"That was one of the things I wished to say to you. You do not believe the—the story they whispered of the duel?"
"Marius is better abroad," said the Earl evasively.
"But you do not believe it?" pleaded Miss Boyle. "No, you could not!"
He smiled down at her.
"Very well, as you wish. I will not believe it; but it was not to speak of Marius that I came to Bristol."
Inwardly he asked himself what had brought him—asked himself between tears and laughter. What he must do now he was here he could read in Miss Boyle's eyes.
"You have heard of me from Susannah?"
"A few words—sometimes," she answered.
"I should have written."