"Of course I have. It would have been cruel to let you pass another night of suspense. I came as soon as I had dined."
"Who is with you?"
"No one; I came in by the omnibus. In two omnibuses really, for the first one only brought me as far as Charing Cross."
"You came in by omnibus! And alone?"
"Why not? Who was to know me, or what could harm me? I kept my veil down. I would not order the carriage out again. It might have disturbed mamma, and she is in bed with one of her worst headaches. And now, Charles, I must hasten back again."
"Wait one moment, Annabel, whilst I lock up this doubly-precious will."
"Why? You are not going to trouble yourself to accompany me, when you are so busy? It is not in the least necessary. I shall return home just as safely as I came here."
"You silly child! That you have come here at night and alone, I cannot help; but what would Mrs. Brightman say to me if I suffered you to go back in the same manner?"
"I suppose it was not quite right," she returned laughingly; "but I only thought of the pleasure of restoring the will."
I locked it up in the safe, and went downstairs with her. Why Mr. Brightman should have taken the will home puzzled me considerably; but the relief to my mind was inexpressible, and I felt quite a gush of remorse towards Lady Clavering for having unjustly suspected her.