"I think it is the noblest act I ever heard of. I should like to tell him so. When is he coming to Beechwood?"
Maud spoke quickly, with flushed cheeks, in the impetuous manner she inherited from her mother. Her question not being immediately answered, she repeated it still more eagerly.
Her father replied—"I do not know."
"How very strange! I thought he would come at once—to-night, probably."
I reminded her that Lord Ravenel had left for Paris, bidding goodbye to Mr. Jessop.
"He ought to have come to us instead of to Mr. Jessop. Write and tell him so, father. Tell him how glad we shall be to see him. And perhaps you can help him: you who help everybody. He always said you were his best friend."
"Did he?"
"Ah now, do write, father dear—I am sure you will."
John looked down on the little maid who hung on his arm so persuasively, then looked sorrowfully away.
"My child—I cannot."