Mrs. Grant had been very much shocked and excited by what had passed between Maud and her about Sir William, and the excitement still survived.
"I am quite confident of that," answered the banker, with a grave look. He saw Mrs. Grant had something serious to say.
"Will you promise me to keep what I say to yourself?" she asked quickly.
He paused awhile and looked down.
"My position is peculiar," he said. "Although I am not Miss Midharst's guardian in the usual signification of the word, I really feel bound by my promise to Sir Alexander to do all I can for her, and that being so I could not undertake to keep to myself anything which it might be to her advantage to disclose."
He said this in his most deliberate manner, and with his eyes fixed solemnly on the face of the widow.
"I know I may trust you, Mr. Grey. My only reason for asking you not to speak is, that if you mentioned my name in the matter I should be in an awkward position."
"I promise you not to mention your name in connection with anything you may say to me."
"That will do. I want to speak about Sir William Midharst."
"The new baronet!" cried Mr. Grey, with a start and suddenly intensified interest.