"Surely, sir, you will answer for him," cried Beppy.
"I answer for him!" exclaimed the supposed colonel.
"Yes, for your nephew," said Beppy. "Had you been with him he would never have taken this false step."
"Well, I will hear what he has to say. But I must first make a memorandum."
He then sat down at a table on which writing materials were placed, and traced a few lines on a sheet of paper, attaching a seal to what he had written. This done he struck a small silver bell, and, in answer to the summons, the usher immediately appeared. Having received his instructions, which were delivered in a low tone, the usher bowed profoundly, and quitted the cabinet.
Scarcely was he gone when an officer entered—a fine commanding-looking person, but several years older than the other.
On the entrance of this individual a strange suspicion crossed the minds of both the young ladies. But they were left in no doubt when the new-comer said:
"I trust Miss Rawcliffe has prevailed?"
"I must talk with your nephew, Colonel Conway, before I can say more."
"Colonel Conway!" exclaimed Constance. "Have I been all this time in the presence of——"