"Yes," said Ethel, flushing scarlet. "I thought him very rude."
"He seemed to think that--that the young Mr. Anthony I have heard tell of was really killed in secret."
"You cannot help people thinking things."
"And by Mr. Castlemaine."
"It was very wrong of him; it must be very foolish. I wonder papa took it so calmly."
"You do not think it could be so then?"
"I! Is it likely, Madame Guise?"
"But suppose--my dear Miss Ethel, suppose some one were to tell you that it was so: that they had proof of it?"
"Proof of what?"
"Proof that Mr. Castlemaine did know what became of An--of the Mr. Anthony: proof that harm came to him?"