The twins looked at each other. Bell had an extraordinary way of putting things sometimes.
"We didn't do anything of the sort!" said Phil, with an attempt at bluster.
"Because if you did not," his sister went on, "I am afraid you must have seemed very rude, my children. Rude and silly!"
"I wouldn't call names, Tintinnabula!" said Gerald, turning red.
"Sorry to be obliged to," retorted his sister, in perfect good humour. "But if you looked at Mr. Ferrers as you are looking now, there really can be no doubt about the matter. Now listen, boys! I know—Hilda has told me—a great deal about this Mr. Jack Ferrers. Hilda loves him dearly, as dearly as if he were her own brother, and in exactly the same way. You need not shake your heads and try to look wise, my dears, because you are not wise! You are two very foolish boys, who are trying to run your heads against a stone wall when there is no wall there. That is the state of the case about Mr. Ferrers. I know Hildegarde pretty well, and I am sure of what I am saying. You need have no fear of him. As for Roger,—well, I don't think you need have any fear for Roger either."
"Has he—has she—do you think they are—"
"Hush!" cried Bell, putting a hand over the mouth of each. "I don't think anything! At least—well, that isn't true, of course; but it does no good to talk about these things, dear boys. I do not think Hilda and Roger are—are engaged." Bell dropped her voice to a whisper. "But I feel quite sure they will be some day, when the time comes. I think they understand each other very well. Roger will be here soon; suppose you leave it all to him, Phil and Jerry, and don't worry about it. But there is one thing you can do, and it should be done soon."
"What?" cried both boys, eagerly.
"Put on your good clothes, and your good manners, and go to call at Roseholme."
"We'll be shot if we will!" cried the twins.