‘You have had a most trying time,’ said he, in the kind way that stirred up every old association; but that other thought made her guarded, and she coldly hurried out the words—
‘Yes; this is the first time my father has been out. He went in search of you, to ask how you met poor Arthur, who has been able to give no account of himself.’
‘We met on board the steamer. He had been obliged to leave Boulogne without finishing his business there, and I went back to settle it for him.’
‘And the papers he had lost?’
‘I had them: it is all right.’
‘And his mind relieved?’
‘I hope it is.’
‘Oh! then, we may dare to hope!’ cried she, breathing freely.
‘I trust so; but I must go. Perhaps I may meet Lord Martindale.’
With a great effort, and a ‘now-or-never’ feeling, she abruptly said, ‘I hope Jane is well.’