“‘He could not have been worse to live at all.’
“‘And was there no inspection amidst all those horrors? Do you suppose Sir William knew nothing of them? I can hardly credit that.’
“Darthea looked round at Mistress Wynne. She had been unusually silent. Now turning to Delaney, she said, with slow articulation: ‘I also am curious, Mr. Delaney. We heard many rumours and some unpleasant facts. Could Sir William Howe have known? I cannot think it.’
“‘But he must, after the inspections, and there were three to my knowledge.’
“‘Indeed!’ said Mistress Wynne. ‘’T is most strange!’
“Delaney hesitated, not liking, I suppose, to mention Arthur, her cousin, of whose close relation to Darthea, however, he was not aware.
“‘And one,’ Mistress Wynne went on, ‘was, I hear, made by our kinsman.’
“‘Yes,’ said Delaney, ‘and that did certainly amaze me. Captain Wynne—’
“‘Captain Wynne!’ exclaimed Darthea, and, turning her head, she looked sharply at Mistress Wynne and then at me. I think that Delaney, being unfamiliar with her habits of speech, did not notice how strange was the tone in which she added, ‘We all know Mr. Arthur Wynne.’
“‘Indeed!’ said Delaney; ‘but of course I might have known that.’