She pointed in a direction away from the crowd.
‘I have something to say—it’s quieter—’
Samuel evinced surprise, but allowed himself to be led towards the black mouth of the tunnel, whence at that moment rushed an engine with glaring lights upon its breast.
‘We may not be alone in the train,’ continued Jessica. ‘There’s something you ought to know I must tell you to-night. You were asking me about Nancy Lord.’
She spoke with panting breath, and looked fixedly at him. The eagerness with which he lent ear gave her strength to proceed.
‘You asked me if she was engaged.’
‘Yes—well?’
He had even forgotten his politeness; he saw in her a mere source of information. Jessica moved closer to him on the bench.
‘Had you any reason for thinking she was?’
‘No particular reason, except something strange in her behaviour.’