its expression; but it was too familiar to me years and years ago for me to make a mistake, but if you doubt it I will convince you.”