"And did she ask you also particularly to see him here in town?" Mrs. Brigstock's hideous bonnet seemed to argue for the unsophisticated truth; and it was on Fleda's lips to reply that such had indeed been Mrs. Gereth's request. But she checked herself, and before she could say anything else Owen had addressed their companion. "She was stored in an empty barn—stuck away for a sale; a matter that, fortunately, I've had neither time nor freedom of mind to arrange. I've simply, in my extremity, fished her out again."!

"I'll leave it all to my solicitor. He won't let her off: by Jove, I know the fellow!" "Wherever he is, I can bear it," Fleda said. "But I haven't the least idea where he is."

Owen's face, at this, showed a reviving dread, the fear of some darksome process of her mind. "If you speak for yourself I can understand, but why is it hideous for me?" She hesitated: she would only be impeccable even though she should have to be sententious. "You'll be happy if you're perfect!" she risked.