"He says so, madame."
"But what do you say?"
"I always say the same that Mr. Southwode says," Rotha replied demurely, while at the same time she was conscious of having to bite in an inclination to laugh.
"My dear, let us understand one another. When I saw him two or three days ago, he did not even know where you were."
"No, ma'am. He found me."
"Have you had any communication with him during these years of his absence?"
"No, madame."
"Did you know, when Mr. Southwode went away, three years ago, that he had any such purpose, or wish?"
"He had no such purpose, or wish, I am sure."
"Then, my dear, how has this come about?"