"None but that. I questioned Pellet myself, asking him how he came to spread such a report about. He replied that he did not spread the report that Bell was lying there, only that he dreamt he was there."
"I should have thought Blase Pellet a very unlikely man to have dreams, papa, and to relate them."
"So should I," assented the doctor, significantly. "So unlikely, that I cannot help suspecting he did not have this one."
Frank Raynor, who had risen and crossed to the window, as if attracted by something in the street, half turned at this remark, but immediately turned back again. Edina looked inquiringly at her father.
"I could not help fancying, as I listened to him, that Pellet was saying it with a purpose," observed the doctor. "His manner was peculiar. If I may so describe it—shuffling."
"I scarcely understand you, papa. You think he did not have the dream? That he only said he had it; and said it to answer some purpose of his own?"
"Just so, Edina."
"But what could be his purpose?"
"Ah, there I am at fault. We may discover that later. If he did say it with a purpose, I conclude it will not end here."
"Well, it sounds rather strange altogether," observed Edina. "Frank, do you mean to let your tea get quite cold?"