“De Ligny—a French gentleman?”
“Yes.”
“I tell you it is impossible.”
“But she has gone,” said Leslie coldly.
“Gone? I cannot believe it. Mr Vine? He knows where?”
Leslie shook his head mournfully. “Some secret love,” he said.
“Yes; Louise did nurture a secret love,” said Madelaine scornfully, “and for a man unworthy of her.”
“Poor girl!”
“Yes; poor girl! Shame upon you, Duncan Leslie! She may be gone for some good reason, but it is not as you say and think. Louise, my sister, my poor suffering friend, carry on a clandestine intrigue with some French gentleman? It is not true.”
“You forget her aunt—the influence she has had upon the poor girl.”