“What sort of a girl?”
Margaret described her as well as she was able.
“I cannot give you many details. I think she is pretty: brown hair and eyes, very neat and nice in her dress, though my aunt thinks it beyond her station. I think, on the whole, a nice-looking girl—not tall.”
“The description would answer most young women that one sees.”
“It is possible—there is nothing remarkable. She looks clever and watchful, and a little defiant. But I did not mean you to go into the streets to look for Patty. I thought you might see whether my description agreed.”
“Mrs. Osborne, perhaps you will tell me what you suppose to have happened, and what there is that I can do.”
“If we are to be on such formal terms,” said Margaret, colouring deeply, “yes, Colonel Piercey, I will tell you. I suppose, or rather, I fear, that Gervase may have gone away with Patty Hewitt. She is quite a respectable girl. She would not compromise herself; therefore——”
“You think he has married her?”
“I think most likely she must have married him—or intends to do it. But that takes time. They could not have banns called, or other arrangements made——”
“They could have a special licence.”