“May I ask whether it is true, sir,” he continued, “that you offered to give the girl a home at Rodenham?”
Jeffray’s face was still afire. He had to steady himself before he could reply.
“That is the truth,” he said, slowly, “and I have even been wondering whether Bess Grimshaw could have come to the priory while I was ill.”
“She did come, sir,” quoth Dr. Sugg, rubbing his hands together solemnly.
“Ah!”
“And when they frightened her away I took her in at the parsonage, for the poor lass had run away from home rather than marry a man whom she piously hated.”
The rector turned suddenly and looked with perfect innocence into Jeffray’s face. Its strained and restless expression startled the good man considerably, as did the dull gleam in the sunken eyes.
“I hope I am not vexing your infirmity, sir,” he said, with some concern.
Jeffray, shaking himself free from his thoughts, met Sugg’s stare with quiet composure.
“Rector,” he said, “tell me all you know about this girl.”