He came into the house a minute later.
“I am pained to find you in such a sorry plight, Miss Morland,” was his greeting.
“Only say that you have come to end this terrible farce and I will not complain,” she replied.
“I have,” he said, quickly. “I have interceded for you and at the first opportunity have come to offer you your release.”
She failed to understand his meaning.
“You have been ordered to be brought to Dalton upon the charge of treason.”
“Treason;” she repeated, with quivering lips, “who dares to accuse me of that?”
“Alas! Mara, circumstances are against you. Your grandfather’s dying words have a terrible signification. I fear it will go hard with you.”
“But Harry will intercede for me. I will go to him.”
“Stop, Mara; that is the worst feature in your case. I am sorry to tell you, but the truth must be told.”