She read: 'Johnson, Liverpool, to Miss Swancourt, Endelstow, near Castle Boterel.
'Amaryllis telegraphed off Holyhead, four o'clock.

Expect will dock and land passengers at Canning's Basin ten o'clock to-morrow morning.' Her father called her into the study.
'Elfride, who sent you that message ?' he asked suspiciously.
'Johnson.' 'Who is Johnson, for Heaven's sake ?' 'I don't know.' 'The deuce you don't! Who is to know, then ?' 'I have never heard of him till now.' 'That's a singular story, isn't it.' 'I don't know.' 'Come, come, miss! What was the telegram ?' 'Do you really wish to know, papa ?' 'Well, I do.' 'Remember, I am a full-grown woman now.' 'Well, what then ?' 'Being a woman, and not a child, I may, I think, have a secret or two.' 'You will, it seems.' 'Women have, as a rule.' 'But don't keep them.

So speak out.' 'If you will not press me now, I give my word to tell you the meaning of all this before the week is past.' 'On your honour ?' 'On my honour.' 'Very well.

I have had a certain suspicion, you know; and I shall be glad to find it false.

I don't like your manner lately.' 'At the end of the week, I said, papa.' Her father did not reply, and Elfride left the room.
She began to look out for the postman again.