CHAPTER VIII. MASTER AND PUPIL.
Emily’s impulse was to avoid the drawing-master for the second time. The moment afterward, a kinder feeling prevailed. The farewell interview with Cecilia had left influences which pleaded for Alban Morris. It was the day of parting good wishes and general separations: he had only perhaps come to say good-by. She advanced to offer her hand, when he stopped her by pointing to Sir Jervis Redwood’s card.
“May I say a word, Miss Emily, about that woman?” he asked
“Do you mean Mrs. Rook?”
“Yes. You know, of course, why she comes here?”
“She comes here by appointment, to take me to Sir Jervis Redwood’s house. Are you acquainted with her?”
“She is a perfect stranger to me. I met her by accident on her way here. If Mrs. Rook had been content with asking me to direct her to the school, I should not be troubling you at this moment. But she forced her conversation on me. And she said something which I think you ought to know. Have you heard of Sir Jervis Redwood’s housekeeper before to-day?”
“I have only heard what my friend—Miss Cecilia Wyvil—has told me.”
“Did Miss Cecilia tell you that Mrs. Rook was acquainted with your father or with any members of your family?”
“Certainly not!”