“Mrs Brandon,” was the reply.
“And Miss Bedford is not ill, I trust?” said Charley anxiously.
“Miss Bedford has requested me, as her particular friend, to meet you, and answer any questions upon her behalf.”
“But she will see me, will she not?” said Charley earnestly. “Her leaving us was so sudden—I was taken so by surprise. You say, madam, that you are her friend?”
Mrs Brandon bowed, and Charley wiped the dew from his forehead.
“May I then plead for one interview, however short?”
Mrs Brandon frowned, and then rising, she stood with one hand resting upon the table.
“Young man,” she said firmly—and Charley started as she looked down almost fiercely upon him, “you are the son of Sir Philip Vining, I believe?”
“I am,” said Charley, slightly surprised.
“A worthy old country squire, whose name is known for miles round in connection with kindly deeds.”