"I came out hoping to see you, Miss Etheridge," he said. "May I come in?"
"Yes, of course; uncle will be very pleased," she said. "But go in the front way, please; we are going in at the back, because we don't wish uncle to know. It would only upset him. You will not tell him, please?"
"You may always rely on my discretion," said Jasper.
Stella, still holding Frank's hand, dragged him into the kitchen, and stopped Mrs. Penfold's exclamation of dismay.
"Frank has had an accident, Mrs. Penfold. Yes, he fell in the river. I'll tell you all about it afterward; but he must change his things at once—at once. Run up, Frank, and get into the blanket——"
"All right," he said; then, as he went out of the room, he took her by the arm.
"Don't let that man stay, Stella. I—hate him."
"My dear Frank!"
"I hate him! What did he mean by sneering at Lord Leycester?"
"He doesn't like Lord Leycester," said Stella.