I was told of your meetings with her at the library.' He paused.

Like Egremont, he could not speak his whole thought.

Whilst there remained a possibility that Egremont indeed knew nothing of Thyrza's disappearance, he might not strengthen his case by making use of the girl's confession to her sister.

He could only make use of outward circumstances.
'The meetings at the library ?' Egremont repeated.

'But do you think they had any meaning that I can't at once and freely explain to you?
It was the idlest folly on my part.