“I trust you have not said too much already,” remarked Mr Roberts rather uneasily.
That the Justice also feared he had been indiscreet was shown by his slight testiness in reply.
“Tush! how could I? There’s never a serving-man in the chamber, and we be all safe enough. Not the tail of a word shall creep forth, be sure.”
“‘Three may keep counsel, if twain be away,’” said Mr Roberts, shaking his head with a good-humoured smile.
“They do not alway then,” added Mistress Collenwood drily.
“Well, well!” said the Justice, “you wot well enough, every one of you, the matter must go no further. Mind you, niece Gertrude, you slip it not forth to some chattering maid of your acquaintance.”
“Oh, I am safe enough, good Uncle,” laughed Gertrude.
“Indeed, I hope we be all discreet in such dangerous matters,” added Mistress Grena.
Only Mrs Collenwood and Pandora were silent.