“Not to-day, Basil. I’ve got something to say to you.”
“Well, take off your things first, and make yourself comfortable.”
It occurred to him that Jenny had perhaps quarrelled with her employer at the Golden Crown, or wished to reproach him because for a couple of days he had not seen her, and, lighting his pipe, he answered with careless gaiety. He did not see that she looked at him strangely, but when she spoke there was such tragic anguish in her tone that he was startled.
“I don’t know what I should have done if I’d not found you in to-day.”
“Good heavens, Jenny! what’s the matter?”
Her voice broke with a sob.
“I’m in trouble, Basil.”
The tears cut his heart, and very tenderly he put his arms round her; but again she withdrew.
“No, please don’t sit near me, or I shall never have the courage to tell you.”
She stood up, drying her eyes, and walked up and down.