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diff --git a/10875-h/10875-h.htm b/10875-h/10875-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6003c0a --- /dev/null +++ b/10875-h/10875-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2608 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + At Sunwich Port, by W. W. Jacobs., Part 5. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 15%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of At Sunwich Port, Part 5., by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: At Sunwich Port, Part 5. + Contents: Chapters 21-25 + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: January 30, 2004 [EBook #10875] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AT SUNWICH PORT, PART 5. *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1> + AT SUNWICH PORT +</h1> +<br /> +<h3> + BY +</h3> +<br /> +<h2> + W. W. JACOBS +</h2> +<br /><br /> +<h3> + Drawings by Will Owen +</h3> + + +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="title (54K)" src="title.jpg" height="699" width="508" /> +</center> +<br><br> + +<h3>Part 5.</h3> + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH22"> +CHAPTER XXI +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH23"> +CHAPTER XXII +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH24"> +CHAPTER XXIII +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH25"> +CHAPTER XXIV +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH26"> +CHAPTER XXV +</a></p> + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + + + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-61"> +"Are There Any Other of My Patients You Are Anxious To +Hear About?" +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-62"> +"He Wondered, Gloomily, What She Would Think when She +Heard of It." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-63"> +"'Some People 'ave All the Luck,' he Muttered." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-64"> +"If You've Got Anything to Say, Why Don't You Say It Like +A Man?" +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-65"> +"Mrs. Kybird Suddenly Seized Him by the Coat." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-66"> +"Mr. Kybird and his Old Friend Parted." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-67"> +"He Took up his Candle and Went off Whistling." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-68"> +"He Could Just Make out a Dim Figure Behind the Counter." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-69"> +"'But Suppose She Asks Me To?' Said the Delighted +Mr. Nugent, With Much Gravity." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-70"> +"'You're a Deceiver,' She Gasped." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-71"> +"'It Was Teddy Done It,' Said Mr. Kybird, Humbly." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-72"> +"Pausing Occasionally to Answer Anxious Inquiries." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-73"> +"She Placed Her Other Arm in That of Hardy." +</a></p> + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + + + +<a name="2HCH22"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XXI +</h2> +<p> + Gossip from one or two quarters, which reached Captain Nugent's ears + through the medium of his sister, concerning the preparations for his + son's marriage, prevented him from altering his mind with regard to the + visits of Jem Hardy and showing that painstaking young man the door. + Indeed, the nearness of the approaching nuptials bade fair to eclipse, + for the time being, all other grievances, and when Hardy paid his third + visit he made a determined but ineffectual attempt to obtain from him + some information as to the methods by which he hoped to attain his ends. + His failure made him suspicious, and he hinted pretty plainly that he had + no guarantee that his visitor was not obtaining admittance under false + pretences. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I'm not getting much out of it," returned Hardy, frankly. +</p> +<p> + "I wonder you come," said his hospitable host. +</p> +<p> + "I want you to get used to me," said the other. +</p> +<p> + The captain started and eyed him uneasily; the remark seemed fraught with + hidden meaning. "And then?" he inquired, raising his bushy eyebrows. +</p> +<p> + "Then perhaps I can come oftener." +</p> +<p> + The captain gave him up. He sank back in his chair and crossing his legs + smoked, with his eyes fixed on the ceiling. It was difficult to know + what to do with a young man who was apparently destitute of any feelings + of shame or embarrassment. He bestowed a puzzled glance in his direction + and saw that he was lolling in the chair with an appearance of the + greatest ease and enjoyment. Following the direction of his eyes, he saw + that he was gazing with much satisfaction at a photograph of Miss Nugent + which graced the mantelpiece. With an odd sensation the captain suddenly + identified it as one which usually stood on the chest of drawers in his + bedroom, and he wondered darkly whether charity or mischief was + responsible for its appearance there. +</p> +<p> + In any case, it disappeared before the occasion of Hardy's next visit, + and the visitor sat with his eyes unoccupied, endeavouring to make + conversation with a host who was if anything more discourteous than + usual. It was uphill work, but he persevered, and in fifteen minutes had + ranged unchecked from North Pole explorations to poultry farming. It was + a relief to both of them when the door opened and Bella ushered in Dr. + Murchison. +</p> +<p> + The captain received the new arrival with marked cordiality, and giving + him a chair near his own observed with some interest the curt greeting of + the young men. The doctor's manner indicated polite surprise at seeing + the other there, then he turned to the captain and began to talk to him. +</p> +<p> + For some time they chatted without interruption, and the captain's + replies, when Hardy at last made an attempt to make the conversation + general, enabled the doctor to see, without much difficulty, that the + latter was an unwelcome guest. Charmed with the discovery he followed + his host's lead, and, with a languid air, replied to his rival in + monosyllables. The captain watched with quiet satisfaction, and at each + rebuff his opinion of Murchison improved. It was gratifying to find that + the interloper had met his match. +</p> +<p> + Hardy sat patient. "I am glad to have met you to-night," he said, after + a long pause, during which the other two were discussing a former + surgical experience of the captain's on one of his crew. +</p> +<p> + "Yes?" said Murchison. +</p> +<p> + "You are just the man I wanted to see." +</p> +<p> + "Yes?" said the doctor, again. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said the other, nodding. "I've been very busy of late owing to my + partner's illness, and you are attending several people I want to hear + about." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed," said Murchison, with a half-turn towards him. +</p> +<p> + "How is Mrs. Paul?" inquired Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "Dead!" replied the other, briefly. +</p> +<p> + "Dead!" repeated Mr. Hardy. "Good Heavens! I didn't know that there was + much the matter with her." +</p> +<p> + "There was no hope for her from the first," said Murchison, somewhat + sharply. It was merely a question of prolonging her life a little while. + She lived longer than I deemed possible. She surprised everybody by her + vitality." +</p> +<p> + "Poor thing," said Hardy. "How is Joe Banks?" +</p> +<p> + "Dead," said Murchison again, biting his lip and eyeing him furiously. +</p> +<p> + "Dear me," said Hardy, shaking his head; "I met him not a month ago. He + was on his way to see you then." +</p> +<p> + "The poor fellow had been an invalid nearly all his life," said + Murchison, to the captain, casually. "Aye, I remember him," was the + reply. +</p> +<p> + "I am almost afraid to ask you," continued Hardy, "but shut up all day I + hear so little. How is old Miss Ritherdon?" +</p> +<p> + Murchison reddened with helpless rage; Captain Nugent, gazing at the + questioner with something almost approaching respect, waited breathlessly + for the invariable answer. +</p> +<p> + "She died three weeks ago; I'm surprised that you have not heard of it," + said the doctor, pointedly. +</p> +<p> + "Of course she was old," said Hardy, with the air of one advancing + extenuating circumstances. +</p> +<p> + "Very old," replied the doctor, who knew that the other was now at the + end of his obituary list. +</p> +<p> + "Are there any other of my patients you are anxious to hear about?" +</p> +<a name="image-61"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="061.jpg" height="509" width="556" +alt="'are There Any Other of My Patients You Are Anxious To +Hear About?' