"You have seen him?" she said, in a low, strained voice.
The captain inclined his head.
"Yes," he said, "I have seen Mr. Leicester."
"And you gave him the message? Oh, tell me, please!" and she clasped her hands, with a gesture of despair.
"I know not how to tell you," said the captain, brokenly. "At least, I can assure you this, that Mr. Dodson is not worth another thought of yours. You—and I, also—are utterly mistaken in him. He is neither generous, noble, nor forgiving."
Violet interrupted by a gesture.
"Will you tell me what he said?"
"When I left you," said the captain, "I walked up to the Cedars, hoping to find him at home, but a servant told me he had gone for his walk. I went down to the village, and waited there for some time, and at last looked for him on the beach. I could not find him there, and, as I was determined not to return to you until I had seen him, I made my way back to the village, and waited by the cliff road."
He paused a moment to snuff the candle and to glance at her face.