“Did you get tired of waiting, Ellen?” he asked, as on his return he presented the glass to his companion.
The suspicions excited in her mind by the mysterious warning had been strengthened by his protracted absence.
“You were long absent,” she said, coldly.
“Yes,” he replied, somewhat confused. “I was unexpectedly detained.”
“Perhaps you can explain this,” she continued, handing him the paper she had received.
He turned pale with anger and vexation, and incautiously muttered, “This is some of Margaret’s work. Curse her!”
“Who is Margaret?” asked his companion, suspiciously.
“She,” said Jacob, hesitating, in embarrassment. “Oh, she is an acquaintance of mine whose mind has lost its balance. You may have seen her on the ground here. She was muffled up in a shawl and cape-bonnet. She is always making trouble in some unexpected way.”
That this was a fabrication, Jacob’s confused manner clearly evinced.
“I wish to go home,” was the only response. Jacob offered his arm.