“Corwin. A horrid creature,” said Virginia, suddenly recalling Fanchon’s face when she saw him in the waiting-room of the hall.
The colonel nodded.
“Corwin—that’s the name. Well, William’s wife knows him, she’s been seen walking with him. There’s talk about it. It may be all false, but I’d rather you kept away.”
Virginia had grown very thoughtful.
“I remember now, grandfather. She seemed afraid of him, poor girl. He’s a terrible creature, I’m sure—I wonder if he isn’t doing it on purpose? Starting the talk, I mean.”
“Very likely,” said the colonel dryly; “but he’d have to have something to start on. When there’s so much smoke, there’s some fire. I don’t like her, and yet”—he smiled—“what a pretty creature!”
“She’s not twenty, I’m sure. I think it’s wicked to talk so about her.” Virginia flushed generously. “Why are people so cruel?”
The colonel smiled.
“Jinny,” he said gently, “that little woman wouldn’t raise her finger to save you from the gallows.”
Virginia’s blush deepened.