"I have no wish to be thought inquisitive," resumed the Major, "but I must confess that I am extremely desirous of ascertaining the nature of the business which has brought Miss Rivers to Stavering. My motive is a very different one from idle curiosity."
"Well, sir, as far as I can make out," answered Gruding, "the business of the party seems to be much of a muchness with that of yourself, if you'll excuse my saying so."
"As how?" demanded the Major, quickly.
"Why, sir, they only arrived yesterday afternoon, and yet they have been twice to Broome already, and when the young gentleman--Doctor Hazeldine is his name--was here before, he had no end of questions to ask me about Miss Pengarvon; just like yourself, sir."
"A proof the more, had any been needed," said the Major, under his breath. Then, after a minute's thought, he added aloud: "I must see Miss Rivers this evening. Find out, if you can, when the best time will be for me to ask for an interview."
"They were rather late in getting back from Broome and have not yet dined," said Gruding. "Suppose I send you word, sir, when dinner is over and the things cleared away."
"Do so," replied the Major; and with that he rose and went back to his room.
The Major had not been gone more than three or four minutes when Gruding was buttonholed by Doctor Hazeldine.
Hermia, while on their way back from Broome, had not failed to recount to Aunt Charlotte and Clem how Miss Pengarvon had addressed her by the name of Isabel, evidently mistaking her for someone else. This fact had greatly impressed Clem. Who was the unknown Isabel to whom Hermia bore a likeness so striking as to cause Miss Pengarvon to mistake one for the other? It was with a view of solving this question that he now sought the landlord.
"Mr. Gruding," he began, "when I was here last you were able to tell me a great deal about Broome and the Pengarvon family. Do you happen to know, or have you ever heard, of any member of the family in question whose name was Isabel?"