“That is very considerate,” said he smiling.
“Do you know the end of Mrs Masters’s debts?”
“Yes, I do. That is, I know they’ve been paid. Do you expect this to be the end?”
“Oh, well, for the present. But who paid them?” He hesitated. “I don’t believe it’s a secret,” he said presently, “but of course it’s not a thing to be talked about.” Then he suddenly turned and looked down into her face. “Did you really suppose it was I?”
“Why not?” she persisted. “Why not you as well as another?”
“I think I shall avail myself of your means of escape, and refuse to answer the question,” said Jack with gravity. “I can’t afford to lose my one opportunity of being considered a preux chevalier.”
“But, Jack!”
“But, Phillis!”
“Was it really not you?”
He did not answer her for a moment. Their path led them so close to the sweeping current of the river, already brimming over and tearing at the canes which bordered it, that he was seized with a fear that he had been mistaken in the strength of the banks, and had, perhaps, brought his companions into danger. But a short recollection assured him that they were safe. He pointed out an oozy bog to Phillis that she might avoid it, and then said:—