"Why did you not tell us when you came home to breakfast yesterday?"
Charlie asked.
"Because I thought you were sure to hear sooner or later. I saw all
the hands in the mill had got to know about it somehow or other,
and I was sure it would soon get over the place; and I would rather
that I could say, if any one asked me, that I had not talked about
it to any one, and was in no way responsible for the absurd stories
which had got about. I have been talked about enough in Marsden,
goodness knows, and it is disgusting that just as I should think
they must be getting tired of the subject here is something fresh
for them to begin upon again."
As they were at tea the servant brought in a note which had just
been left at the door. It was from Mr. Thompson, saying that in
consequence of the rumors which were current in the town he should
be glad to learn from Ned whether there was any foundation for them,
and would therefore be obliged if he would call at eight o'clock
that evening. His colleague, Mr. Simmonds, would be present.
Ned gave an exclamation of disgust as he threw down the note.
"Is there any answer, sir?" the servant asked. "The boy said he
was to wait."
"Tell him to say to Mr. Thompson that I will be there at eight
o'clock; but that--no, that will do.
"It wouldn't be civil," he said to Charlie as the door closed
behind the servant, "to say that I wish to goodness he would let
my affairs alone and look to his own.
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