“It is nothing,” he said; “I have been spitting blood for a long time past. Now tell me what has come to your knowledge respecting Mr. Pelham. Do not fear—you will not risk my friendship, upon which you place far too high a value.”
I said simply, “He is not Adolph’s cousin.”
“How do you know that?”
“From Adolph himself; he and I have been speaking to each other in confidence.”
“What was the lad’s motive in introducing Mr. Pelham to us with a falsehood?”
“He did so by desire of Grace.”
“Then Grace must have been acquainted with Mr. Pelham.”
“It naturally follows, to the mind of one who does not wilfully blind himself to inexorable fact. Sydney, let us walk back in the direction of Grace’s house. It is a whim of mine, and will do no harm.”
“It can do no good.”
“Sydney,” I said impressively, “as surely as we are now walking side by side conversing on a theme which is bringing torture to your heart, so surely do I know what I dare not impart to you. Come, humour me.”