He was walking to and fro beneath the leafless trees, his heart almost as dead and withered as the leaves beneath his feet, when a cheery voice hailed him, and, turning, he saw the earl.
“You are out early, Crosbie,” cried Lord Court, as he approached. “I saw you from my windows.” Then, in a tone of surprise, he added: “But you look ill. Is anything the matter?”
“I did not sleep well,” returned Stuart, hurriedly, “for I have had a shock. I am going to tell you all about it.”
“A shock!” repeated the earl, with a smile. “Don’t say the manor is haunted. I believe it is most unorthodox not to have a family ghost, but I have never heard yet that we have one.”
“It is not a ghost—it is a reality! I meant to have spoken to you last night, but I was so surprised that I could hardly realize the truth of what I saw. I will explain now.”
“Come indoors,” said Lord Court, looking a little bewildered. “It is sultry out here. Now, Crosbie, I am all attention—begin,” as they entered the house.
“You are aware I was about to start for Australia next week. Do you know why?”
“No,” answered the earl. “And, to tell you the candid truth, I was just a little puzzled as to the cause of your hasty departure.”
“It was to fulfill a wish of my dead cousin, Douglas Gerant. He left a daughter; it was in search of her I was to sail on Thursday next.”
“A daughter! Why, I never knew Gerant was married!”