studiously confines himself to the shortest possible statement of
bare facts. Use your common-sense, Valeria. Isn't this rudeness
rather remarkable on the part of a man who is a gentleman by
birth and breeding, and who is also a friend of mine?'"

Eustace stopped me there.

"Did you answer your uncle's question?" he asked.

"No," I replied. "I only said that I did not understand the
major's conduct."

"And what did your uncle say next? If you love me, Valeria, tell
me the truth."

"He used very stron g language, Eustace. He is an old man; you
must not be offended with him."

"I am not offended. What did he say?"

"He said, 'Mark my words! There is something under the surface in
connection with Mr. Woodville, or with his family, to which Major
Fitz-David is not at liberty to allude. Properly interpreted,
Valeria, that letter is a warning. Show it to Mr. Woodville, and
tell him (if you like) what I have just told you--'"

Eustace stopped me again.

"You are sure your uncle said those words?" he asked, scanning my
face attentively in the moonlight.