‘He is altogether selfish and heartless,’ returned Robert, in the same inaudible voice. ‘My Phœbe, give me this one comfort. You never listened to him?’
‘There was nothing to listen to,’ said Phœbe, turning her clear, surprised eyes on him. ‘You couldn’t think him so bad as that. O Robin, how silly!’
‘What were you doing here?’ he asked, holding her arm tight.
‘Only Miss Fennimore wanted some Osmunda, and Miss Charlecote sent him to show me where it grew; because she was talking to Lady Raymond.’
The free simplicity of her look made Robert breathe freely. Charity was coming back to him.
At the same moment Owen turned, his face flushed, and full of emotion, but the obduracy gone.
‘I may take a long leave! When you see Honor Charlecote, Fulmort—’
‘I shall not see her. I am going back with you,’ said Robert, instantly deciding, now that he felt that he could both leave Phœbe, and trust himself with the offender.
‘You think I want to escape!’
‘No; but I have duties to return to. Besides, you will find a scene for which you are little prepared; and which will cost you the more for your present mood. I may be of use there. Your secret is safe with Phœbe and me. I promised your wife to keep it, and we will not rob you of the benefit of free confession.’