CHAPTER VIII. — THE MORAL OF IT

Left alone with Mrs. Blunt, Agatha sank into the nearest chair.

“A very handsome young man, isn’t he?” asked the good lady, pushing a chair back into its place. “He’ll be an acquisition, I think.”

Agatha made no answer, and Mrs. Blunt, glancing at her, found her devouring the carpet with a stony stare.

“What on earth’s the matter, child?”

“I’m the wretchedest wickedest girl alive,” declared Agatha.

“Good gracious!”

“Mrs. Blunt, who do you think was in the summer-house when Mr. Merceron went there?”

“My dear, are you ill? You jump about so from subject to subject.”

“It’s all one subject, Mrs. Blunt. There was a girl there.”