"About Miss Linisfarne, sir," asked Dan, after a pause--"what do you know about her?"
"Just as much as I know about Merle. She came down here twenty and more years ago, and took up her abode in Farbis Court. Why, I do not know, though I have asked her frequently the reason of such isolation. She was then young and beautiful, but is now a wreck of her former self. But you, my lord--you are the landlord; you----"
"I know nothing of her," said Ardleigh, hastily. "The Court was let to her in my father's time, when I was a little lad. She is a good tenant, and pays her rent regularly, so when I came into the estate she remained at the Court. I am as ignorant as you of her past."
"Strange, strange!" muttered the vicar. "Here are two people who have retired from the world, and isolated themselves in this wretched place. What their secrets are I know not, as they keep them locked up in their own breasts. Ah! my dear young friend, how true it is that we mortal millions live alone!"
He wagged his head solemnly over this remark, and prepared to take his departure. Dan escorted him up the dell as far as the top of the ridge.
"I must think over what you have told me," said the vicar, shaking hands, "and will let you know what conclusion I come to. I agree with you that there is some mystery in all this, but at present I see no way of discovering what it may be. Come and see me soon, my lord."
"Dan!" corrected the other, smiling.
"Dan be it. Come and see me, Dan, and we will talk over matters. If you discover anything new, let me know of it. I am always at home in the evenings, and you will find a hearty welcome."
"I won't forget your invitation; but I wish, vicar, you would introduce me to Miss Linisfarne."
"I cannot do so without her permission, but I shall see. Of course, as Lord Ardleigh, you can call."