Lewis answered in the affirmative, and she continued—
“Then, if you go straight on till you come to the corner of the field you will see a gate on your left hand; get over that and follow the road which leads into the wood, and it will bring you to your friends.”
Lewis thanked her, and then stood a moment, irresolute whether or not to allude to the parting he had just witnessed. It was no affair of his, and yet could he answer it to his conscience not to warn her against the designs which, he did not doubt, Lord Bellefield entertained against her?
“Do not think me interfering without reason,” he observed, “but I was an involuntary witness to your parting with that gentleman, and I wish to ask you if you are acquainted with his name and position?”
The girl cast down her eyes, and after a pause, murmured that she knew he was very rich.
“And his name?” urged Lewis.
“Mr. Leicester, brother to the young Lord,” she believed.
“He has told you that, has he?” returned Lewis sternly; “and did it not occur to you to inquire of the servants last night whether your wealthy admirer had revealed to you his real name?”
“No; she had never doubted that he had done so,” making game of a fellow.
“And perhaps were unwilling to call attention to your connection with him by making the inquiry?” resumed Lewis.