This was quite a remarkable utterance for the meek and mild Mr Hashford to make in the Henniker’s absence, and we all started and looked up in a concerned way, as if he must be unwell.
But no, he seemed all right, and having said what he had to say, went on with his work.
Hawkesbury took no notice of the interruption, and went on. “And, on the whole, I think it would be kinder not to say anything about it, as he has kept it a secret himself. You see—”
“Hawkesbury,” again said Mr Hashford, “you must not talk.”
Hawkesbury smiled in a pitiful sort of way at Mr Hashford, and again turned towards me to resume the conversation. “You see—” began he.
“Hawkesbury,” again said Mr Hashford, “this is the third time I have told you not to talk.”
“Who was talking?” cried the Henniker, entering at that moment.
“Hawkesbury, I’m sorry to say, Miss Henniker.”
“Hawkesbury—a bad mark for—”
“Oh!” said I, starting up, “I was talking—”