I heard of her death, or rather of her entrance into life, only a few weeks after our visit to Acton.
Maggie's aunts were very anxious that I should spend another week with them, before going back to Alliston Hall; but Evelyn had written to me, saying that Lord Moreton and Mr. Stanley were expected on the very day that I had already fixed to return, and she hoped that I should not fail to appear, as she wanted us all to have a good talk together about Jerusalem and our adventures there. I told Maggie and the aunts that I did not like to disappoint Evelyn, but felt that as she wished it, I ought to go back at once. I did not say anything of my own feelings in the matter.
I arrived at Alliston Hall just as Evelyn was dressing for dinner. She welcomed me with great joy, and told me that the visitors had arrived, and that I must get ready with all haste, as the gong would soon sound for dinner.
When I was dressed I went into the library, thinking that I was late, and that every one would have assembled, but I found no one there except Mr. Stanley.
I do not know how it was, but I suddenly turned very shy and nervous, and, after shaking hands with him, I was on the point of making an excuse about wanting to get my work, and by this means leaving the room, when he began to ask me many questions about Jerusalem, and I was obliged to stay.
"So I was put down as a suspicious character," he said, smiling, "when I disappeared so suddenly."
"Sir William thought it very strange," I said; "and he began to doubt a little if you were what you said you were."
Mr. Stanley laughed.
"And you?" he asked.
"Oh, I knew it would be all right."