cancelled, and he and my sister will provide themselves with another
home, without imagining themselves to be doing anything which under
similar circumstances would not be done for _them_. This is all, Madam.
A very few words in reply from you will be sufficient. That _I_ should
be the person commissioned on this subject is extraordinary! and believe
me, Madam, it is no less painful. A very few words, however, will put an
end to the awkwardness and distress we may _both_ be feeling.'

Anne spoke a word or two, but they were unintelligible; and before she
could command herself, he added, 'If you will only tell me that the
Admiral may address a line to Sir Walter, it will be enough. Pronounce
only the words, _he may_, and I shall immediately follow him with your
message.'

'No, Sir,' said Anne; 'there is no message. You are misin--the Admiral
is misinformed. I do justice to the kindness of his intentions, but he
is quite mistaken. There is no truth in any such report.'

He was a moment silent. She turned her eyes towards him for the first
time since his re-entering the room. His colour was varying, and he was
looking at her with all the power and keenness which she believed no
other eyes than his possessed.

'No truth in any such report?' he repeated. 'No truth in any _part_ of
it?'

'None.'

He had been standing by a chair, enjoying the relief of leaning on it, or
of playing with it. He now sat down, drew it a little nearer to her, and