"That reminds me," Mrs. Willoughby exclaimed, turning to Ruth. "Was Lord Manister out in Australia in your time?"
Ruth said "No," rather nervously, for Mrs. Willoughby's manner alarmed her. "I was married just before he came out," she added; "as a matter of fact, our steamers crossed in the canal."
"Well, you know what a short time he stayed there, for a governor's aid-de-camp?"
"Only a few months, I have heard. Do let me give you another cup of tea, Mrs. Willoughby!"
"Now I wonder if you know," pursued this lady, having cursorily declined more tea, "how he came to leave so suddenly?"
Poor Mrs. Holland shook her head, which was inwardly besieged with impossible tenders for a change of subject. No one helped her: Tiny had perhaps already lost her presence of mind; Erskine did not understand; the other two were not listening. Ruth could think of no better expedient than a third cup for Christina; as she passed it her own hand trembled, but venturing to glance at her sister's face, she was amazed to find it not only free from all sign of self-consciousness or of anxiety, but filled with unaffected interest. For this was the occasion on which Christina's coolness quite baffled Ruth, who for her part was preparing for a scene.
"Shall I tell you?" asked Mrs. Willoughby.
"Do," said Christina, to whom the well-informed lady at once turned.
"He formed an attachment out there, Miss Luttrell! He could only get out of it by fleeing the country; so he fled. You look as though you knew all about it," she added (making Ruth shudder), for the girl had smiled knowingly.
"About which?" asked Tiny.