"It may have been simple and obvious, but it never occurred to anybody but you," said Claud, bluntly.
"No; because you were all biassed. I told you so. I am very sorry for that poor mother—for Mrs. Parker. I shall go to her early next morning. It was pitiful to see her. She was so utterly without the least suspicion of what I was driving at, that I felt like a traitor, worming myself into her confidence. Good-night, Miss Brabourne. You will sleep again, I hope."
"I don't know, I don't feel the least bit sleepy," said Elsa, feverishly; "and it is nearly morning now, you know."
Henry started.
"Is it so late? I had no idea. Come, we must be off at once."
Outside, the blackness of the night was just decreasing. The clouds which had gathered in the evening were rolling away, leaving gaps full of pallid stars. A chill cold pierced the limbs, and the heavy dew of autumn bathed all the vegetation.
"You will come home with us, of course?" said Mr. Fowler to Percivale.
"No, thanks, I can't. I must go aboard my Swan. The men are waiting for me on the shore."
"All this time? Are you sure?"
"Quite sure. Good-night."