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "No, thank you," returned Hardy, with some haste. +</p> +<p> + The doctor turned to his host again, but the charm was broken. His talk + was disconnected, owing probably to the fact that he was racking his + brain for facts relative to the seamy side of shipbroking. And Hardy, + without any encouragement whatever, was interrupting with puerile + anecdotes concerning the late lamented Joe Banks. The captain came to + the rescue. +</p> +<p> + "The ladies are in the garden," he said to the doctor; "perhaps you'd + like to join them." +</p> +<p> + He looked coldly over at Hardy as he spoke to see the effect of his + words. Their eyes met, and the young man was on his feet as soon as his + rival. +</p> +<p> + "Thanks," he said, coolly; "it is a trifle close indoors." +</p> +<p> + Before the dismayed captain could think of any dignified pretext to stay + him he was out of the room. The doctor followed and the perturbed + captain, left alone, stared blankly at the door and thought of his + daughter's words concerning the thin end of the wedge. +</p> +<p> + He was a proud man and loth to show discomfiture, so that it was not + until a quarter of an hour later that he followed his guests to the + garden. The four people were in couples, the paths favouring that + formation, although the doctor, to the detriment of the border, had made + two or three determined attempts to march in fours. With a feeling akin + to scorn the captain saw that he was walking with Mrs. Kingdom, while + some distance in the rear Jem Hardy followed with Kate. +</p> +<p> + He stood at the back door for a little while watching; Hardy, upright and + elate, was listening with profound attention to Miss Nugent; the doctor, + sauntering along beside Mrs. Kingdom, was listening with a languid air to + an account of her celebrated escape from measles some forty-three years + before. As a professional man he would have died rather than have owed + his life to the specific she advocated. +</p> +<p> + Kate Nugent, catching sight of her father, turned, and as he came slowly + towards them, linked her arm, in his. Her face was slightly flushed and + her eyes sparkled. +</p> +<p> + "I was just coming in to fetch you," she observed; "it is so pleasant out + here now." +</p> +<p> + "Delightful," said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "We had to drop behind a little," said Miss Nugent, raising her voice. + "Aunt and Dr. Murchison <i>will</i> talk about their complaints to each other! + They have been exchanging prescriptions." +</p> +<p> + The captain grunted and eyed her keenly. +</p> +<p> + "I want you to come in and give us a little music," he said, shortly. +</p> +<p> + Kate nodded. "What is your favourite music, Mr. Hardy?" she inquired, + with a smile. +</p> +<p> + "Unfortunately, Mr. Hardy can't stay," said the captain, in a voice which + there was no mistaking. +</p> +<p> + Hardy pulled out his watch. "No; I must be off," he said, with a + well-affected start. "Thank you for reminding me, Captain Nugent." +</p> +<p> + "I am glad to have been of service," said the other, looking his + grimmest. +</p> +<p> + He acknowledged the young man's farewell with a short nod and, forgetting + his sudden desire for music, continued to pace up and down with his + daughter. +</p> +<p> + "What have you been saying to that—that fellow?" he demanded, turning to + her, suddenly. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent reflected. "I said it was a fine evening," she replied, at + last. +</p> +<p> + "No doubt," said her father. "What else?" +</p> +<p> + "I think I asked him whether he was fond of gardening," said Miss Nugent, + slowly. "Yes, I'm sure I did." +</p> +<p> + "You had no business to speak to him at all," said the fuming captain. +</p> +<p> + "I don't quite see how I could help doing so," said his daughter. "You + surely don't expect me to be rude to your visitors? Besides, I feel + rather sorry for him." +</p> +<p> + "Sorry?" repeated the captain, sharply. "What for?" +</p> +<p> + "Because he hasn't got a nice, kind, soft-spoken father," said Miss + Nugent, squeezing his arm affectionately. +</p> +<p> + The appearance of the other couple at the head of the path saved the + captain the necessity of a retort. They stood in a little knot talking, + but Miss Nugent, contrary to her usual habit, said but little. She was + holding her father's arm and gazing absently at the dim fields stretching + away beyond the garden. +</p> +<p> + At the same time Mr. James Hardy, feeling, despite his bold front, + somewhat badly snubbed, was sitting on the beach thinking over the + situation. After a quarter of an hour in the company of Kate Nugent all + else seemed sordid and prosaic; his own conduct in his attempt to save + her brother from the consequences of his folly most sordid of all. He + wondered, gloomily, what she would think when she heard of it. +</p> +<a name="image-62"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="062.jpg" height="631" width="551" +alt="'he Wondered, Gloomily, What She Would Think when She +Heard of It.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + He rose at last and in the pale light of the new moon walked slowly along + towards the town. In his present state of mind he wanted to talk about + Kate Nugent, and the only person who could be depended upon for doing + that was Samson Wilks. It was a never-tiring subject of the steward's, + and since his discovery of the state of Hardy's feelings in that quarter + the slightest allusion was sufficient to let loose a flood of + reminiscences. +</p> +<p> + It was dark by the time Hardy reached the alley, and in most of the + houses the lamps were lit behind drawn blinds. The steward's house, + however, was in darkness and there was no response when he tapped. He + turned the handle of the door and looked in. A dim figure rose with a + start from a chair. +</p> +<p> + "I hope you were not asleep?" said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "No, sir," said the steward, in a relieved voice. "I thought it was + somebody else." +</p> +<p> + He placed a chair for his visitor and, having lit the lamp, slowly + lowered the blind and took a seat opposite. +</p> +<p> + "I've been sitting in the dark to make a certain party think I was out," + he said, slowly. "She keeps making a excuse about Teddy to come over and + see me. Last night 'e talked about making a 'ole in the water to + celebrate 'Melia Kybird's wedding, and she came over and sat in that + chair and cried as if 'er 'art would break. After she'd gone Teddy comes + over, fierce as a eagle, and wants to know wot I've been saying to 'is + mother to make 'er cry. Between the two of 'em I 'ave a nice life of + it." +</p> +<p> + "He is still faithful to Miss Kybird, then?" said Hardy, with a sudden + sense of relief. +</p> +<p> + "Faithful?" said Mr. Wilks. "Faithful ain't no word for it. He's a + sticker, that's wot 'e is, and it's my misfortune that 'is mother takes + after 'im. I 'ave to go out afore breakfast and stay out till late at + night, and even then like as not she catches me on the doorstep." +</p> +<p> + "Well, perhaps she will make a hole in the water," suggested Hardy. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks smiled, but almost instantly became grave again. "She's not + that sort," he said, bitterly, and went into the kitchen to draw some + beer. +</p> +<p> + He drank his in a manner which betokened that the occupation afforded him + no enjoyment, and, full of his own troubles, was in no mood to discuss + anything else. He gave a short biography of Mrs. Silk which would have + furnished abundant material for half-a-dozen libel actions, and alluding + to the demise of the late Mr. Silk, spoke of it as though it were the + supreme act of artfulness in a somewhat adventurous career. +</p> +<p> + Hardy walked home with a mind more at ease than it had been at any time + since his overtures to Mr. Swann. The only scruple that had troubled him + was now removed, and in place of it he felt that he was acting the part + of a guardian angel to Mr. Edward Silk. +</p> +<a name="2HCH23"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XXII +</h2> +<p> + Mr. Nathan Smith, usually one of the most matter-of-fact men in the + world, came out of Mr. Swann's house in a semi-dazed condition, and for + some time after the front door had closed behind him stood gaping on the + narrow pavement. +</p> +<p> + He looked up and down the quiet little street and shook his head sadly. + It was a street of staid and substantial old houses; houses which had + mellowed and blackened with age, but whose quaint windows and + chance-opened doors afforded glimpses of comfort attesting to the + prosperity of those within. In the usual way Mr. Nathan Smith was of too + philosophical a temperament to experience the pangs of envy, but to-day + these things affected him, and he experienced a strange feeling of + discontent with his lot in life. +</p> +<p> + "Some people 'ave all the luck," he muttered, and walked slowly down the + road. +</p> +<a name="image-63"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="063.jpg" height="650" width="437" +alt="''some People 'ave All the Luck,' he Muttered.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + He continued his reflections as he walked through the somewhat squalid + streets of his own quarter. The afternoon was wet and the houses looked + dingier than usual; dirty, inconvenient little places most of them, with + a few cheap gimcracks making a brave show as near the window as possible. + Mr. Smith observed them with newly opened eyes, and, for perhaps the + first time in his life, thought of the draw-backs and struggles of the + poor. +</p> +<p> + In his own untidy little den at the back of the house he sat for some + time deep in thought over the events of the afternoon. He had been + permitted a peep at wealth; at wealth, too, which was changing hands, but + was not coming his way. He lit his pipe and, producing a bottle of rum + from a cupboard, helped himself liberally. The potent fluid softened him + somewhat, and a half-formed intention to keep the news from Mr. Kybird + melted away beneath its benign influence. +</p> +<p> + "After all, we've been pals for pretty near thirty years," said Mr. Smith + to himself. +</p> +<p> + He took another draught. "Thirty years is a long time," he mused. +</p> +<p> + He finished the glass. "And if 'e don't give me something out of it I'll + do 'im as much 'arm as I can," he continued; and, buttoning up his coat, + he rose and set out in the direction of the High Street. +</p> +<p> + The rain had ceased and the sun was making faint efforts to break through + watery clouds. Things seemed brighter, and Mr. Smith's heart beat in + response. He was going to play the part of a benefactor to Mr. Kybird; + to offer him access, at any rate, to such wealth as he had never dreamed + of. He paused at the shop window, and, observing through a gap in the + merchandise that Mr. Kybird was be-hind the counter, walked in and + saluted him. +</p> +<p> + "I've got news for you," he said, slowly; "big news." +</p> +<p> + "Oh," said Mr. Kybird, with indifference. +</p> +<p> + "Big news," repeated Mr. Smith, sinking thoughtlessly into the broken + cane-chair and slowly extricating himself. "Something that'll make your + eyes start out of your 'ed." +</p> +<p> + The small black eyes in question were turned shrewdly in his direction. + "I've 'ad news of you afore, Nat," remarked Mr. Kybird, with simple + severity. +</p> +<p> + The philanthropist was chilled; he fixed his eyes in a stony stare on the + opposite wall. Mr. Kybird, who had ever a wholesome dread of falling a + victim to his friend's cuteness, regarded him with some uncertainty, and + reminded him of one or two pieces of information which had seriously + depleted his till. +</p> +<p> + "Banns up yet for the wedding?" inquired Mr. Smith, still gazing in front + of him with fathomless eyes. +</p> +<p> + "They'll be put up next week," said Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said his friend, with great emphasis. "Well, well!" +</p> +<p> + "Wot d'ye mean by 'well, well'?" demanded the other, with some heat. +</p> +<p> + "I was on'y thinking," replied Mr. Smith, mildly. "P'r'aps it's all for + the best, and I'd better 'old my tongue. True love is better than money. + After all it ain't my bisness, and I shouldn't get much out of it." +</p> +<p> + "Out of wot, Nat?" inquired Mr. Kybird, uneasily. