"
"Very good," said the captain, resignedly. "I never interfere with
questions of sentiment. But I have a word to say on my own behalf. If
my services are to be of any use to you, I can't have my hands tied
at starting. This is serious. I won't trust my wife and Mrs. Lecount
together. I'm afraid, if you're not, and I make it a condition that,
if Mrs. Wragge stops here, she keeps her room. If you think her health
requires it, you can take her for a walk early in the morning, or late
in the evening; but you must never trust her out with the servant, and
never trust her out by herself. I put the matter plainly, it is too
important to be trifled with. What do you say--yes or no?"
"I say yes," replied Magdalen, after a moment's consideration. "On the
understanding that I am to take her out walking, as you propose."
Captain Wragge bowed, and recovered his suavity of manner. "What are our
plans?" he inquired. "Shall we start our enterprise this afternoon? Are
you ready for your introduction to Mrs. Lecount and her master?"
"Quite ready."
"Good again. We will meet them on the Parade, at their usual hour for
going out--two o'clock. It is no t twelve yet.
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