But before he went to bed his ennui was dissipated by a full explanation of all his aunt's terrors.

She crept down to him at about nine, and having commenced her story by saying that she had a matter of most vital importance on which to speak to him, she told him in fact all that she had heard from Lady Mary.
"She is a mischief-making gossiping old maid," said Neville angrily.
"Will you tell me that there is no truth in what she writes ?" asked Lady Scroope.

But this was a question which Fred Neville was not prepared to answer, and he sat silent.

"Fred, tell me the truth.

Are you married ?" "No;--I am not married." "I know that you will not condescend to an untruth." "If so, my word must be sufficient." But it was not sufficient.