"So this is Fred's pretty cousin," he said, after Mr. Stafford had gone. "She must have been quite young when he left."
Mr. Martin took so much time, between his thoughts and his dressing, that Kate was in the drawing-room when he descended, looking a little pale and decidedly interesting.
He was introduced to everybody, and everybody attempted to thank him, and failed—except Kate, who said nothing, but looked a great deal.
"So you know Fred?" said Mr. Stafford, finding it impossible to get in a word of thanks on the subject of the accident.
"Quite well, sir, and as I told you, he wished me to call on you, to let you know that physically and financially he is doing well. And now, (taking out his watch), if you will excuse me, I will go, as it is possible that news may await me in London which will compel me to leave at once for America," and with a promise to return shortly if he remained in England, Mr. Martin took his departure.
Shortly after Hall made his appearance. He was immediately besieged with questions by Mrs. Stafford, and two ladies who had come home with her; but on being informed that Kate knew nothing about what had occurred after the boat upset, and that the rescuer had positively declined to talk about the matter, wisely said that he, too, must decline to talk about it—he felt too much upset himself.
He certainly was pale and nervous, and the ladies kindly forbore further questioning; but Hall did not like the momentary smile which played about Kate's mouth while he was making this explanation.
At the table that evening, Mr. Stafford was full of praise for Mr. Martin, and rehearsed all he had managed to get out of him on the way to the station—which was very little—but Kate made one remark which surprised all present, and startled her mother and father.
"Did you notice, papa? Mr. Martin wore a ring exactly the same as mine!"
"By George! Kate, I believe it is the same! I did notice it as we shook hands at the station—it looked so oddly familiar, I could not avoid noticing it."