There were tearful embraces between the sisters and other relatives, and between Rose and the elder Mrs. Carrington.
"I feel as if you had been in terrible danger." said Sophie, wiping her eyes. "John has just been telling us all about it. What a mercy that Mr. Travilla was warned in time!"
"By whom, Horace? if it be not an improper question," asked the old lady, turning to Mr. Dinsmore.
"By a detective, Mrs. Carrington, who was secretly present at their meeting and heard all the arrangements."
"He then knew who were the members appointed to be of the attacking party?"
Mr. Dinsmore bowed assent.
"Was George one?"
"My dear madam I did not see the detective, but their raids are usually made by men coming from a distance."
"You are evading my question. I implore you to tell me all you know. George did not come down to breakfast; had evidently not occupied his bed last night, and this seems to explain his absence. I know, too, that he has bitterly hated Travilla since—since his arrest and imprisonment. Will you not tell me? Any certainty is to be preferred to this—this horrible suspense. I would know the worst."
Thus adjured Mr. Dinsmore told her George had been appointed one of the party, but that he could not say that he was actually there. Also he suppressed the fact that the appointment had been by George's own request.