I am the best judge--and you must allow me to be so--of
what ought, and what ought not, to be spoken of to you. You may always
rely upon my acting for your best happiness, as far as lies in my power."
He had been pacing the room whilst he spoke. Lady Hartledon was in too
resentful a mood to answer. Glancing at her, he stood by the mantelpiece
and leaned his elbow upon it.
"I want to make known to you another matter, Maude. If I have kept it
from you--"
"Does it concern this secret business of yours?" she interrupted.
"No."
"Then let us have done with this first, if you please. Who is Gorton?"
"Who is--Gorton?" he repeated, after a dumbfounded pause. "What Gorton?"
"Well, I don't know; unless it's that man who gave evidence at the
inquest on your brother."
Lord Hartledon stared at her, as well he might; and gulped down his
breath, which seemed choking him. "But what about Gorton? Why do you ask
me the question?"
"Because I fancy he is connected with this trouble. I--I thought I heard
you and Mr. Carr mention the name yesterday when you were whispering
together. I'm sure I did--there!"
As far as Lord Hartledon remembered, he and Mr. Carr had not been
whispering together yesterday; had not mentioned the name of Gorton.
They had done with the subject at that late sitting, the night of the
barrister's arrival; who had brought news that the Gorton, that morning
tried for a great crime, was _not_ the Gorton of whom they were in
search.
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