“It is the idea farthest from my thoughts.”

“Are you apprehensive of the new sphere you are about to enter? — of the new life into which you are passing?”

“No.”

“You puzzle me, Jane: your look and tone of sorrowful audacity perplex and pain me. I want an explanation.”

“Then, sir, listen. You were from home last night?”

“I was: I know that; and you hinted a while ago at something which had happened in my absence: — nothing, probably, of consequence; but, in short, it has disturbed you.

Let me hear it. Mrs. Fairfax has said something, perhaps? or you have overheard the servants talk? —