"
Thus re-assured, the maid spoke.
"To own the truth, miss, I heard Mr. Holmcroft in my lady's room.
His voice sounded as if he was angry. I may say they were both
angry--Mr. Holmcroft and my lady." (She turned to Julian.) "And
just before her ladyship came out, sir, I heard your name, as if
it was you they were having words about. I can't say exactly what
it was; I hadn't time to hear. And I didn't listen, miss; the
door was ajar; and the voices were so loud nobody could help
hearing them."
It was useless to detain the woman any longer. Having given her
leave to withdraw, Mercy turned to Julian.
"Why were they quarreling about you?" she asked.
Julian pointed to the unopened letter in her hand.
"The answer to your question may be there," he said. "Read the
letter while you have the chance. And if I can advise you, say so
at once."
With a strange reluctance she opened the envelope. With a sinking
heart she read the lines in which Lady Janet, as "mother and
friend," commanded her absolutely to suppress the confession
which she had pledged herself to make in the sacred interests of
justice and truth. A low cry of despair escaped her, as the cruel
complication in her position revealed itself in all its unmerited
hardship.
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