Could not these few lines become a terrible weapon against her? Did they not admit the most extraordinary interpretation? Still, as the bearer might be impatient, the servant asked,—
“What must I tell the man?”
“Ah, wait!” answered Daniel angrily.
And, sitting down at his bureau, he wrote to Miss Brandon,—
“Certainly, Miss Brandon, I remember the promises you extorted from me when I was not master of myself; I remember them but too well.”
Suddenly an idea struck him; and he paused. What! Having been caught already in the very first trap she had prepared for his inexperience, was he to risk falling into a second? He tore the letter he had commenced into small pieces, and, turning to his servant, said,—
“Tell the man that I am out; and make haste and get me a carriage!”
Then, when he was once more alone, he murmured,—
“Yes, it is better so. It is much better to leave Miss Brandon in uncertainty. She cannot even suspect that her driving out this morning has enlightened me. She thinks I am still in the dark; let her believe it.”
Still this letter of hers seemed to prepare some new intrigue, which troubled Daniel excessively. Miss Brandon was certain of achieving her end; what more did she want? What other mysterious aim could she have in view?