It was now Goldsmith's turn to stammer. He was so surprised by the way his visitor introduced the name of the Hor-necks he scarcely knew what reply to make to him.
“I perceive that you are surprised, sir.” said Gwyn.
“No, no—not at all—that is—no, not greatly surprised—only—well, sir, why should you not be a friend of Mrs. Horneck? Her son is like yourself, a soldier,” stammered Goldsmith.
“I have taken the liberty of calling more than once during the past week or two upon the Hornecks, Dr. Goldsmith,” said Gwyn; “but upon no occasion have I been fortunate enough to see Miss Horneck. They told me she was by no means well.”
“And they told you the truth, sir,” said Goldsmith somewhat brusquely.
“You know it then? Miss Horneck is really indisposed? Ah! I feared that they were merely excusing her presence on the ground of illness. I must confess a headache was not specified.”
“Nay, sir, Miss Horneck's relations are not destitute of imagination. But why should you fancy that you were being deceived by them, Colonel Gwyn?”
Colonel Gwyn laughed slightly, not freely.
“I thought that the lady herself might think, perhaps, that I was taking a liberty,” he said somewhat awkwardly.
“Why should she think that, Colonel Gwyn?” asked Goldsmith.