“On my honour as a gentleman, I have told you the exact truth,” replied Canon Spratte, gravely. Bertram seized the Canon’s arm.
“Let her tell me herself. I must see her. Where is she?”
“She’s gone out.”
“But she knew I was coming here to-day. She expected me.”
“Doesn’t that show you that what I have said is the simple truth? I wished to spare you both a painful scene.”
Bertram hesitated. He could not tell whether Winnie was really out, but it seemed impossible to verify the statement. For a moment he looked straight into the Canon’s eyes, then without a word turned on his heel. Canon Spratte gave a sigh of relief.
“What an escape!” he muttered. “Good Lord, what an escape!”
XVII
NEXT morning, when Winnie came down to breakfast, she found a letter from Bertram. She opened it with trembling hands. It began abruptly and consisted only of two lines.
I shall wait for you to-day in Kensington Gardens at ten o’clock. I beg you to come.