“I am sure, sir, that in future you will give me no occasion to misunderstand your intentions—no more than would his lordship,” I added as he raised his brows.
Thus in a manner wholly unexpected was a frightful situation eased off.
“I’m so glad it’s settled!” cried Mrs. Effie, who had listened almost breathlessly to our exchange.
“I fancy I settled it as Cradleigh would have—eh, Ruggles?” And the man actually smiled at me.
“Entirely so, sir,” said I.
“If only it doesn’t get out,” said Mrs. Effie now. “We shouldn’t want it known in Red Gap. Think of the talk!”
“Certainly,” rejoined Mr. Belknap-Jackson jauntily, “we are all here above gossip about an affair of that sort. I am sure—” He broke off and looked uneasily at Cousin Egbert, who coughed into his hand and looked out over the lake before he spoke.
“What would I want to tell a thing like that for?” he demanded indignantly, as if an accusation had been made against him. But I saw his eyes glitter with an evil light.
An hour later I chanced to be with him in our detached hut, when the Mixer entered.
“What happened?” she demanded.