The match was looked upon as made by her father and mother. The vicar remembered her promise to reveal the meaning of the telegram she had received, and two days after the scene in the summer-house, asked her pointedly. She was frank with him now.
“I had been corresponding with Stephen Smith ever since he left England, till lately,” she calmly said.
“What!” cried the vicar aghast; “under the eyes of Mr. Knight, too?”
“No; when I found I cared most for Mr. Knight, I obeyed you.”
“You were very kind, I’m sure. When did you begin to like Mr. Knight?”
“I don’t see that that is a pertinent question, papa; the telegram was from the shipping agent, and was not sent at my request. It announced the arrival of the vessel bringing him home.”
“Home! What, is he here?”
“Yes; in the village, I believe.”
“Has he tried to see you?”
“Only by fair means. But don’t, papa, question me so! It is torture.”