"I never knew that Vivian was acquainted with Major Ruck."
"He met him at Mr. Alpenny's town office, missy."
"The Major seemed to threaten Vivian," observed the girl thoughtfully.
Durban shrugged his fat shoulders. "That is so like the Major," he retorted carelessly; "he is all stage thunder. Now that he knows you have not the necklace, he will trouble you no more. Mr. Paslow is not rich, missy; and you have lost the master's money; still, I should like you to marry the man you love, and go away."
"Why do you want me to go away?" she demanded peremptorily.
"It will be better," murmured Durban, uneasily.
"You are still keeping something from me, Durban?"
"Nothing that is necessary for you to know, missy."
Beatrice saw very well that the old servant was fencing, and wondered what it was that he feared. "The necklace?" she said suddenly.
"I do not know where it is, missy."