“Or that you should meet her in the passages at home here, to bring you letters, or messages from Mrs Lloyd?”
“Well, now you mention it, yes: it has struck me as odd once or twice.”
“Never struck you that the girl came of her own accord?”
“Never, and I’m sure she never did. She rather avoided me than not; so come, Master Counsellor, you’re out there.”
“Did it never strike you that she was sent?”
Trevor did not answer, but sat gazing in his friend’s face for a few moments, as if he were trying to catch his drift, and then in a flash he seemed to read all the other meant; for his brow grew cloudy, and he sat down hastily, then got up, and took a few strides up and down before reseating himself.
“Well,” said Pratt, “can you see it?”
“I see what you mean, Franky; but I can’t quite think it. The old woman would never have the impudence to plan such a thing.”
“Dick, old fellow, it’s as plain as the day. She’s made up her mind that her little niece shall be mistress of Penreife, and she is playing her cards accordingly.”
“Then I’m afraid, if that is her game, she’ll lose the trick.”