Justice Thornycroft brooked not contradiction from a servant. Moreover, he began to think that his daughter must have got her information from Cyril. He rose from table and strode upstairs after Sinnett, following her into his daughter's room.
"Mary Anne"--in a sharp tone--"did you tell that woman I disclosed to you what had happened to Hunter?"
"No," was the reply.
"Did I tell you that anything had happened to him?"
"No, papa, you did not."
"Do you hear what Miss Thornycroft says?" continued the magistrate, turning to the servant. "I advise you not to presume to contradict me again. If the house were in less excitement, you should come in before them all, and beg my pardon."
A ghastly look of fear had started to the features of Miss Thornycroft. "I--I heard them talking of it outside," she murmured, looking at Sinnett.
"Outside!" exclaimed Sinnett.
"Underneath, in the herb-garden," faintly added Miss Thornycroft, whose very lips were white as ashes.
"Then you did not hear of it from Cyril, Mary Anne?"