“You, my child.”
“Me?” she cried, aghast.
“Well, to speak more correctly, your money, my dear; and that, despairing of winning you in a straightforward way, he either came and caught you in the humour for being persuaded to leave with him, having on his other visits paved the way by making love to you—”
“Oh!” ejaculated Kate; “I never noticed anything particular in his manner to me—yes, I did, once or twice he was very, very attentive.”
“Indeed,” said Garstang, frowning.
“But you said ‘either,’” cried Kate, anxiously.
“Yes; either that he had persuaded you to elope with him, or he had climbed to your window and by some means forced you to come away.”
“What madness!” cried Kate.
“Yes, and there’s more behind; they accuse me of conniving at it, and say they are sure you are married, and that I know where you are.”
“Mr Dasent!” exclaimed Kate, gazing at Garstang wonderingly.