She had really passed through a very violent emotion, but it had not been caused by her surprise, but by her momentary fear for the fugitive, instantly allayed by Mr. Juxon's explanation. She felt that for to-day at least Walter was safe, and by to-morrow he would be safe out of the neighbourhood. But she reflected that it was necessary to say something; that if she appeared to receive the news too indifferently the squire's suspicions might be aroused with fatal results. "It is a terrible thing," she said presently. "You see I am not at all myself." It was not easy for her to act a part. The words were commonplace. "No," said Mr. Juxon, "I see you are not." He on his part, instead of looking for a stronger expression of fear or astonishment, was now only too glad that she should be so calm. "Would you advise me to do anything?" she asked presently. "There is nothing to be done," he answered quickly, glad of a chance to relieve the embarrassment of the situation. "Of course we might put you under the protection of the police but--what is the matter, Mrs. Goddard?" She had started as though in pain. "Only this dreadful headache," she said. "Go on please." "Well, we might set Gall the policeman to watch your house; but that would be very unpleasant for you. It would be like telling him and all the village people of your situation--" "Oh don't! Please don't!" "No, certainly not. I think it very unwise. Besides--" he stopped short. He was about to say that he felt much better able to watch over Mrs. Goddard himself than Gall the constable could possibly be; but he checked himself in time. "Besides--what?" she asked. "Nothing--Gall is not much of a policeman, that is all. I do not believe you would be any the safer for his protection. But you must promise me, my dear Mrs. Goddard, that if anything occurs you will let me know. I may be of some assistance." "Thank you, so much," said she. "You are always so kind!" "Not at all. I am very glad if you think I was right to tell you about it." "Oh, quite right," she answered. "And now, Mr. Juxon, I am really not at all well. All this has quite unnerved me--" "You want me to go?" said the squire smiling kindly as he rose. "Yes, I understand. Well, good-bye, my dear friend--I hope everything will clear up." "Good-bye. Thank you again. You always do understand me," she answered giving him her small cold hand. "Don't think me ungrateful," she added, looking up into his eyes. "No indeed--not that there is anything to be grateful for."