'Yes. He lived to tell the tale.'
'Then his wife was drowned? Well, he did cleverly to scramble out.'
'No.'
Borlase suddenly awoke to find himself puzzled. He looked suspiciously at Anna, walking unconcernedly beside him with her head averted.
'Then why did you say they were?' he asked.
'Why did you ask, when you had seen one of them in the flesh an hour ago?' said Anna, laughing.
Borlase was silent. The indictment was too obvious; another point for the dissection of his inner consciousness.
'One's imagination always flies to a catastrophe rather than good fortune,' said Anna.
'Not always,' said Borlase sharply. 'I never imagined on the moor to-night that Mr. Severn would be away after market at Wonston and I could not spend the evening with you.'
'But why not?' said Anna. 'I asked you and I told you of my new song. I thought as you declined you were in a hurry home.'