I was left with Miss March alone.

She sat looking at the door where John had disappeared, in extreme surprise, not unmingled with a certain embarrassment.
"What does he mean, Mr.Fletcher?
Can I have offended him in any way ?" "Indeed, no." "Why did he go away ?" But that question, simple as it was in itself, and most simply put, involved so much, that I felt I had no right to answer it; while, at the same time, I had no possible right to use any of those disguises or prevarications which are always foolish and perilous, and very frequently wrong.

Nor, even had I desired, was Miss March the woman to whom one dared offer the like; therefore I said to her plainly: "I know the reason.

I would tell you, but I think John would prefer telling you himself." "As he pleases," returned Miss March, a slight reserve tempering her frank manner; but it soon vanished, and she began talking to me in her usual friendly way, asking me many questions about the Brithwoods and about Norton Bury.

I answered them freely--my only reservation being, that I took care not to give any information concerning ourselves.
Soon afterwards, as John did not return, I took leave of her, and went to our own parlour.
He was not there.