“I am aware of it, Sir George.”
“Nor is it necessary to say, that I wish to avoid scandal?”
Maynard made no reply; though, unseen, he nodded assent to the proposition.
“You can retire at your leisure, sir; but in ten minutes my carriage will be ready to take you and your luggage to the station.”
It was terrible to be thus talked to; and but for the scandal Sir George had alluded to, Maynard would have replied to it by refusing the proffered service.
But he felt himself in a dilemma. The railway station was full four miles distant.
A fly might be had there; but not without some one going to fetch it. For this he must be indebted to his host. He was in a dress suit, and could not well walk, without courting the notice to be shunned. Besides, there would be his luggage to come after him.
There was no alternative but to accept the obligation.
He did so, by saying—
“In ten minutes, Sir George, I shall be ready. I make no apology for what has passed. I only hope the time may come, when you will look less severely on my conduct.”