For awhile the three who remained trudged homewards in silence. Then, “What happened to you?” Basset asked grudgingly.
Vexed and indignant, Mary told the story.
“I did not know that you knew Mr. Colet!”
“When a man is being murdered,” she retorted, “one does not wait for an introduction.”
He was a good fellow, but jealousy was hot within him, and he could not bridle his tongue. “Oh, but murdered?” he said. “Isn’t that rather absurd? Who would murder Colet?”
Mary did not deign to reply.
Baffled, he sought for another opening. “I do not know what your uncle will say.”
“Because we rescued Mr. Colet? And perhaps saved his life?”
“No, but——”
“Or because Lord Audley rescued us?”