“Oh!” said Pen, blushing furiously.
The magistrate looked severely across at her. “From the information I have since received, young man, I am forced to the conclusion that your story was false.”
Pen glanced towards Sir Richard. Instead of coming to her rescue, he smiled maliciously, and said: “Stand up, my boy, stand up, when Mr Philips addresses you!”
“Oh yes, of course!” said Pen, rising in a hurry. “I beg pardon! My owl-story! Well, you see, I did not know what to say when you asked why I had not been with my cousin last night.”
“Did not know what to say! You had only one thing to say, and that was the truth!” said Mr Philips austerely.
“I could not,” replied Pen. “A lady’s reputation was at stake!”
“So I am informed. Well, I do not say that I do not sympathize with your motive, but I must warn you, sir, that any further prevarication on your part may lead to serious trouble. Serious trouble! I say nothing of your conduct in meeting Miss Daubenay in a manner I can only describe as clandestine. It is no concern of mine, no concern at all, but if you were a son of mine—However, that is neither here nor there! Fortunately—” He cast a reproachful glance at Sir Richard—“fortunately, I repeat, Miss Daubenay’s evidence corroborates the information that this shocking crime was perpetrated by a person corresponding with the description furnished me of the man Trimble. Were it not for this circumstance—for I will not conceal from you that I am far from being satisfied! Very far indeed! You must permit me to say, Sir Richard, that your presence in the spinney last night points to your having positively aided and abetted your cousin in his reprehensible—But I am aware that that is Major Daubenay’s concern!”
“No, no, you have it wrong!” Pen assured him. “My cousin was searching for me! In fact, he was very angry with me for going to the spinney, were you not, Richard?”
“I was,” admitted Sir Richard. “Very.”
“Well, the whole affair seems to me very strange!” said Philips. “I will say no more than that yet!”