The equivoque was obviated by Mr. Wyvern’s tone.
‘I have heard stories about Adela Waltham. Is there any truth in them?’
‘I fear so; I fear so.’
‘That she is really going to marry Mr. Mutimer?’
He tried to speak the name without discourtesy, but his lips writhed after it.
‘I fear she is going to marry him,’ said the vicar deliberately.
Hubert held his peace.
‘It troubles me. It angers me,’ said Mr. Wyvern. ‘I am angry with more than one.’
‘Is there an engagement?’
‘I am unable to say. Tattle generally gets ahead of fact.’