"What Isobel ?" "I never knew but one, Father." "Oh! I suppose you mean Miss Blake.

I had no idea she was here; indeed, I thought she was still in Mexico.

But doubtless you were better informed." "No, Father, I met her accidentally.

She has returned to England." "That is obvious, Godfrey----" "She has come down," he continued in a hurry, "to get the house ready for Sir John, who arrives shortly." "Oh! has she?
What a strange coincidence! All the years of our separation while you were way she was away, but within two days of your return she returns." "Yes, it does seem odd," agreed the flustered Godfrey, "but it's lucky, isn't it, for, of course, I am glad to see her again." Mr.Knight finished carving himself a helping of beef, and let the knife fall with a clatter into the dish.

Then he said in carefully chosen words: "You may think it lucky--or well arranged--but I must differ.