Nothing has happened to him--_yet_." "He has defied his father, Isabella." "He has obeyed his country's call, Georgina.

Had the admiral been alive, he would certainly have volunteered." John Crewys made an involuntary step forward and placed himself between the sofa and the table, as though to shield Lady Mary from their observation, but he could not prevent their words from reaching her ears.
She whispered to him very softly.

"Will you get the letter for me?
I want to see--for myself--what--what Peter says." "Go quietly into the library," said John, bending over her for a moment.

"I will bring it you there immediately." She obeyed him without a word.
John turned to the sofa.

"I beg your pardon, canon," he said courteously, "but Lady Mary cannot bear this suspense.