He leaned forward confidentially.
"See here," he said, "I've always imagined that you would go far, and I'm anxious to see you do so. I shouldn't like you to throw yourself away."
His sister could take a hint, but there was information that she desired and the man was speaking with unusual reserve.
"You must be plainer," she retorted with a slight show of impatience.
"Then, you have seen a good deal of Vane, and in case you have any hankering after his scalp, I think I'd better mention that there's reason to believe he won't be worth powder and shot before very long."
"Ah!" exclaimed Jessy with a calmness that was difficult to assume; "you may as well understand that there is nothing between Vane and me. I suppose you mean that Howitson and Bendle are turning against him?"
"Something like that." Horsfield's tone implied that her answer had afforded him relief. "The man has trouble in front of him."
Jessy changed the subject. What she had gathered from Mrs. Bendle was fully confirmed; but she had made up her mind. Evelyn's lover might wait for the warning which could save him, but he should wait in vain.