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith, still gazing musingly before him, appeared not to hear the + question. "Nice after the rain, ain't it?" he said, slowly. +</p> +<p> + "It's all right," said the other, shortly. +</p> +<p> + "Everything smells so fresh and sweet," continued his nature-loving + friend; "all the little dickey-birds was a-singing as if their little + 'arts would break as I come along." +</p> +<p> + "I don't wonder at it," said the offended Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + "And the banns go up next week," murmured the boarding-master to himself. + "Well, well." +</p> +<p> + "'Ave you got anything to say agin it?" demanded Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + "Cert'nly not," replied the other. "On'y don't blame me when it's too + late; that's all." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird, staring at him wrathfully, turned this dark saying over in + his mind. "Too late for wot?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said Nathan Smith, slowly. "Nice and fresh after the rain, ain't + it? As I come along all the little dickey-birds—" +</p> +<p> + "Drat the little dickey-birds," interrupted Mr. Kybird, with sudden + violence. "If you've got anything to say, why don't you say it like a + man?" +</p> +<a name="image-64"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="064.jpg" height="631" width="551" +alt="'if You've Got Anything to Say, Why Don't You Say It Like +A Man?' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + The parlour door opened suddenly before the other could reply, and + revealed the face of Mrs. Kybird. "Wot are you two a-quarrelling about?" + she demanded. "Why don't you come inside and sit down for a bit?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith accepted the invitation, and following her into the room found + Miss Kybird busy stitching in the midst of a bewildering assortment of + brown paper patterns and pieces of cloth. Mrs. Kybird gave him a chair, + and, having overheard a portion of his conversation with her husband, + made one or two casual inquiries. +</p> +<p> + "I've been spending a hour or two at Mr. Swann's," said Mr. Smith. +</p> +<p> + "And 'ow is 'e?" inquired his hostess, with an appearance of amiable + interest. +</p> +<p> + The boarding-master shook his head. "'E's slipping 'is cable," he said, + slowly. "'E's been making 'is will, and I was one o' the witnesses." +</p> +<p> + Something in Mr. Smith's manner as he uttered this simple statement made + his listeners anxious to hear more. Mr. Kybird, who had just entered the + room and was standing with his back to the door holding the handle, + regarded him expectantly. +</p> +<p> + "It's been worrying 'im some time," pursued Mr. Smith. "'E 'asn't got + nobody belonging to 'im, and for a long time 'e couldn't think 'ow to + leave it. Wot with 'ouse property and other things it's a matter of over + ten thousand pounds." +</p> +<p> + "Good 'eavens!" said Mr. Kybird, who felt that he was expected to say + something. +</p> +<p> + "Dr. Blaikie was the other witness," continued Mr. Smith, disregarding + the interruption; "and Mr. Swann made us both promise to keep it a dead + secret till 'e's gone, but out o' friendship to you I thought I'd step + round and let you know." +</p> +<p> + The emphasis on the words was unmistakable; Mrs. Kybird dropped her work + and sat staring at him, while her husband wriggled with excitement. +</p> +<p> + "'E ain't left it to me, I s'pose?" he said, with a feeble attempt at + jocularity. +</p> +<p> + "Not a brass farden," replied his friend, cheerfully. "Not to none of + you. Why should 'e? +</p> +<p> + "He ain't left it to Jack, I s'pose?" said Miss Kybird, who had suspended + her work to listen. +</p> +<p> + "No, my dear," replied the boarding-master. "E's made 'is will all + ship-shape and proper, and 'e's left everything—all that 'ouse property + and other things, amounting to over ten thousand pounds—to a young man + becos 'e was jilt—crossed in love a few months ago, and becos 'e's been + a good and faithful servant to 'im for years." +</p> +<p> + "Don't tell me," said Mr. Kybird, desperately; "don't tell me that 'e's + been and left all that money to young Teddy Silk." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I won't if you don't want me to," said the accommodating Mr. + Smith, "but, mind, it's a dead secret." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird wiped his brow, and red patches, due to excitement, lent a + little variety to an otherwise commonplace face; Mrs. Kybird's dazed + inquiry. "Wot are we a-coming to?" fell on deaf ears; while Miss Kybird, + leaning forward with lips parted, fixed her eyes intently on Mr. Smith's + face. +</p> +<p> + "It's a pity 'e didn't leave it to young Nugent," said that gentleman, + noting with much pleasure the effect of his announcement, "but 'e can't + stand 'in: at no price; 'e told me so 'imself. I s'pose young Teddy'll + be quite the gentleman now, and 'e'll be able to marry who 'e likes." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird thrust his handkerchief into his tail-pocket, and all the + father awoke within him. "Ho, will 'e?" he said, with fierce sarcasm. + "Ho, indeed! And wot about my daughter? I 'ave 'eard of such things as + breach o' promise. Before Mr. Teddy gets married 'e's got to 'ave a few + words with me." +</p> +<p> + "'E's behaved very bad," said Mrs. Kybird, nodding. +</p> +<p> + "'E come 'ere night after night," said Mr. Kybird, working himself up + into a fury; "'e walked out with my gal for months and months, and then + 'e takes 'imself off as if we wasn't good enough for'im." +</p> +<p> + "The suppers 'e's 'ad 'ere you wouldn't believe," said Mrs. Kybird, + addressing the visitor. +</p> +<p> + "Takes 'imself off," repeated her husband; "takes 'imself off as if we + was dirt beneath 'is feet, and never been back to give a explanation from + that day to this." +</p> +<p> + "I'm not easy surprised," said Mrs. Kybird, "I never was from a gal, but + I must say Teddy's been a surprise to me. If anybody 'ad told me 'e'd + ha' behaved like that I wouldn't ha' believed it; I couldn't. I've never + said much about it, becos my pride wouldn't let me. We all 'ave our + faults, and mine is pride." +</p> +<p> + "I shall bring a breach o' promise action agin 'im for five thousand + pounds," said Mr. Kybird, with decision. +</p> +<p> + "Talk sense," said Nathan Smith, shortly. +</p> +<p> + "Sense!" cried Mr. Kybird. "Is my gal to be played fast and loose with + like that? Is my gal to be pitched over when 'e likes? Is my gal—" +</p> +<p> + "Wot's the good o' talking like that to me?" said the indignant Mr. + Smith. "The best thing you can do is to get 'er married to Teddy at + once, afore 'e knows of 'is luck." +</p> +<p> + "And when'll that be?" inquired his friend, in a calmer voice. +</p> +<p> + "Any time," said the boarding-master, shrugging his shoulders. "The old + gentleman might go out to-night, or again 'e might live on for a week or + more. 'E was so weak 'e couldn't 'ardly sign 'is name." +</p> +<p> + "I 'ope 'e 'as signed it all right," said Mr. Kybird, starting. +</p> +<p> + "Safe as 'ouses," said his friend. +</p> +<p> + "Well, why not wait till Teddy 'as got the money?" suggested Mrs. Kybird, + with a knowing shake of her head. +</p> +<p> + "Becos," said Mr. Smith, in a grating voice, "be-cos for one thing 'e'd + be a rich man then and could 'ave 'is pick. Teddy Silk on a pound or + thereabouts a week and Teddy Silk with ten thousand pounds 'ud be two + different people. Besides that 'e'd think she was marrying 'im for 'is + money." +</p> +<p> + "If 'e thought that," said Mrs. Kybird, firmly, "I'd never forgive 'im." +</p> +<p> + "My advice to you," said Nathan Smith, shaking his forefinger + impressively, "is to get 'em married on the quiet and as soon as + possible. Once they're tied up Teddy can't 'elp 'imself." +</p> +<p> + "Why on the quiet?" demanded Mr. Kybird, sharply. +</p> +<p> + The boarding-master uttered an impatient exclamation. "Becos if Mr. + Swann got to 'ear of it he'd guess I'd been blabbing, for one thing," he + said, sharply, "and for another, 'e left it to 'im partly to make up for + 'is disappointment—he'd been disappointed 'imself in 'is younger days, + so 'e told me." +</p> +<p> + "Suppose 'e managed to get enough strength to alter 'is will?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird shivered. "It takes time to get married, though," he + objected. