'You'll let me tell my wife? Up to this moment she believes you an impostor, and me a dupe.
'Let her think so still; the longer she is deceived the more complete the triumph will be.'
'Well, I may tell Char, at all events. How delighted she will be! she has never doubted you a minute.
A smile of satisfaction brightened the face of Eustace.
'No;' he said; 'let me have the pleasure of telling her myself, at some future time.'
'Pooh!' said the squire, who hated secrets; 'I almost wish I didn't know it; I must tell somebody.'
'When you have heard what I have to tell you, you will see the importance of secrecy; and, to prevent you from indiscretion, I think, with Dr. Cruden, if Sir Valary is indeed so very ill, we had better all three go to Parker's Dew; and on our journey you shall have a full account of all my history. You know Sir Valary believes me to be dead?'
'Not a bit of it,' said the squire; 'and I never believed it.'
'I give you my honour he does,' said Dr. Cruden.
'Have it your own way; but, Eu, is it necessary to go to-night? why not start the first thing in the morning? You know they have no beds, no supper; I doubt if they have even a rushlight.'