"I always said, Isabella, that if poor Mary spoilt Peter so terribly,
_something_ would happen to him."

"What sad nonsense you talk, Georgina. Nothing has happened to
him--_yet_."

"He has defied his father, Isabella."

"He has obeyed his country's call, Georgina. Had the admiral been
alive, he would certainly have volunteered."

John Crewys made an involuntary step forward and placed himself
between the sofa and the table, as though to shield Lady Mary from
their observation, but he could not prevent their words from reaching
her ears.

She whispered to him very softly. "Will you get the letter for me? I
want to see--for myself--what--what Peter says."

"Go quietly into the library," said John, bending over her for a
moment. "I will bring it you there immediately."

She obeyed him without a word.

John turned to the sofa. "I beg your pardon, canon," he said
courteously, "but Lady Mary cannot bear this suspense. Allow me to
take her son's letter to her at once."

"I--I am only waiting for Sir Timothy. It is to him I have to break