“They had heard that you were here because Fred Cotter had cursed you all the time he was being taken through the village by the Police.”
Odela made a little murmur of horror, but the Marquis continued,
“I assured your stepmother that you were perfectly well and safe and I would bring you to Shalford Hall tomorrow where, of course, she and the Viscount, who professes to be madly in love with you, will be waiting.”
“Then – you believed – what she – told you!” Odela said in a defeated little voice.
“She lied like a trooper!” the Marquis replied, “and I did not believe one word of anything she said.”
“Then – why are you – taking me – back?”
“Because by the time I do so and, of course, I shall be delighted to meet your father again, my precious little Princess – you and I will be married
