"Yes."
"At this pretty cottage, perhaps?"
"No, sir."
"Where then—the Reculvers?"
"At Chillingham Park. Since he has begun to visit there he scarcely ever comes here. Have you not heard—have you not heard," she repeated, making a fearful effort at articulation, "that he is to be married to the only daughter and heiress of Lord Chillingham?"
I felt that I became nearly as pale as herself, while replying—
"I certainly have not heard of such an alliance; it is probably the silly humour of a gossiping neighbourhood."
She shook her head sadly, and seated herself with an air of lassitude.
"Are you sure that Mr. Berkeley was not here after I escorted you home last night?"
"I am, unfortunately, but too sure. Why do you ask?" she inquired, looking up, while her eyes dilated.