He certainly seemed ashamed to mention it before those who accounted it a weakness; and Sir Jasper broke the silence by proposing to produce his witnesses.
‘Really, Sir Jasper, this should be left for the court,’ said Mr. Stebbing.
‘It might be well to settle the matter in private, without dragging Miss White into Avoncester away from her dying mother.’
‘Those things are so exaggerated,’ said the lady.
‘I have seen her,’ said Sir Jasper gravely.
‘May I ask who these witnesses are?’ demanded Mr. Stebbing.
‘Two are waiting here—the messenger and his companion. Another is your porter at the marble works, and the fourth is your youngest son.’
This caused a sensation, and Mrs. Stebbing began—
‘I am sure I can’t tell what you mean, Sir Jasper.’
‘Is he in the house?’