"I love her in spite of her faults," pleaded the ex-governess; and then her dignity broke down and she began to cry. "I know she is wicked and has been led astray by Captain Kyles, but I brought her up from the cradle and am attached to----"
"An' muckle creedit does the lassie dae ye," cried Gowrie angrily.
"Mr. Herries," said Mrs. Mountford wiping her eyes and taking no notice of the tutor, "what will you do?"
"Nothing at present. I am sorry, Mrs. Mountford, for I recognise your good heart, but Maud is too bad. Later we can speak of this. You can go, Mrs. Mountford."
The ex-governess, with all her stiffness taken out of her, rose and walked limply to the door. Without a word, she vanished, and the three left alone, stared at one another. Gowrie opened his mouth. Elspeth would have spoken, but Herries, master of the situation, held up his hand.
"Not a word from either of you," he said, "Gowrie, you must take up your quarters at the 'Marsh Inn,' and let me know what Kyles is up to."
"Why not yersel', laddie?"
"He would suspect me, he won't suspect you. You can go to-morrow."
"And what will you do, Angus?" asked Elspeth. "I'll go to Pierside and interview Señora Guzman."
"Do you believe that Captain Kyles is guilty, Angus?"