"I met you not very far from that square, and I thought——"
"Pray take time, and conclude your sentence."
She shook her head.
"Some important business connected with my profession, and involving a case long ago placed in my hands, called me, despite the unfavourable weather, to that section of the city. Having particularly desired and instructed you to come home as soon as the rehearsal at Mrs. Brompton's ended, I certainly had no right to suppose you intended to disobey me."
He paused, but she remained a pale image of silent sorrow.
"A few evenings since you asked me to trust you, and in defiance of my judgment I reluctantly promised to do so. Have you not forfeited your guardian's confidence?"
"Perhaps so; but it was unavoidable."
"Unavoidable that you should systematically deceive me?" he demanded very sternly.
"I have not deceived you."
"My duty as your guardian forces me to deal plainly with you. With whom have you arranged this disgraceful clandestine correspondence?"