"I think Mrs. Jenner would be the last person in the world to kill her husband, from what you say of her. But, oh, the poor Master! How he must suffer! Ruth, was it because of this you gave him up?" And she looked volumes of reproach. "No, my dear, it was not. If I had really loved him this would only have made me cling closer; but I merely admired him--as you said. And I find that I like Geoffrey Heron better." "But you told your sister----" "I know what I told her!" snapped Ruth. "I am not going to give her the satisfaction of thinking she has biassed my judgment in any way. You must keep my secret, Jennie, until I have told my father. When he has consented, which I know he will do very willingly, Geoffrey and I can arrange our future. But I do not want our engagement to be known until this mystery has been cleared up. "It may never be cleared up." "Oh yes, it will. I have taken the matter in hand," said the girl, grandly. "If the truth is to be found out, I shall be the one to find it. And I am going to the Turnpike House to make a search." "What do you expect to find?" "I don't know," she said, vaguely. "I may discover something--I don't exactly know what; but, at all events," she broke off, "it will do no harm to make a search on the very scene of the tragedy. As to Neil--now that he won't marry me--you can make love to him, Jennie dear!" Miss Brawn coloured. "I shall do nothing of the sort," she declared. "I love him, it is true; but I am not going to hunt after him, or after any man, for that matter." "My dear," Ruth said, and there was a world of pity in her voice, "you can't live with Amy all your life--she will wear you out!" Jennie laughed in her quiet way. "I am not so easily worn out," she said; "and, indeed, I am very comfortable with Mrs. Chisel; she is most kind. I daresay some people would think her trying, but, after all, her heart is in the right place." "Ah, that is always said about people who have nothing else to recommend them," Ruth said, with a grimace. "Well, I am going out now to make my grand discovery at the Turnpike House--and you, Jennie?" "Oh, I have my teaching. Mildred and Ethel must have their lessons." "It is not as nice as writing poetry." "No, of course not. But we can't have all we want in this world." "You shall have Neil, if I can get him for you." "Don't--don't! I should die of shame it you said a word to him. Now, promise me, Ruth, that you will not interfere." "Not without telling you. Oh, you stupid dear, there are ways of managing a man without speaking. But have no fear," she added, "Neil is far enough away just now, and won't be well, poor fellow, for many a long day. You are safe from my match-making for a time, Jennie." "I'm glad of that. You are so impetuous, you know."