"It would be wiser to leave the hatching of the plot until Andrew has sailed!" he said indignantly.
"Plot is not the right word; and you are mistaken if you imagine that any fear of Andrew's displeasure would deter me in a matter of duty. With the welfare of the parish at heart——"
Wannop checked him.
"Duty's a good deal easier when it chimes with one's inclinations; and the welfare of the parish isn't threatened by Mrs. Olcott. There are, however, one or two abuses you could put your finger on to-morrow if you liked, though I dare say it would get you into trouble."
Robert reddened and Mrs. Wannop made her husband a peremptory sign to stop.
"I think we needn't talk about the matter any more," she said. "It is decided that Andrew shall be sent to Canada."
They changed the subject, and a few minutes later Wannop left them. Crossing the lawn, he met Hilda in a shrubbery walk.
"Where have you been?" he asked. "I haven't seen you since we came."
"Florence found me an errand that kept me out of the way," said Hilda pointedly. "Now what have you and the others been talking about?"
"I mustn't betray a confidence," answered Wannop with twinkling eyes. "Still, I dare say you can guess."