“And what,” asked Miss Milborne, in a strangled voice, “if it is Sherry who kills George?”
“Well, I thought of that, too,” admitted Hero. “But George assured me Sherry could not hit him at twenty-five yards, and I expect he must know. Do let me give you some coffee, Isabella!”
“Thank you, no. I collect that you actually called on Wrotham at his lodging?”
“Yes, for what else could I do, when you would not help me? And, indeed, I am very sorry that I troubled you, Isabella, for there was not the least need: George told me instantly that I need have no fear for Sherry. And Gil said I must particularly request you not to mention the matter to a soul, and I forgot to do so.”
“Make yourself easy on that score: I should not think of prattling upon such a subject!” Miss Milborne said, in a colourless tone. “I must not stay. I am happy to know that my intervention was not needed.”
Hero perceived that she had in some way erred, and said nervously: “No, but — but I do hope you do not think — George said that he had not the least notion of killing Sherry, you see, so perhaps my intervention was not needed either.”
“Very likely,” said Miss Milborne. “It is a case of all’s well that ends well, in fact.”
“Yes, only — Isabella, pray do not be thinking that George cares a button for me, for nothing could be more nonsensical!”
Miss Milborne gave a tinkling little laugh. “My dear, if I trust that he does not it is quite for your own sake, I assure you! It is nothing to me whom he cares for. Now, indeed, I must go, for I have to drive out presently with Mama! We shall meet at Almack’s, I dare say. Do you go to the Cowpers’ party? I need not ask, however! all the world and his wife will be there, I collect!”
Hero was so much quelled by this bright manner that she could summon up no more courage than sufficed to allow her to escort her friend to the front door, and bid her a somewhat faltering farewell. She began to be much afraid that she had done poor George a very ill turn; and until the sound of Sherry’s step in the hall banished any but the most cheerful thoughts she sat wondering how she could best set matters to rights for that ill starred lover.