She might have remarked with equal emotion that Cromwell was dead or the weather fine.

She did not wait for an explanation of my absence, but continued with a touch of eager hesitancy and a fluttering show of anxiety, "Have you had news recently of my brother George ?" Of course I could not tell her the truth, so I answered evasively: "I suppose you have heard the news spread throughout the court that he has gone to Canada?
Doubtless you can tell me more than I know." "That is all I know," she answered.

"When he went, or where, I have been unable to learn, for George is a forbidden topic in our household and seems to be the same at court.

What has he done, baron?
I have heard it hinted that he threatened to take the king's life.

Surely he did nothing of the sort." "If he did, it was in a delirium of fever," I answered, hoping that she would cease speaking of George and would ask a question or two concerning myself.
But no.