"Well, sir, no; not exactly. I have dropped a word or two, and I know she guesses the rest; but I have not said it."
"Best not, perhaps," said the surgeon. "It is a secret that may remain between you and me."
[CHAPTER XXXVII.]
A MEETING IN PARIS
"I Wonder why I am kept a prisoner here?" exclaimed Georgina Beauclerc.
She stood at the open French window of the Rectory drawing-room as she said it, partly indoors, partly out, and her auditor was Frederick St. John, who was coming along the gravel path, in the twilight of the autumn evening, on his road from Castle Wafer. Georgina had happened to walk over to the Rectory early in the afternoon, and a message followed her from Sir Isaac, that she was not to go back to Castle Wafer until sent for. The young lady was surprised, indignant, and excessively curious. The message had arrived about three o'clock: it was now very nearly dinner-time, and she was not released. The dean, Mrs. Beauclerc, and their guest were at Lexington; consequently, Miss Georgina had passed the hours by herself, and very dull they had been.
He came up, taking off his hat as he approached, as if he were warm from fast walking. Georgina retreated inside the room, but waited for him at the window.
"I have come to release you," he said, in answer to her question. "I am glad you obeyed me, and stayed."
"Obeyed you! I obeyed Sir Isaac."
"It was I who sent the message, Georgina."