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Mr. Smith, ironically, "it does. Get round young Teddy, and + then put the banns up. Take your time about it, and be sure and let Mr. + Swann know. D'ye think 'e wouldn't understand wot it meant, and spoil + it, to say nothing of Teddy seeing through it? +</p> +<p> + "Well, wot's to be done, then?" inquired the staring Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + "Send 'em up to London and 'ave 'em married by special license," said Mr. + Smith, speaking rapidly—"to-morrow, if possible; if not, the day after. + Go and pitch a tale to Teddy to-night, and make 'im understand it's to be + done on the strict q.t." +</p> +<p> + "Special licenses cost money," said Mr. Kybird. "I 'ave 'eard it's a + matter o' thirty pounds or thereabouts." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nathan Smith rose, and his eyes were almost expressive. He nodded + good-night to the ladies and crossed to the door. Mrs. Kybird suddenly + seized him by the coat and held him. +</p> +<a name="image-65"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="065.jpg" height="510" width="614" +alt="'mrs. Kybird Suddenly Seized Him by the Coat.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Don't be in a 'urry, Nat," she pleaded. "We ain't all as clever as you + are." +</p> +<p> + "Talk about looking a gift-'orse in the mouth—" began the indignant Mr. + Smith. +</p> +<p> + "Sit down," urged Mr. Kybird. "You can't expect us to be as quick in + seeing things as wot you are." +</p> +<p> + He pushed his partly mollified friend into his chair again, and taking a + seat next him began to view the affair with enthusiasm. "'Melia shall + turn young Nugent off to-night," he said, firmly. +</p> +<p> + "That's right," said the other; "go and do a few more silly things like + that and we shall be 'appy. If you'd got a 'ead instead of wot you 'ave + got, you wouldn't talk of giving the show away like that. Nobody must + know or guess about anything until young Teddy is married to 'Melia and + got the money." +</p> +<p> + "It seems something like deceitfulness," said Miss Kybird, who had been + listening to the plans for her future with admirable composure. +</p> +<p> + "It's for Teddy's own sake," said Nathan Smith. "Everybody knows 'e's + half crazy after you." +</p> +<p> + "I don't know that I don't like 'im best, even without the money," said + Miss Kybird, calmly. "Nobody could 'ave been more attentive than 'im. + I believe that 'e'd marry me if 'e 'ad a hundred thousand, but it looks + better your way." +</p> +<p> + "Better all round," said Nathan Smith, with at approving nod. "Now, + Dan'l, 'op round to Teddy and whistle 'im back, and mind 'e's to keep it + a dead secret on account o' trouble with young Nugent. D'ye twig?" +</p> +<p> + The admiring Mr. Kybird said that he was a wonder, and, in the discussion + on ways and means which followed, sat listening with growing respect to + the managing abilities both of his friend and his wife. Difficulties + were only mentioned for the purpose of being satisfactorily solved, and + he noticed with keen appreciation that the prospect of a ten thousand + pound son-in-law was already adding to that lady's dignity. She sniffed + haughtily as she spoke of "that Nugent lot"; and the manner in which she + promised Mr. Smith that he should not lose by his services would have + graced a duchess. +</p> +<p> + "I didn't expect to lose by it," said the boarding-master, pointedly. + "Come over and 'ave a glass at the Chequers, Dan, and then you can go + along and see Teddy." +</p> +<a name="2HCH24"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XXIII +</h2> +<p> + The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friend + parted. The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and the + boarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularly + appropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed his + instructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on business + of his own. +</p> +<a name="image-66"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="066.jpg" height="662" width="559" +alt="'mr. Kybird and his Old Friend Parted.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk in + meditation. He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise the + difficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk's + intelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection for + the Kybird family. If she was at home she would have to invent some + pretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air. +</p> +<p> + The lamp was lit in the front room by the time he reached the house, and + the shadows of geraniums which had won through several winters formed a + straggling pattern on the holland blind. Mr. Kybird, first making an + unsuccessful attempt to peep round the edges of this decoration, tapped + gently on the door, and in response to a command to "Come in," turned the + handle and looked into the room. To his relief, he saw that Mr. Silk was + alone. +</p> +<p> + "Good evening, Teddy," he said, with a genial smile, as he entered slowly + and closed the door behind him. "I 'ope I see you well?" +</p> +<p> + "I'm quite well," returned Mr. Silk, gazing at him with unconcealed + surprise. +</p> +<p> + "I'm glad to 'ear it," said Mr. Kybird, in a somewhat reproachful voice, + "for your sake; for every-body's sake, though, p'r'aps, I did expect to + find you looking a little bit down. Ah! it's the wimmen that 'ave the + 'arts after all." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Silk coughed. "What d'ye mean?" he inquired, somewhat puzzled. +</p> +<p> + "I came to see you, Teddy, on a very delikit business," said Mr. Kybird, + taking a seat and gazing diffidently at his hat as he swung it between + his hands; "though, as man to man, I'm on'y doing of my dooty. But if + you don't want to 'ear wot I've got to say, say so, and Dan'l Kybird'll + darken your door no more." +</p> +<p> + "How can I know whether I want to 'ear it or not when I don't know wot it + is?" said Mr. Silk, judiciously. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird sat biting his thumb-nail, then he looked up suddenly. + "'Melia," he said, with an outburst of desperate frankness, "'Melia is + crying 'er eyes out." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Silk, with a smothered exclamation, started up from his chair and + regarded him eagerly. +</p> +<p> + "If she knew I'd been 'ere," pursued Mr. Kybird, "she'd I don't know wot + she wouldn't do. That's 'er pride; but I've got my pride too; the pride + of a father's 'art." +</p> +<p> + "What—what's she crying about?" inquired Mr. Silk, in an unsteady voice. +</p> +<p> + "She's been looking poorly for some time," continued the veracious Mr. + Kybird, "and crying. When I tell you that part o' the wedding-dress wot + she was making 'ad to be taken away from 'er because o' the tears she + dropped on it, you may 'ave some idea of wot things are like. She's + never forgot you, Teddy, and it was on'y your quick temper that day that + made 'er take on with young Nugent. She's got a temper, too, but she + give 'er love once, and, being my daughter, she couldn't give it agin." +</p> +<p> + He stole a glance at his listener. Mr. Silk, very pale and upright, was + standing on the hearthrug, shaking all over with nervous excitement. + Twice he tried to speak and failed. +</p> +<p> + "That's 'ow it is, Teddy," sighed Mr. Kybird, rising as though to depart. + "I've done my dooty. It was a 'ard thing to do, but I've done it." +</p> +<p> + "Do you mean," said Mr. Silk, recovering his voice at last, "do you mean + that Amelia would marry me after all?" +</p> +<p> + "Do I mean?" repeated Mr. Kybird, naturally indignant that his very + plain speaking should be deemed capable of any misconstruction. "Am I + speaking to a stock or a stone, Teddy?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Silk took a deep breath, and buttoned up his coat, as though + preparing to meet Mr. Nugent there and then in deadly encounter for the + person of Miss Kybird. The colour was back in his cheeks by this time, + and his eyes were unusually bright. He took a step towards Mr. Kybird + and, pressing his hand warmly, pushed him back into his seat again. +</p> +<p> + "There's 'er pride to consider, Teddy," said the latter gentleman, with + the whisper of a conspirator. +</p> +<p> + "She can't stand being talked about all over the town and pointed at." +</p> +<p> + "Let me see anybody a-pointing at 'er," said the truculent Mr. Silk; "let + me see 'em, that's all." +</p> +<p> + "That's the way to talk, Teddy," said Mr. Kybird, gazing at him with + admiration. +</p> +<p> + "Talk!" said the heroic Mr. Silk. "I'll do more than talk." He clenched + his fists and paced boldly up and down the hearthrug. +</p> +<p> + "You leave things to me," said Mr. Kybird, with a confidential wink. + "I'll see that it's all right. All I ask of you is to keep it a dead + secret; even your mother mustn't know." +</p> +<p> + "I'll be as secret as the grave," said the overjoyed Mr. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "There's lots o' things to be taken into consideration," said Mr. Kybird, + truthfully; "it might be as well for you to be married immediate." +</p> +<p> + "Immediate?" said the astonished Mr. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "She 'asn't got the nerve to send young Nugent about 'is business," + explained Mr. Kybird; "she feels sorry for 'im, pore fellow; but 'e's got + a loving and affectionate 'art, and she can't bear 'im making love to + 'er. You can understand what it is, can't you?" +</p> +<p> + "I can imagine it," said Mr. Silk, gloomily, and he flushed crimson as the + possibilities suggested by the remark occurred to him. +</p> +<p> + "I've been thinking it over for some time," resumed Mr. Kybird; "twisting + it and turning it all ways, and the only thing I can see for it is for + you to be married on the strict q.t. Of course, if you don't like—" +</p> +<p> + "Like!" repeated the transported Mr. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "I'll go and be married now, if you like." