“Nonsense, Arthur! I mean Mrs Tilman. You know very well.”
“Mrs Tilman! What has she to do with it?”
“What! did not Graeme tell you?”
And then the whole story burst forth—all, and a good deal more than has been told, for Fanny and Rose had been discussing the matter in private with Sarah, and she had relieved her mind of all that had been kept quiet so long.
“The wretch!” said Arthur. “She might have burned us in our beds.”
“Just what I said,” exclaimed Fanny, triumphantly. “But then, Sarah was there to watch her, and Graeme knew about it and watched too. It was very good of her, I think.”
“But why, in the name of common sense, did they think it necessary to wait and watch, as you call it? Why was she not sent about her business? Why was not I told?”
“Sarah told us, it was because Miss Elliott would not have Mrs Snow’s visit spoiled; and Rose says she wanted everything to go smoothly, so that she should think I was wise and discreet, and a good housekeeper. I am very much afraid I am not.”
Arthur laughed, and kissed her.
“Live and learn,” said he.