'She did not mention then,' said Mr. Richardson, hesitating, 'Mr. Dynevor's health?'
'No! Have you heard anything?'
'I thought you might wish to be aware of what I learnt from, I fear, too good authority. It appears that Mr. Dynevor paid only a part of the purchase-money of the estate, giving security for the rest on his property in Peru; and now, owing to the failure of the Equatorial Steam Navigation Company, Mr. Dynevor is, I fear, actually insolvent.'
'Did you say he was ill?'
'I heard mentioned severe illness—paralytic affection; but as you have not heard from Miss Clara, I hope it may be of no importance.'
After a few more inquiries, and additional information being elicited, good-nights were exchanged, and Mr. Richardson passed on. At first neither spoke, till Isabel said—
'And Clara never wrote!'
'She would identify herself too much with her uncle in his misfortune. Poor dear child! what may she not be undergoing!'
'You will go to her?'
'I must. Whether my uncle will forgive me or not, to Clara I must go. Shall I write first?'