"Don't be angry with me if I tell you something. I have."
"Have what?"
"I have told Mr. Belton that you were coming here. It was in this way. I had to write to him about our continuing in the cottage. Colonel Askerton always makes me write if it's possible, and of course we were obliged to settle something as to the place."
"I'm sorry you said anything about me."
"How could I help it? What would you have thought of me, or what would he have thought, if, when writing to him, I had not mentioned such a thing as your visit? Besides, it's much better that he should know."
"I am sorry that you said anything about it."
"You are ashamed that he should know that you are here," said Mrs. Askerton, in a tone of reproach.
"Ashamed! No; I am not ashamed. But I would sooner that he had not been told,—as yet. Of course he would have been told before long."
"But you are not angry with me?"
"Angry! How can I be angry with any one who is so kind to me?"