human
By the by, he said,
gpt
I think so too; and Wilmot will find himself in the wrong box.
human
If I thought it was any use, continued he,
gpt
I would ask you once more to confide to me the nature of the business which took you to Thorneley's on Tuesday evening.
human
It will transpire in due time, Merrivale. I pass you my word it is utterly useless knowledge now; nor does it in any way affect Hugh Atherton's present position. God knows that nothing should keep me silent if I thought that silence would injure in the smallest degree one so dear to me--Will he be present to day?
gpt
Yes; he seemed very anxious to watch the proceedings; and on the whole I thought it better he should. I never saw such a man, said Merrivale, with a burst of enthusiasm very unlike his usual dry, cold manner;
human
Darkness, indeed! O my poor Hugh!
gpt
He expressed great surprise, and said; 'Well, this will be the first and only secret affecting either of us which John has ever kept from me. Wilmot hinted that some one had been at work who was not friendly to me; but I told him I didn't believe I had an enemy: and I don't and won't believe it now.' Then I asked him if he wouldn't like to see you, and I think in his heart he would; but he seemed to hesitate, and at last said: 'No, it is best not, best for us both--at least until after this,'--meaning the inquest--'is over.'