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird shook his head at such haste, and then softening a little + observed that it did him credit. He proceeded to improve the occasion by + anecdotes of his own courting some thirty years before, and was in the + middle of a thrilling account of the manner in which he had bearded the + whose of his future wife's family, when a quick step outside, which + paused at the door, brought him to a sudden halt. +</p> +<p> + "Mother," announced Mr. Silk, in a whisper. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird nodded, and the heroic appearance of visage which had + accompanied his tale gave way to an expression of some uneasiness. He + coughed behind his hand, and sat gazing before him as Mrs. Silk entered + the room and gave vent to an exclamation of astonishment as she saw the + visitor. She gazed sharply from him to her son. Mr. Kybird's expression + was now normal, but despite his utmost efforts Mr. Silk could not + entirely banish the smile which trembled on his lips. +</p> +<p> + "Me and Teddy," said Mr. Kybird, turning to her with a little bob, which + served him for a bow, "'ave just been having a little talk about old + times." +</p> +<p> + "He was just passing," said Mr. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "Just passing, and thought I'd look in," said Mr. Kybird, with a careless + little laugh; "the door was open a bit." +</p> +<p> + "Wide open," corroborated Mr. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "So I just came in to say ''Ow d'ye do?'" said Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Silk's sharp, white face turned from one to the other. "Ave you + said it?" she inquired, blandly. +</p> +<p> + "I 'ave," said Mr. Kybird, restraining Mr. Silk's evident intention of + hot speech by a warning glance; "and now I'll just toddle off 'ome." +</p> +<p> + "I'll go a bit o' the way with you," said Edward Silk. "I feel as if a + bit of a walk would do me good." +</p> +<p> + Left alone, the astonished Mrs. Silk took the visitor's vacated chair + and, with wrinkled brow, sat putting two and two together until the sum + got beyond her powers of calculation. Mr. Kybird's affability and + Teddy's cheerfulness were alike incomprehensible. She mended a hole in + her pocket and darned a pair of socks, and at last, anxious for advice, + or at least a confidant, resolved to see Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + She opened the door and looked across the alley, and saw with some + satisfaction that his blind was illuminated. She closed the door behind + her sharply, and then stood gasping on the doorstep. So simultaneous + were the two happenings that it actually appeared as though the closing + of the door had blown Mr. Wilks's lamp out. It was a night of surprises, + but after a moment's hesitation she stepped over and tried his door. It + was fast, and there was no answer to her knuckling. She knocked louder + and listened. A door slammed violently at the back of the house, a + distant clatter of what sounded like saucepans came from beyond, and + above it all a tremulous but harsh voice bellowed industriously through + an interminable chant. By the time the third verse was reached Mr. + Wilks's neighbours on both sides were beating madly upon their walls and + blood-curdling threats strained through the plaster. +</p> +<p> + She stayed no longer, but regaining her own door sat down again to await + the return of her son. Mr. Silk was long in coming, and she tried in + vain to occupy herself with various small jobs as she speculated in vain + on the meaning of the events of the night. She got up and stood by the + open door, and as she waited the clock in the church-tower, which rose + over the roofs hard by, slowly boomed out the hour of eleven. As the + echoes of the last stroke died away the figure of Mr. Silk turned into + the alley. +</p> +<p> + "You must 'ave 'ad quite a nice walk," said his mother, as she drew back + into the room and noted the brightness of his eye. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "I s'pose 'e's been and asked you to the wedding?" said the sarcastic + Mrs. Silk. +</p> +<p> + Her son started and, turning his back on her, wound up the clock. "Yes, + 'e has," he said, with a, sly grin. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Silk's eyes snapped. "Well, of all the impudence," she said, + breathlessly. +</p> +<p> + "Well, 'e has," said her son, hugging himself over the joke. "And, + what's more, I'm going." +</p> +<p> + He composed his face sufficiently to bid her "good-night," and, turning + a deaf ear to her remonstrances and inquiries, took up a candle and were + off whistling. +</p> +<a name="image-67"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="067.jpg" height="603" width="380" +alt="'he Took up his Candle and Went off Whistling.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="2HCH25"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XXIV +</h2> +<p> + The idea in the mind of Mr. James Hardy when he concocted his infamous + plot was that Jack Nugent would be summarily dismissed on some pretext by + Miss Kybird, and that steps would at once be taken by her family to + publish her banns together with those of Mr. Silk. In thinking thus he + had made no allowance for the workings and fears of such a capable mind + as Nathan Smith's, and as days passed and nothing happened he became a + prey to despair. +</p> +<p> + He watched Mr. Silk keenly, but that gentleman went about his work in his + usual quiet and gloomy fashion, and, after a day's leave for the purpose + of arranging the affairs of a sick aunt in Camberwell, came back only a + little less gloomy than before. It was also clear that Mr. Swann's + complaisance was nearly at an end, and a letter, couched in vigorous, not + to say regrettable, terms for a moribund man, expressed such a desire for + fresh air and exercise that Hardy was prepared to see him at any moment. +</p> +<p> + It was the more unfortunate as he thought that he had of late detected + a slight softening in Captain Nugent's manner towards him. On two + occasions the captain, who was out when he called, had made no comment + to find upon his return that the visitor was being entertained by his + daughter, going so far, indeed, as to permit the conversation to gain + vastly in interest by that young person remaining in the room. In face + of this improvement he thought with dismay of having to confess failure + in a scheme which apart from success was inexcusable. +</p> +<p> + The captain had also unbent in another direction, and Mr. Wilks, to his + great satisfaction, was allowed to renew his visits to Equator Lodge and + assist his old master in the garden. Here at least the steward was safe + from the designs of Mrs. Silk and the innuendoes of Fullalove Alley. +</p> +<p> + It was at this time, too, that the widow stood in most need of his + advice, the behaviour of Edward Silk being of a nature to cause + misgivings in any mother's heart. A strange restlessness possessed him, + varied with occasional outbursts of hilarity and good nature. Dark hints + emanated from him at these times concerning a surprise in store for her + at no distant date, hints which were at once explained away in a most + unsatisfactory manner when she became too pressing in her inquiries. He + haunted the High Street, and when the suspicious Mrs. Silk spoke of + Amelia he only laughed and waxed humorous over such unlikely subjects as + broken hearts and broken vows. +</p> +<p> + It was a week after Mr. Kybird's visit to the alley that he went, as + usual, for a stroll up and down the High Street. The evening was + deepening, and some of the shops had already lit up, as Mr. Silk, with + his face against the window-pane, tried in vain to penetrate the + obscurity of Mr. Kybird's shop. He could just make out a dim figure + behind the counter, which he believed to be Amelia, when a match was + struck and a gas jet threw a sudden light in the shop and revealed Mr. + Jack Nugent standing behind the counter with his hand on the lady's + shoulder. +</p> +<a name="image-68"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="068.jpg" height="658" width="605" +alt="'he Could Just Make out a Dim Figure Behind the Counter.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + One glance was sufficient. The next moment there was a sharp cry from + Miss Kybird and a bewildered stare from Nugent as something, only + comparable to a human cracker, bounced into the shop and commenced to + explode before them. +</p> +<p> + "Take your 'and off," raved Mr. Silk. "Leave 'er alone. 'Ow dare you? + D'ye hear me? 'Melia, I won't 'ave it! I won't 'ave it!" +</p> +<p> + "Don't be silly, Teddy," remonstrated Mr. Nugent, following up Miss + Kybird, as she edged away from him. +</p> +<p> + "Leave 'er alone, d'ye 'ear?" yelled Mr. Silk, thumping the counter with + his small fist. "She's my <i>wife!</i>" +</p> +<p> + "Teddy's mad," said Mr. Nugent, calmly, "stark, staring, raving mad. + Poor Teddy." +</p> +<p> + He shook his head sadly, and had just begun to recommend a few remedies + when the parlour door opened and the figure of Mr. Kybird, with his wife + standing close behind him, appeared in the doorway. +</p> +<p> + "Who's making all this noise?" demanded the former, looking from one to + the other. +</p> +<p> + "I am," said Mr. Silk, fiercely. "It's no use your winking at me; I'm + not going to 'ave any more of this nonsense. 'Melia, you go and get your + 'at on and come straight off 'ome with me." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird gave a warning cough. "Go easy, Teddy," he murmured. +</p> +<p> + "And don't you cough at me," said the irritated Mr. Silk, "because it + won't do no good." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird subsided. He was not going to quarrel with a son-in-law who + might at any moment be worth ten thousand pounds. +</p> +<p> + "Isn't he mad?" inquired the amazed Mr. Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "Cert'nly not," replied Mr. Kybird, moving aside to let his daughter + pass; "no madder than you are. Wot d'ye mean, mad?