"I fear they are not. And I will not have poor Molly made unhappy."
"Why not 'poor Luttrell'? It is far more likely as I see it."
"I don't want any one to be unhappy. And something must be done."
"Exactly." After a pause, with ill-concealed cowardice: "Will you do it?"
"Do what?"
"That awful 'something' that is to be done."
"Certainly not. It is your duty to—to—find out everything, and ask them both what they mean."
"Then I won't," declares John, throwing out his arms decisively. "I would not be bribed to do it. What! ask a man his intentions! I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing. How could I look him in the face again? They must fight the best battle they can for themselves, like every one else. I won't interfere."
"Very good. I shall speak to Molly. And I really think we ought to go and look them up. I have seen neither of them since breakfast time."
"The rain has ceased. Let us go out by the balcony," says Mr. Massereene, stepping through the open window. "I heard them in the school-room as I passed."