"If it relates to business," Mrs. Wynter began, but Maurice interrupted,
"It is only about an address. I have just arrived in England from Canada; I am an old friend and neighbour of Mrs. Costello, and have something of importance to communicate to her, will you tell me where she is?"
Poor Maurice! he had been getting his little speech ready beforehand, and had made up his mind to speak quite coolly, but somehow the last few words seemed very much in earnest, and struck Mrs. Wynter as being so. She looked more closely at her guest.
"Mrs. Costello is in France. Did I understand that you had known her in Canada?"
"I have known her all my life. I spent the last summer and autumn in England, and did not return to Canada until after she had left, but she knew that I should have occasion to see her, or write to her as soon as I could reach home again, and I am anxious to do so now."
"You are aware that Mrs. Costello wishes to live very quietly? Her health is much broken."
"I know all. Mrs. Costello has herself told me. Pray trust me—you may, indeed."
"You will excuse my hesitation if you do know all; but, certainly, I have no authority to refuse their address."
She got up and opened a desk which stood on a table in the room. She had considered the matter while they were talking, and come to the conclusion that the address ought to be given, while at the same time she wished to know more of the person to whom she gave it.
"I wish Mr. Wynter had been at home," she said after a minute's pause, during which she was turning over the papers in the desk, and Maurice was watching her eagerly. "He would have been able to tell you something of your friends, for he only returned home a week or two ago from meeting them."