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent looked round in perplexity. "Do you mean to tell me that + Teddy and Amelia are married?" he said, in a voice trembling with + eagerness. +</p> +<p> + "I do," said Mr. Kybird. "It seems they've been fond of one another all + along, and they went up all unbeknown last Friday and got a license and + got married." +</p> +<p> + "And if I see you putting your 'and on 'er shoulder ag'in" said Mr. Silk, + with alarming vagueness. +</p> +<p> + "But suppose she asks me to?" said the delighted Mr. Nugent, with much + gravity. +</p> +<a name="image-69"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="069.jpg" height="713" width="575" +alt="''but Suppose She Asks Me To?' Said the Delighted +Mr. Nugent, With Much Gravity.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Look 'ere, we don't want none o' your non-sense," broke in the irate + Mrs. Kybird, pushing her way past her husband and confronting the + speaker. +</p> +<p> + "I've been deceived," said Mr. Nugent in a thrilling voice; "you've all + been deceiving me. Kybird, I blush for you (that will save you a lot of + trouble). Teddy, I wouldn't have believed it of you. I can't stay here; + my heart is broken." +</p> +<p> + "Well we don't want you to," retorted the aggressive Mrs. Kybird. "You + can take yourself off as soon as ever you like. You can't be too quick + to please me." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent bowed and walked past the counter. "And not even a bit of + wedding-cake for me," he said, shaking a reproachful head at the heated + Mr. Silk. "Why, I'd put you down first on my list." +</p> +<p> + He paused at the door, and after a brief intimation that he would send + for his effects on the following day, provided that his broken heart had + not proved fatal in the meantime, waved his hand to the company and + departed. Mr. Kybird followed him to the door as though to see him off + the premises, and gazing after the receding figure swelled with + indignation as he noticed that he favoured a mode of progression which + was something between a walk and a hornpipe. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent had not been in such spirits since his return to Sunwich, and, + hardly able to believe in his good fortune, he walked on in a state of + growing excitement until he was clear of the town. Then he stopped to + consider his next move, and after a little deliberation resolved to pay a + visit to Jem Hardy and acquaint him with the joyful tidings. +</p> +<p> + That gentleman, however, was out, and Mr. Nugent, somewhat irritated at + such thoughtlessness, stood in the road wondering where to go next. It + was absolutely impossible for him to sleep that night without telling the + good news to somebody, and after some thought he selected Mr. Wilks. It + was true that relations had been somewhat strained between them since the + latter's attempt at crimping him, but he was never one to bear malice, + and to-night he was full of the kindliest thoughts to all mankind. +</p> +<p> + He burst into Mr. Wilks's front room suddenly and then pulled up short. + The steward, with a pitiable look of anxiety on his pallid features, was + leaning awkwardly against the mantelpiece, and opposite him Mrs. Silk sat + in an easy-chair, dissolved in tears. +</p> +<p> + "Busy, Sam?" inquired Mr. Nugent, who had heard of the steward's + difficulties from Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "No, sir," said Mr. Wilks, hastily; "sit down, sir." +</p> +<p> + He pushed forward a chair and, almost pulling his visitor into it, stood + over him attentively and took his hat. +</p> +<p> + "Are you quite sure I'm not interrupting you?" inquired the thoughtful + Mr. Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "Certain sure, sir," said Mr. Wilks, eagerly. "I was just 'aving a bit + of a chat with my neighbour, Mrs. Silk, 'ere, that's all." +</p> +<p> + The lady in question removed her handkerchief from her eyes and gazed at + him with reproachful tenderness. Mr. Wilks plunged hastily into + conversation. +</p> +<p> + "She came over 'ere to tell me a bit o' news," he said, eyeing the young + man doubtfully. "It seems that Teddy——" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent fetched a mighty sigh and shook his head; Mrs. Silk gazed at + him earnestly. +</p> +<p> + "Life is full of surprises, sir," she remarked. +</p> +<p> + "And sadness," added Mr. Nugent. "I hope that they will be happy." +</p> +<p> + "It struck me all of a 'eap," said Mrs. Silk, rolling her handkerchief + into a ball and placing it in her lap. "I was doing a bit of ironing + when in walks Teddy with Amelia Kybird, and says they was married last + Friday. I was that shaken I didn't know what I did or what I said. Then + I came over as soon as I could, because I thought Mr. Wilks ought to know + about it." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks cleared his throat and turned an agonized eye on Mr. Nugent. + He would have liked to have asked why Mrs. Silk should think it necessary + to inform him, but the fear of precipitating a crisis stayed his tongue. +</p> +<p> + "What I'm to do, I don't know," continued Mrs. Silk, feebly. You can't + 'ave two queens in one 'ouse, so to speak." +</p> +<p> + "But she was walking out with Teddy long ago," urged Mr. Wilks. "It's no + worse now than then." +</p> +<p> + "But I wouldn't be married by license," said Mrs. Silk, deftly ignoring + the remark. "If I can't be asked in church in the proper way I won't be + married at all." +</p> +<p> + "Quite right," said Mr. Nugent; "there's something so sudden about a + license," he added, with feeling. +</p> +<p> + "Me and Mr. Wilks was talking about marriage only the other day," pursued + Mrs. Silk, with a bashfulness which set every nerve in the steward's body + quivering, "and we both agreed that banns was the proper way. +</p> +<p> + "You was talking about it," corrected Mr. Wilks, in a hoarse voice. "You + brought up the subject and I agreed with you—not that it matters to me + 'ow people get married. That's their affair. Banns or license, it's all + one to me." +</p> +<p> + "I won't be married by license," said Mrs. Silk, with sudden petulance; + "leastways, I'd rather not be," she added, softening. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks took his handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose + violently. Mrs. Silk's methods of attack left him little opportunity for + the plain speaking which was necessary to dispel illusions. He turned a + watery, appealing eye on to Mr. Nugent, and saw to his surprise that that + gentleman was winking at him with great significance and persistence. It + would have needed a heart of stone to have been unaffected by such + misery, and to-night Mr. Nugent, thankful for his own escape, was in a + singularly merciful mood. +</p> +<p> + "All this sounds as though you are going to be married," he said, turning + to Mrs. Silk with a polite smile. +</p> +<p> + The widow simpered and looked down, thereby affording Mr. Nugent an + opportunity of another signal to the perturbed steward, who sat with such + a look of anxiety on his face lest he should miss his cue that the young + man's composure was tried to the utmost. +</p> +<p> + "It's been a understood thing for a long time," she said, slowly, "but I + couldn't leave my son while 'e was single and nobody to look after 'im. + A good mother makes a good wife, so they say. A woman can't always 'ave + 'er own way in everything, and if it's not to be by banns, then by + license it must be, I suppose." +</p> +<p> + "Well, he'll be a fortunate man, whoever he is," said Mr. Nugent, with + another warning glance at Mr. Wilks; "and I only hope that he'll make a + better husband than you do, Sam," he added, in a low but severe voice. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Silk gave a violent start. "Better husband than 'e does?" she + cried, sharply. "Mr. Wilks ain't married." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent's baseless charge took the steward all aback. He stiffened in + his chair, a picture of consternation, and guilt appeared stamped on + every feature; but he had the presence of mind to look to Mr. Nugent's + eye for guidance and sufficient strength of character to accept this last + bid for liberty. +</p> +<p> + "That's my business, sir," he quavered, in offended tones. +</p> +<p> + "But you ain't <i>married?</i>" screamed Mrs. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "Never mind," said Nugent, pacifically. "Perhaps I ought not to have + mentioned it; it's a sore subject with Sam. And I daresay there were + faults on both sides. Weren't there, Sam?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," said Mr. Wilks, in a voice which he strove hard to make + distinct; "especially 'ers." +</p> +<p> + "You—you never told me you were married," said Mrs. Silk, breathlessly. +</p> +<p> + "I never said I wasn't," retorted the culprit, defiantly. "If people + liked to think I was a single man, I don't care; it's got nothing to do + with them. Besides, she lives at Stepney, and I don't 'ear from 'er once + in six months; she don't interfere with me and I don't interfere with + her." +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Silk got up from her chair and stood confronting him with her hand + grasping the back of it. Her cold eyes gleamed and her face worked with + spite as she tried in vain to catch his eye. Of Mr. Nugent and his + ingenuous surprise at her behaviour she took no notice at all. +</p> +<p> + "You're a deceiver," she gasped; "you've been behaving like a single man + and everybody thought you was a single man." +</p> +<a name="image-70"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="070.jpg" height="562" width="542" +alt="''you're a Deceiver,' She Gasped.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "I hope you haven't been paying attentions to anybody, Sam," said Mr. + Nugent in a shocked voice. +</p> +<p> + "A-ah," said Mrs. Silk, shivering with anger. "Ask 'im; the deceiving + villain. Ask anybody, and see what they'll tell you. Oh, you wicked + man, I wonder you can look me in the face!" +</p> +<p> + Truth to tell, Mr. Wilks was looking in any direction but hers. His eyes + met Nugent's, but there was a look of such stern disdain on that + gentleman's face that he was fain to look away again. +</p> +<p> + "Was it a friend of yours?" inquired the artless Mr. Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "Never mind," said Mrs. Silk, recovering herself. "Never mind who it + was. You wait till I go and tell Teddy," she continued, turning to the + trembling Mr. Wilks. "If 'e's got the 'art of a man in 'im you'll see." +</p> +<p> + With this dire threat, and turning occasionally to bestow another fierce + glance upon the steward, she walked to the door and, opening it to its + full extent, closed it behind her with a crash and darted across the + alley to her own house. The two men gazed at each other without + speaking, and then Mr. Wilks, stepping over to the door, turned the key + in the lock. +</p> +<p> + "You're not afraid of Teddy?" said the staring Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "Teddy!" said Mr. Wilks, snapping his huge fingers. "I'm not afraid o' + fifty Teddies; but she might come back with 'im. If it 'adn't ha' been + for you, sir, I don't know wot wouldn't 'ave happened." +</p> +<p> + "Go and draw some beer and get me a clean pipe," said Nugent, dropping + into a chair. "We've both been mercifully preserved, Sam, and the best + thing we can do is to drink to our noble selves and be more careful for + the future." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks obeyed, and again thanking him warmly for his invaluable + services sat down to compile a few facts about his newly acquired wife, + warranted to stand the severest cross-examination which might be brought + to bear upon them, a task interspersed with malicious reminiscences of + Mrs. Silk's attacks on his liberty. He also insisted on giving up his + bed to Nugent for the night. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose," he said later on, as Mr. Nugent, after a faint objection or + two, took his candle—"I suppose this yarn about my being married will + get about?" +</p> +<p> + "I suppose so," said Nugent, yawning, as he paused with his foot on the + stair. "What about it?" +</p> +<p> + "Nothing," said Mr. Wilks, in a somewhat dissatisfied voice. "Nothing." +</p> +<p> + "What about it?" repeated Mr. Nugent, sternly. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing, sir," said Mr. Wilks, with an insufferable simper. "Nothing, + only it'll make things a little hit slow for me, that's all." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent eyed him for a space in speechless amazement, and then, with a + few strong remarks on ingratitude and senile vanity, mounted the winding + little stairs and went to bed. +</p> +<a name="2HCH26"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XXV +</h2> +<p> + The day after Mr. Silk's sudden and unexpected assertion of his marital + rights Mr. Kybird stood in the doorway of his shop, basking in the sun. + The High Street was in a state of post-prandial repose, and there was no + likelihood of a customer to interfere with his confidential chat with Mr. + Nathan Smith, who was listening with an aspect of great severity to his + explanations. +</p> +<p> + "It ought not to 'ave happened," he said, sharply. "It was Teddy done + it," said Mr. Kybird, humbly. +</p> +<a name="image-71"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="071.jpg" height="600" width="396" +alt="''it Was Teddy Done It,' Said Mr. Kybird, Humbly.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Mr. Smith shrugged his shoulders. "It wouldn't 'ave happened if I'd been + there," he observed, arrogantly. +</p> +<p> + "I don't see 'ow" began Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + "No, o' course you don't," said his friend. "Still, it's no use making a + fuss now. The thing is done. One thing is, I don't suppose it'll make + any diff——" +</p> +<p> + "Difference," suggested Mr. Kybird, after waiting for him to finish. +</p> +<p> + "Difference," said Mr. Smith, with an obvious effort. His face had lost + its scornful expression and given way to one almost sheepish in its + mildness. Mr. Kybird, staring at him in some surprise, even thought that + he detected a faint shade of pink. +</p> +<p> + "We ain't all as clever as wot you are, Nat," he said, somewhat taken + aback at this phenomenon. "It wouldn't do." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith made a strange noise in his throat and turned on him sharply. + Mr. Kybird, still staring in surprise at his unwonted behaviour, drew + back a little, and then his lips parted and his eyes grew round as he saw + the cause of his friend's concern. An elderly gentleman with a neatly + trimmed white beard and a yellow rose in his button-hole was just passing + on the other side of the road. His tread was elastic, his figure as + upright as a boy's, and he swung a light cane in his hand as he walked. + As Mr. Kybird gazed he bestowed a brisk nod upon the bewildered Mr. + Smith, and crossed the road with the evident intention of speaking to + him. +</p> +<p> + "How do, Smith?" he said, in a kindly voice. +</p> +<p> + The boarding-master leaned against the shop-window and regarded him + dumbly. There was a twinkle in the shipbroker's eyes which irritated him + almost beyond endurance, and in the doorway Mr. Kybird—his face mottled + with the intensity of his emotions—stood an unwelcome and frantic + witness of his shame. +</p> +<p> + "You're not well, Smith?" said Mr. Swann, shaking his head at him gently. + "You look like a man who has been doing too much brain-work lately. + You've been getting the better of some-body, I know." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith gasped and, eyeing him wickedly, strove hard to recover his + self-possession. +</p> +<p> + "I'm all right, sir," he said, in a thin voice. "I'm glad to see you're + looking a trifle better, sir." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, I'm quite right, now," said the other, with a genial smile at the + fermenting Mr. Kybird. "I'm as well as ever I was. Illness is a serious + thing, Smith, but it is not without its little amusements." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith, scratching his smooth-shaven chin and staring blankly in front + of him, said that he was glad to hear it. +</p> +<p> + "I've had a long bout of it," continued the ship-broker, "longer than I + intended at first. By the way, Smith, you've never spoken to anybody of + that business, of course?" +</p> +<p> + "Of course not, sir," said the boarding-master, grinding his teeth. +</p> +<p> + "One has fancies when one is ill," said Mr. Swann, in low tones, as his + eye dwelt with pleasure on the strained features of Mr. Kybird. "I burnt + the document five minutes after you had gone." +</p> +<p> + "Did you, reely?" said Mr. Smith, mechanically. +</p> +<p> + "I'm glad it was only you and the doctor that saw my foolishness," + continued the other, still in a low voice. "Other people might have + talked, but I knew that you were a reliable man, Smith. And you won't + talk about it in the future, I'm quite certain of that. Good afternoon." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith managed to say, "Good afternoon," and stood watching the + receding figure as though it belonged to a species hitherto unknown to + him. Then he turned, in obedience to a passionate tug at his coat sleeve + from Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + "Wot 'ave you got to say for yourself?" demanded that injured person, in + tones of suppressed passion. "Wot do you mean by it? You've made a + pretty mess of it with your cleverness." +</p> +<p> + "Wonderful old gentleman, ain't he?" said the discomfited Mr. Smith. + "Fancy 'im getting the better o' me. Fancy me being 'ad. I took it all + in as innercent as you please." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, you're a clever fellow, you are," said Mr. Kybird, bitterly. + "'Ere's Amelia lost young Nugent and 'is five 'undred all through you. + It's a got-up thing between old Swann and the Nugent lot, that's wot it + is." +</p> +<p> + "Looks like it," admitted Mr. Smith; "but fancy 'is picking me out for + 'is games. That's wot gets over me." +</p> +<p> + "Wot about all that money I paid for the license?" demanded Mr. Kybird, + in a threatening manner. "Wot are you going to do about it?" +</p> +<p> + "You shall 'ave it," said the boarding-master, with sudden blandness, + "and 'Melia shall 'ave 'er five 'undred." +</p> +<p> + "'Ow?" inquired the other, staring. +</p> +<p> + "It's as easy as easy," said Mr. Smith, who had been greatly galled by + his friend's manner. "I'll leave it in my will. That's the cheapest way + o' giving money I know of. And while I'm about it I'll leave you a + decent pair o' trousers and a shirt with your own name on it." +</p> +<p> + While an ancient friendship was thus being dissolved, Mr. Adolphus Swann + was on the way to his office. He could never remember such a pleasant + air from the water and such a vivid enjoyment in the sight of the + workaday world. He gazed with delight at the crowd of miscellaneous + shipping in the harbour and the bustling figures on the quay, only + pausing occasionally to answer anxious inquiries concerning his health + from seafaring men in tarry trousers, who had waylaid him with great + pains from a distance. +</p> +<p> + He reached his office at last, and, having acknowledged the respectful + greetings of Mr. Silk, passed into the private room, and celebrated his + return to work by at once arranging with his partner for a substantial + rise in the wages of that useful individual. +</p> +<p> + "My conscience is troubling me," he declared, as he hung up his hat and + gazed round the room with much relish. +</p> +<p> + "Silk is happy enough," said Hardy. "It is the best thing that could + have happened to him." +</p> +<p> + "I should like to raise everybody's wages," said the benevolent Mr. + Swann, as he seated himself at his desk. "Everything is like a holiday + to me after being cooped up in that bedroom; but the rest has done me a + lot of good, so Blaikie says. And now what is going to happen to you?" +</p> +<a name="image-72"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="072.jpg" height="589" width="616" +alt="'pausing Occasionally to Answer Anxious Inquiries.