“I will see him myself,� she began resolutely.
“Madam,� said I swiftly, “you cannot.�
“Master Hampdon,� she said, “something dreadful has happened.�
I nodded.
This was breaking it gently with a vengeance, but what could I do? She always did twist me around her little finger and I was always more or less helpless before her. I admit that. I am still, for that matter, although she will not have it so.
“What is it? Is my father—what is he doing in the spinney? He never rises at this hour.�
“Mistress Wilberforce,� I said, “you come of a brave stock and the time for your courage is now.�
“Is my father dead?� she asked, after a sudden, awful stillness.
I nodded while she stared at me like one possessed.
“Killed in a duel?� she whispered. I shook my head.