"A bleak day, colonel."
"Yes, a bleak day, a very bleak day," said the wily voice, while the twitching face slowly got into company order.
"Having a walk about the oaks, sir? Rather desolate-looking at this time of the year."
"Particularly desolate up at the castle, doctor. I was glad to turn out and bear Argus company. Is Miss Walsingham sufficiently wrapped for this cold wind?"
"Oh, I hope so," answered Gay, looking in vain for a reply in Margaret's stern face.
"She has been taking a little drive with me, I picked her up on the road there."
"Little drive," repeated Colonel Brand, with a slightly sarcastic emphasis, "preceded by a little walk. Did you find our friend Davenport at his post my dear lady?"
Margaret started, and turned her flashing eyes upon the smiling interrogator.
"By what unworthy means have you ascertained my movements?" she demanded.
"Why, dear Miss Walsingham, your housekeeper informed me, when I asked her the cause of your abrupt departure from me, that you had gone to see Mr. Davenport."