Rapidly arranging his plans, he proceeded again to the Bell Inn, held a few minutes' confidential conversation with Captain St. Aubyn, waking that gentleman out of his first sleep for it--not that he by any means enlightened _him_ as to any trouble that might be running riot in his brain--and then went home. Maria came forward to meet him. "How is poor Captain St. Aubyn, George? Very ill?" "Very. How did you know anything about it, Maria?" "Thomas told me you had been sent for. Thomas came to my sitting-room before he left, after the rest had gone. You have stayed a good while with him." "Ay. What should you say if I were to go back and stop the night with him?" asked George, half jokingly. "Is he so ill as that?" "And also to accompany him a stage or two on his journey to-morrow morning? He starts at six, and is about as fit to travel as an invalid just out of bed after a month's illness." "Do you really mean that you are going to do all that, George?" she inquired, in surprise. George nodded. "I do not fancy Thomas will be here to-morrow, Maria. Ask to speak to Isaac when he comes in the morning. Tell him that I shall be home some time in the afternoon, but I have gone out of town a few miles with a sick friend. He can say so if I am particularly inquired for." George went to his room. Maria followed him. He was changing his coat and waistcoat, and threw an overcoat upon his arm. Then he looked at his watch. "What is the time?" asked Maria. "Twenty minutes past eleven. Good night, my darling." She fondly held his face down to hers while he kissed her, giving him--as George had once saucily told her she would--kiss for kiss. There was no shame in it now; only love. "Oh, George, my dearest, mind you come back safe and well to me!" she murmured, tears filling her eyes. "Don't I always come back safe and well to you, you foolish child? Take care of yourself, Maria." Maria's hand rested lingeringly in his. Could she have divined that Mr. George's tender adieux sometimes strayed elsewhere!--that his confidences were given, but not to her! George went out, and the hall door closed upon him. It was well Maria did not watch him away! Well for her astonishment. Instead of going to the Bell Inn, he turned short round to the left, and took the by-way which led to the railway station, gaining it in time to catch the express train, which passed through Prior's Ash at midnight for London. CHAPTER VI. MR. VERRALL'S CHAMBERS.