'I have no news, dear Lilian; but—I want to talk the matter over with you a little. I am beginning to get very anxious about not hearing from Mr Wentworth. He must have seen the necessity for going to Scotland; and if the marriage is proved to be a bonâ fide one, I fear'——
'What do you fear, Mary?'
'Dear Lilian, I foresee something which it is extremely painful to think of—something which has not, I think, occurred to you.'
'What is that?' she asked wonderingly.
'I do not like to even suggest it, because all may yet be well. Still it is my duty to warn you that there may be a consequence which you have not anticipated with reference to the'—— Some one was tapping at the door, which I had locked, and on opening it, I saw Becky.
'Mr Wentworth has just come, and he wishes to see you by yourself, please, Miss.'
'Where is he, Becky?'
'In the drawing-room, Miss; and I'll see that nobody shall disturb you,' mysteriously whispered Becky, who had, I suppose, received a hint from him that he desired to see me privately.
'Say that I will come immediately;' adding to Lilian, as I hurriedly made my way towards the door again: 'Will you wait for me here a few minutes, Lilian?'
But I had said enough to arouse her fears, though she was still in ignorance as to the cause, and she gravely replied: 'No, Mary; I will go with you. I know now that you are trying to spare me in some way—— O Mary! why do you look at me like that?—I will go with you and hear the worst!'