She made no answer, but he perceived from her looks that he had guessed aright.
"'Tis unlucky he is established in the house. Why did you bring him here?"
"I could not help it. And he has been most useful to me. But I know he does not like you; and I also know that his nature is malicious and vindictive. I hope he may not find out that you are concealed in the house. I have cautioned Markland, and Monica does not require to be cautioned. Ah! what was that?" she added, listening anxiously. "I thought I heard a noise in the adjoining chamber."
"It may be Markland," said Atherton. "But I will go and see."
With this, he stepped quickly into the next room, the door of which stood ajar.
As we have mentioned, the shutters were closed, and the room was dark, but still, if any listener had been there, he must have been detected. The room, however, seemed quite empty.
Not satisfied with this inspection, Atherton went on through the whole suite of apartments, and with a like result.
"You must have been mistaken," he said on his return to Constance. "I could find no eaves-dropper."
"I am glad to hear it, for I feared that a certain person might be there. But I must now leave you. I hope you will not find your confinement intolerably wearisome. You will be able to get out at night—but during the daytime you must not quit these rooms."
"Come frequently to see me, and the time will pass pleasantly enough," he rejoined.