‘O, I do not know how to think it possible! Yet it is such an uncommon name.’
‘Do you know whether his name is Antony?’
‘Yes, it is his first name. I remember Arthur’s laughing at him for being ashamed of it, as he said.’
‘That confirms it. I asked Edward if the Christian name was Percival, and he said it was Antony, and some such name, but he could not be sure.’
‘Ah! there would be a confusion owing to his being always called Percy.’
‘He said, too, that it was a good match for Miss Gardner, as he was heir to an estate in Yorkshire.’
‘Worthbourne! Then I am afraid it must be too true. The author, too!’
‘So Edward was told.’
‘I must write and ask John Martindale. He will be sure to know the whole history.’
The rest of the visit and the homeward drive were like a dream. Violet was lost in amazement, compassion, and disappointment, and in the debate how Theodora should be informed. Should she wait till there were further particulars to confirm it! But when she thought it over, there seemed no more wanting. She knew that Percy had been thinking of visiting Italy a year ago, and the name, the authorship, and connection with Worthbourne swept away all doubt. As to making inquiries, she did not know Arthur’s present address; and even if she had had it, she would have shrunk from saying anything that should lead to one additional conversation with Mark Gardner; besides which, Arthur had a fashion of never answering any question asked by letter.