"And you will tell her the truth?"
"Only part of it—enough to test her. One woman is like another, according to your estimate, so, she shall know who I am, but not what I am—that I am a son of the Earl of Doncaster, but not that I am in disgrace and disowned."
"You will stand a better chance for trust with Miss Stirling. She is an Englishwoman—she would likely keep an Earl's son's secret."
"Why should I not wait until your ship has sailed, before I tell her—then, if she babbles, it will not affect you?"
"No," said Brandon; "since you have told it to Miss Marbury you must tell it to the other. I supposed you would test Miss Stirling first—see what your chances were—work up to it, gradually. Then, if all seemed propitious, confess just before we sailed. If she accepted you, all's well; if she refused you, we should be gone ere she could babble. I never dreamed that you would confide in Miss Marbury.—It is a beautiful scene, Parkington, a beautiful scene!" he exclaimed, suddenly, as a step sounded behind them. "Ah, Captain Herford!"
"I am looking for Miss Stirling," the Captain explained. "The Governor wants her."
"I have not seen her," Brandon replied.
"Nor I, since supper," said Parkington.
Half an hour later, when Miss Stirling came downstairs from the Governor's apartments, it was to find Sir Edward Parkington sitting on the lowest step. He arose and bowed.
"I have been waiting," he said.