Chapter 22
After his first glance at Sir Timothy, Francis’ only thought was
for Margaret. To his intense relief, she showed no signs whatever
of terror, or of any relapse to her former state. She was entirely
mistress of herself and the occasion. Sir Timothy’s face was cold
and terrible.
“I must apologise for this second intrusion, Mr. Ledsam,” he
said cuttingly. “I think you will admit that the circumstances
warrant it. Am I to understand that you lied to me this
morning?”
“You are to understand nothing of the sort,” Francis answered.
“I told you everything I knew at that time of your daughter’s
movements.”
“Indeed!” Sir Timothy murmured. “This little banquet, then, was
unpremeditated?”
“Entirely,” Francis replied. “Here is the exact truth, so far as
I am concerned. I met
