“Whatever he asks you,” replied Sir Richard.
“Shall I say that I found Beverley here, with you?” asked Piers doubtfully.
“I hardly think that he will ask you that question.”
’But will he not wonder how it came about that I did not miss Beverley?”
“Did you not say that Beverley gave it out that he was retiring to bed? Why should you miss him?”
“To-morrow morning?”
“Yes, I think you might miss him at the breakfast-table,” conceded Sir Richard.
“I see. Well, if you feel it to be right, sir, I—I own I would rather not divulge that I was in the wood to-night. But what must I say if I am asked if I know you?”
“You don’t know me.”
“N-no. No, I don’t, of course,” said Piers, apparently cheered by this reflection.