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Hardy shook his head. +</p> +<p> + "Strike while the iron is hot," said the ship-broker. "Go and see + Captain Nugent before he has got used to the situation. And you can give + him to understand, if you like (only be careful how you do it), that I + have got something in view which may suit his son. If you fail in this + affair after all I've done for you, I'll enter the lists myself." +</p> +<p> + The advice was good, but unnecessary, Mr. Hardy having already fixed on + that evening as a suitable opportunity to disclose to the captain the + nature of the efforts he had been making on his behalf. The success + which had attended them had put him into a highly optimistic mood, and he + set off for Equator Lodge with the confident feeling that he had, to say + the least of it, improved his footing there. +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent, called away from his labours in the garden, greeted his + visitor in his customary short manner as he entered the room. "If you've + come to tell me about this marriage, I've heard of it," he said, bluntly. + "Murchison told me this afternoon." +</p> +<p> + "He didn't tell you how it was brought about, I suppose?" said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + The captain shook his head. "I didn't ask him," he said, with affected + indifference, and sat gazing out at the window as Hardy began his + narration. Two or three times he thought he saw signs of appreciation in + his listener's face, but the mouth under the heavy moustache was firm and + the eyes steady. Only when he related Swann's interview with Nathan + Smith and Kybird did the captain's features relax. He gave a chuckling + cough and, feeling for his handkerchief, blew his nose violently. Then, + with a strange gleam in his eye, he turned to the young man opposite. +</p> +<p> + "Very smart," he said, shortly. +</p> +<p> + "It was successful," said the other, modestly. +</p> +<p> + "Very," said the captain, as he rose and confronted him. "I am much + obliged, of course, for the trouble you have taken in the affairs of my + family. And now I will remind you of our agreement." +</p> +<p> + "Agreement?" repeated the other. +</p> +<p> + The captain nodded. "Your visits to me were to cease when this marriage + happened, if I wished it," he said, slowly. +</p> +<p> + "That was the arrangement," said the dumb-founded Hardy, "but I had + hoped——. Besides, it has all taken place much sooner than I had + anticipated." +</p> +<p> + "That was the bargain," said the captain, stiffly. "And now I'll bid you + good-day." +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry that my presence should be so distasteful to you," said the + mortified Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "Distasteful, sir?" said the captain, sternly. "You have forced yourself + on me for twice a week for some time past. You have insisted upon + talking on every subject under the sun, whether I liked it or not. You + have taken every opportunity of evading my wishes that you should not see + my daughter, and you wonder that I object to you. For absolute + brazenness you beat anything I have ever encountered." +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry," said Hardy, again. +</p> +<p> + "Good evening," said the captain +</p> +<p> + "Good evening." +</p> +<p> + Crestfallen and angry Hardy moved to the door, pausing with his hand on + it as the captain spoke again. +</p> +<p> + "One word more," said the older man, gazing at him oddly as he stroked + his grey beard; "if ever you try to come bothering me with your talk + again I'll forbid you the house." +</p> +<p> + "Forbid me the house?" repeated the astonished Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "That's what I said," replied the other; "that's plain English, isn't + it?" +</p> +<p> + Hardy looked at him in bewilderment; then, as the captain's meaning + dawned upon him, he stepped forward impulsively and, seizing his hand, + began to stammer out incoherent thanks. +</p> +<p> + "You'd better clear before I alter my mind," said Captain Nugent, + roughly. "I've had more than enough of you. Try the garden, if you + like." +</p> +<p> + He took up a paper from the table and resumed his seat, not without + a grim smile at the promptitude with which the other obeyed his + instructions. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent, reclining in a deck-chair at the bottom of the garden, + looked up as she heard Hardy's footstep on the gravel. It was a + surprising thing to see him walking down the garden; it was still more + surprising to observe the brightness of his eye and the easy confidence + of his bearing. It was evident that he was highly pleased with himself, + and she was not satisfied until she had ascertained the reason. Then she + sat silent, reflecting bitterly on the clumsy frankness of the male sex + in general and fathers in particular. A recent conversation with the + captain, in which she had put in a casual word or two in Hardy's favour, + was suddenly invested with a new significance. +</p> +<p> + "I shall never be able to repay your father for his kindness," said + Hardy, meaningly, as he took a chair near her. +</p> +<p> + "I expect he was pleased at this marriage," said Miss Nugent, coldly. + "How did it happen?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Hardy shifted uneasily in his chair. "There isn't much to tell," he + said, reluctantly; "and you—you might not approve of the means by which + the end was gained." +</p> +<p> + "Still, I want to hear about it," said Miss Nugent. +</p> +<p> + For the second time that evening Hardy told his story. It seemed more + discreditable each time he told it, and he scanned the girl's face + anxiously as he proceeded, but, like her father, she sat still and made + no comment until he had finished. Then she expressed a strong feeling of + gratitude that the Nugent family had not been mixed up in it. +</p> +<p> + "Why?" inquired Hardy, bluntly. +</p> +<p> + "I don't think it was a very nice thing to do," said Miss Nugent, with a + superior air. +</p> +<p> + "It wouldn't have been a very nice thing for you if your brother had + married Miss Kybird," said the indignant Jem. "And you said, if you + remember, that you didn't mind what I did." +</p> +<p> + "I don't," said Miss Nugent, noticing with pleasure that the confident + air of a few minutes ago had quite disappeared. +</p> +<p> + "You think I have been behaving badly?" pursued Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "I would rather not say what I think," replied Miss Nugent, loftily. + "I have no doubt you meant well, and I should be sorry to hurt your + feelings." +</p> +<p> + "Thank you," said Hardy, and sat gloomily gazing about him. For some + time neither of them spoke. +</p> +<p> + "Where is Jack now?" inquired the girl, at last. "He is staying with me + for a few days," said Hardy. "I sincerely hope that the association will + not be injurious to him." +</p> +<p> + "Are you trying to be rude to me?" inquired Miss Nugent, raising her + clear eyes to his. +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry," said Hardy, hastily. "You are quite right, of course. It + was not a nice thing to do, but I would do a thousand times worse to + please you." +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent thanked him warmly; he seemed to understand her so well, she + said. +</p> +<p> + "I mean," said Hardy, leaning forward and speaking with a vehemence which + made the girl instinctively avert her head—"I mean that to please you + would be the greatest happiness I could know. I love you." +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent sat silent, and a strong sense of the monstrous unfairness of + such a sudden attack possessed her. Such a declaration she felt ought to + have been led up to by numerous delicate gradations of speech, each a + little more daring than the last, but none so daring that they could not + have been checked at any time by the exercise of a little firmness. +</p> +<p> + "If you would do anything to please me," she said at length in a low + voice, and without turning her head, "would you promise never to try and + see me or speak to me again if I asked you?" +</p> +<p> + "No," said Hardy, promptly. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent sat silent again. She knew that a good woman should be sorry + for a man in such extremity, and should endeavour to spare his feelings + by softening her refusal as much as possible, little as he might deserve + such consideration. But man is impatient and jumps at conclusions. + Before she was half-way through the first sentence he leaned forward and + took her hand. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, good-bye," she said, turning to him, with a pleasant smile. +</p> +<p> + "I am not going," said Hardy, quietly; "I am never going," he added, as + he took her other hand. +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent, anxious for his supper, found them there still debating + the point some two hours later. Kate Nugent, relieved at the appearance + of her natural protector, clung to him with unusual warmth. Then, in a + kindly, hospitable fashion, she placed her other arm in that of Hardy, + and they walked in grave silence to the house. +</p> +<a name="image-73"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="073.jpg" height="634" width="506" +alt="'she Placed Her Other Arm in That of Hardy.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<center> + THE END +</center> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of At Sunwich Port, Part 5., by W.W. 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