"Don't be advised by me, my friend," said the general in a subdued voice, which I strained my ears to catch; "God forbid that you should reproach me hereafter for advice which I tender solely with a view to your peace of mind and comfort. Heaven knows you have had little peace of late!"
Rupert sighed heavily.
"I have for the last week been turning the matter over and over seriously. As I said before, I can have no object but your well-doing, and—naturally—my child's—my child's, Sinclair—your loving, and I know, beloved wife."
"I believe it," said Rupert.
"Is any one aware of your visit here?"
"Not a creature."
"Crawly?"
"Was with me the very night I started, but he does not suspect. He believes that I am now in England."
"Now, my dear friend, I don't think I ought to say what"—
As ill luck would have it, I coughed. The general ceased upon the instant, and opened his door hastily. I blew out my light, and held my breath.