"If you will," answered Richard. "No necessity for concealment now. I absolve you from your oath."
But Mary Anne saw further than either of them; saw that it would not do. Richard walked forward, but she remained, and touched Mr. Hunter on the arm.
"No, Robert, it must not be. You must still be in this neighbourhood-- for a time at any rate--as dead and buried."
"Why? Far better to let them know I have not been murdered: and set their suspicions at rest."
"That you have not, but that another has," she returned, resentfully. "Would you have them rake up the matter, and hold a second inquest, and so set them upon my unfortunate brother Richard? His punishment, as it is, will be sufficiently dreadful and lasting."
"Do not speak to me in that tone of reproach," was the pained rejoinder. "You may be sure that I deeply sympathize and grieve with you all. I will continue to conceal myself: but how shall I see you? One more day, and business will enforce my return to London."
"I will see you here, in this place, to-morrow night."
"At what hour?"
"As soon as dusk comes on. Say seven."
"You will not fail, Mary Anne?"