The slightest hint she could give was enough for me. I rose to leave the room, and fight her battle for her at once with

Mr.

Fairlie.

Just as my hand was on the door, she caught fast hold of my dress and stopped me.

“Let me go!” I said. “My tongue burns to tell your uncle that he and Sir Percival are not to have it all their own way.”

She sighed bitterly, and still held my dress.