“On Lord Kilgoff's carriage—how did that happen?”
“The carriage came into town, ma'am, to bring some things my Lady sent for; at least, so the sailor told me.”
“And were Lord and Lady Kilgoff on board the yacht?”
“Yes, ma'am; they both sailed in her last night.”
As though drawn by some irresistible influence, every eye was now turned to Aunt Fanny, who, up to this, had listened to Mr. Phillis with a breathless attention, and if looks could be translated, every glance thus thrown said plainly, “This is your doing.”
“Are you certain that the yacht has not returned to Kingstown?” said Miss O'Hara.
“Perfectly, ma'am. It blew a storm last night, and the sailors about the harbor told me it was a great chance that any small vessel could outlive the gale.”
Olivia Kennyfeck became deadly pale at these words, and whispered something in her sister's ear.
“Of course,” replied the other, aloud; then turning to Phillis, said, “Had they a pilot with them?”
“I believe so, miss, but there are so many contradictory reports, one don't know what to credit; some say that Lord Kilgoff was greatly opposed to the cruise, but that her Ladyship insisted, and that, in fact, they got under weigh at last without my Lord's knowing, and while they were at dinner.”