Ackworth looked at her closely. "Of course, I'll trust you."
"That is true love," said Clarice, and kissed him. "Now, in the first place, I shall write this night to Sir Daniel, and ask him to come and see me. Then I can learn if indeed he wrote the letter which I have in my pocket. Next--and this is your share of the plot I have in my head--you must ask Ferdy down for a couple of days and nights to Gattlinsands. He is always glad to stop with you."
"I'll do so willingly," said Anthony; "but why do you want him out of the way?"
"You have answered your own question. I want him out of the way, because I want him out of the way."
"What do you mean?"
"I am mysterious, am I not? But in this case everything is now becoming extremely mysterious, and we must beat these people with their own weapons. I want to marry you; I want Ferdy to marry Prudence. To bring these things about I have to learn the meaning of these threats. When I know, then I can act."
"But what do you intend to do?" asked Anthony, dubiously.
"You promised to trust me."
"Yes, but--but don't be rash."
"Dearest, am I ever rash?"