"But?" he asked, looking down into the pale face and bright anxious eyes.
"Oh, they may say you did it. They will think it. They are sure to think it, and they are so—"
"Don't trouble about it, dear. I know no more about it than you do, and they cannot get beyond that. Promise me you won't let it trouble you."
"Oh, I will try. But—"
"Have no fears on my account, Nance. I will go at once and tell them all I know about it."
He pressed her hands reassuringly, and she went into the house with downcast head and a face full of forebodings, and he set off at once for Sark.
CHAPTER XVII
HOW TOM WENT TO SCHOOL FOR THE LAST TIME
Mrs. Tom had had a troubled night. Anxiety at her husband's continued absence had in due time given way to anger, and anger in its turn to anxiety again.