At supper time he spoke to Flora and to Charles Holland, saying,—
"There are certain matters connected with myself—I may say with you now—sure all that has happened will make it so—of which you would be glad to hear some thing."
"You mean upon the same subject upon which I had some conversation with you a day or two back?"
"Yes, the same. Allow me one week, and you shall know all. I will then relate to you that which you so much desire to know—one week, and all shall be told."
"Well," said Charles Holland, "this has not been exacted from you as the price of your safety, but you can choose your own time, of course; what you promise is most desired, for it will render those happy who now are much worse than they were before these occurrences took place."
"I am aware of all that; grant me but one week, and then you shall be made acquainted with all."
"I am satisfied, Sir Francis," said Flora; "but while here under our roof, we should never have asked you a question."
"Of this, Miss Bannerworth, the little I have seen of you assures me you would not do so; however, I am the more inclined to make it—I am under so deep an obligation to you all, that I can never repay it."
Sir Francis Varney retired to rest that night—his promise to the Bannerworths filled his mind with many reflections—the insecurity of his own position, and the frail tenure which he even held in the hands of those whom he had most injured.