XIV
Half an hour later I was back at the house, and was informing Miss
Halcombe of all that had happened.
She listened to me from beginning to end with a steady, silent
attention, which, in a woman of her temperament and disposition,
was the strongest proof that could be offered of the serious
manner in which my narrative affected her.
"My mind misgives me," was all she said when I had done. "My mind
misgives me sadly about the future."
"The future may depend," I suggested, "on the use we make of the
present. It is not improbable that Anne Catherick may speak more
readily and unreservedly to a woman than she has spoken to me. If
Miss Fairlie----"
"Not to be thought of for a moment," interposed Miss Halcombe, in
her most decided manner.
"Let me suggest, then," I continued, "that you should see Anne
Catherick yourself, and do all you can to win her confidence. For
my own part, I shrink from the idea of alarming the poor creature
a second time, as I have most unhappily alarmed her already. Do
you see any objection to accompanying me to the farmhouse to-
morrow?"
"None whatever. I will go anywhere and do anything to serve
Laura's interests. What did you say the place was called?"
"You must know it well.
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