No one was there.

He turned and saw me.
"Tell Crofter I want him at once." I departed with my heart in my mouth.

At the foot of the staircase I met Crofter.
"Tempest wants to see you," said I; "he sent me to--to ask you to come." "He doesn't know ?" inquired Crofter.
"Yes--I told him--I--I thought I ought to let him know." Crofter laughed his sweet laugh.
"If I had wanted it known all over Low Heath," said he, "I could hardly have done better than tell you to keep it a secret.

I'd much sooner he had not known.

However--where is he ?" "In your study, I think." I felt constrained to follow.