Gilbert had dropped into an arm-chair on the opposite side of the open window, and was watching the baronet's face, puzzled a little by that curious transient expression which had just flitted across it.
"What is the business ?" Sir David asked presently; "and how can I be of use to you ?" "I think you knew all about my engagement to Miss Nowell, when I was here last September, Sir David," Gilbert began presently.
"Yes, Saltram told me you were engaged; not but what it was easy enough to see how the land lay, without any telling." "Miss Nowell has jilted me.

I love her too dearly to be able to entertain any vindictive feeling against her; but I do feel vindictively disposed towards the man who has robbed me of her, for I know that only a very powerful influence would have induced her to break faith with me; and this man must needs have known the dishonourable thing he was doing when he tempted her away from me.

I want to know who he is, Sir David, and how he came to acquire such an influence over my plighted wife." "My dear Fenton, you are going on so fast! You say Miss Nowell has jilted you.

She is married to some one else, then, I suppose ?" "She is married to a Mr.Holbrook.I came to Lidford the night before last, with the hope of finding out something about him; but all my endeavours have resulted in failure.

It struck me at last, as a kind of forlorn hope, that this Mr.Holbrook might possibly be one of your autumnal visitors; and I came here to ask you that question." "No," answered the baronet; "I have had no visitor called Holbrook.