human
How did it happen? Do you know?
gpt
I know practically nothing at all about the sad event. The Squire went up to bed about an hour after you left, complaining of a headache. He had not been gone long when Kingsford appeared in a great state of alarm, excitedly exclaiming that he had entered Mr. Carrington's bedroom to assist him in undressing and had found what he believed to be your father's murdered corpse lying on the floor.
human
On the floor! Then we might have known he was not dead, for he was clutching the sheets of the bed.
gpt
Yes, he was laid on the bed directly I could get the butler to help me. Then I scribbled that note to you and sent Kingsford with it, much to his surprise on learning where you were. The rest you know. But you--you escaped, then?
human
Yes, indeed, but I know no more than I did before I started.
gpt
And Major Farnell?
human
Is a gentleman--a man of mystery. His real name is Meadows, or at least he says it is. He has a villain of a servant, who tried to frighten me, and, lastly, he has a secret. But whether he is the real enemy of my poor father I do not know. His certainly was not the hand that was raised against the Squire to-day, for I was with him when this second attack must have been made.
gpt
And the servant, was he in the room the whole time?
human
Great goodness, no! Why, who knows but that he is the man who wages such warfare against my father? And Meadows' secret is his knowledge of his man's mysterious connection with poor old dad! You're right; it must be so, Miss Scott. But, he lowered his voice to a whisper,
gpt
I have returned from Durley Dene, and once again I ask you the question to which you postponed your answer this morning.
human
Hush! replied the girl.
gpt
I cannot answer now, when death has come so near to the house, and this dreadful mystery is yet unsolved. But----
human
But the fact that you have not said 'no' shows me that my chance is not quite hopeless, is that it?
gpt
Yes,
human
You must go back now and see how the dear old man is.