likely to discover
each other.

In all her experience she had never been placed in such a position of
embarrassment as the position in which she found herself now. The sense
of honor which had prompted Catherine's resolution to make Bennydeck
acquainted with the catastrophe of married life, might plead her excuse
in the estimation of a man devotedly attached to her. But if the Captain
was first informed that he had been deceived by a person who was a
perfect stranger to him, what hope could be entertained of his still
holding himself bound by his marriage engagement? It was even possible
that distrust had been already excited in his mind. He must certainly
have heard a man's voice raised in anger when he approached the
door--and he was now observing that man with an air of curiosity which
was already assuming the appearance of distrust. That Herbert, on his
side, resented the Captain's critical examination of him was plainly
visible in his face. After a glance at Bennydeck, he asked Mrs. Presty
"who that gentleman was."

"I may be mistaken," he added; "but I thought your friend looked at me
just now as if he knew me."

"I have met you, sir, before this." The Captain made the reply with a
courteous composure of tone and manner which apparently reminded Herbert
of the claims of politeness.

"May I ask where I had the honor of seeing you?" he inquired.

"We passed each other in the hall of the hotel at Sandyseal. You had a
young woman with you."

"Your memory is a better one than mine, sir. I fail to remember the
circumstance to which you refer."

Bennydeck let the matter rest there. Struck by the remarkable appearance
of embarrassment in Mrs. Presty's manner--and feeling (in spite of
Herbert's politeness of language) increased distrust of the man whom he
had found visiting her--he thought it might not be amiss to hint
that she could rely on him in case of necessity. "I am afraid I have
interrupted a confidential interview," he began; "and I ought perhaps to
explain--"

Mrs. Presty listened absently; preoccupied by the fear that Herbert
would provoke a dangerous disclosure, and by the difficulty of
discovering a means of preventing it. She interrupted the Captain.

"Excuse me for one moment; I have a word to say to this gentleman."
Bennydeck immediately drew back, and Mrs. Presty lowered her voice. "If
you wish to see Kitty," she resumed, attacking Herbert on his weak side,
"it depends entirely on your discret