“They were found on you, sir.”
Staines took them, looking confused. He did not know what to think. When they got into the street again, he told her it was very kind of her to think of his interest at all.
No answer: she was not going to make friends with him over such a trifle as that.
By degrees, however, Christopher's zeal on her behalf broke the ice; and besides, as the search proved unavailing, she needed sympathy; and he gave it her, and did not abuse her husband as Dick Dale did.
One day, in the street, after a long thought, she said to him, “Didn't you say, sir, you gave him a letter for me?”
“I gave him two letters; one of them was to you.”
“Could you remember what you said in it?”
“Perfectly. I begged you, if you should go to England, to break the truth to my wife. She is very excitable; and sudden joy has killed ere now. I gave you particular instructions.”
“And you were very wise. But whatever could make you think I would go to England?”
“He told me you only wanted an excuse.”