"Yes, I suppose it was the shock," he said, in a low voice. "But it was not Broadstone's fault. It was no one's fault."
Lady Lucy flushed and looked up.
"That man Barrington!" she said, vehemently. "Oh, if I had never had him in my house!"
Oliver made no reply. He sat beside her, staring at the grass. Suddenly Lady Lucy touched him on the knee.
"Oliver!"--her voice was gasping and difficult--"Oliver!--you had nothing to do with that?"
"With what, mother?"
"With the Herald article. I read it this morning. But I laughed at it! John's letter arrived at the same moment--so happy, so full of plans--"
"Mother!--you don't imagine that a man in Ferrier's position can be upset by an article in a newspaper?"
"I don't know--the Herald was so important--I have heard John say so. Oliver!"--her face worked painfully--"I know you talked with that man that night. You didn't--"
"I didn't say anything of which I am ashamed," he said, sharply, raising his head.