She poured out a cup of tea and gave it to me. Then, as she sat down, she said, "I'm sorry you can't come to-night. Where are you going?"
I did not want Chat there—but I remembered what happened to Cartmell when he did not want me there.
"I'm not going anywhere," I said.
Her pallid face flushed a little, but she smiled. Chat looked at her and got up; no, Chat was not altogether a fool! "Yes, please, Chat," said Jenny very quietly. Chat left us. I finished my tea—it was cold, and easy to gulp down—and waited for the storm.
"You've nothing to add to your polite excuses?" she inquired.
"Does that gentleman come from Cheltenham?"
"Yes, from Cheltenham, Mr. Austin. But how did you come to know that? Did my father mention him?" She was not embarrassed—only very angry.
"No."
"It was Mr. Cartmell?"
"Yes. He had no right, I daresay, but I'm glad he did—and so will he be."