I am left quite
in the dark; I am left to guess for myself that her friends in London
are her uncle and aunt."
Mrs. Lecount privately considered the question by the help of her own
knowledge obtained in London. She soon reached the obvious conclusion.
After writing to her sister in the first instance, Magdalen had now, in
all probability, followed the letter in person. There was little doubt
that the friends she had gone to visit in London were her sister and
Miss Garth.
"Not her uncle and aunt, sir," resumed Mrs. Lecount, composedly. "A
secret for your private ear! She has no uncle and aunt. Another little
turn before I explain myself--another little turn to compose your
spirits."
She took him into custody once more, and marched him back toward the
house.
"Mr. Noel!" she said, suddenly stopping in the middle of the walk. "Do
you know what was the worst mischief you ever did yourself in your life?
I will tell you. That worst mischief was sending me to Zurich."
His hand began to tremble on her arm once more.
"I didn't do it!" he cried piteously. "It was all Mr. Bygrave."
"You acknowledge, sir, that Mr. Bygrave deceived _me?_" proceeded Mrs.
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