"That is the very thing I wish to find out, Mr. Jarner. It concerns Meg."
The vicar suddenly raised his eyes and examined Dan's face with the closest attention. He looked puzzled and thoughtful.
"It concerns Meg," he repeated slowly. "Ay, ay; and in what way?"
"That I can't say. Now, you----"
"I am afraid I can give you no assistance," said Jarner, a trifle stiffly. "So far as I know, there can be no connection between the gipsies and the doctor. What are your grounds for such a belief?"
"I was talking to Dr. Merle about his daughter, and suggested in a jocular way that if he found the young lady difficult to manage, he should ask Miss Linisfarne to adopt her."
"And what did he say to that?"
"He turned as white as paper, and asked me if Tim had told me anything."
"Strange--very strange!" said the vicar, reflectively. "What did he mean by such a remark?"
"I wish to find that out," repeated Dan for the second time.