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diff --git a/34835-h/34835-h.htm b/34835-h/34835-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a3760df --- /dev/null +++ b/34835-h/34835-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11490 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Pagan's Cup, by Fergus Hume. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr.l1 {width: 65%; margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 4em;} +hr.l2 {width: 20%; margin-top: 0em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + color: #888888; + text-align: right; +} + +.hangingindent { + padding-left: 22px ; + text-indent: -10px ; +} + +.blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 5%; +} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.right {float: right;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +.caption {font-weight: bold;} + +.r2 {margin-top: 2em;} +.r4 {margin-top: 4em;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + +/* Poetry */ +.poem { + margin-left:10%; + margin-right:10%; + text-align: left; +} + +.poem br {display: none;} + +.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + +.poem span.i0 { + display: block; + margin-left: 0em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + +.tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + padding-bottom: .5em; + padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; + padding-right: .5em; +} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Pagan's Cup, by Fergus Hume + +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: The Pagan's Cup + +Author: Fergus Hume + +Release Date: January 4, 2011 [EBook #34835] +Last updated: June 28, 2017 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PAGAN'S CUP *** + + + + +Produced by eagkw, Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 442px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="442" height="687" alt="Cover" title="" /> +</div> + +<h1 class="r2">The Pagan's Cup</h1> + +<h6 class="r4">BY</h6> + +<h2>Fergus Hume</h2> + +<p class="center">AUTHOR OF</p> + +<p class="center">"THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB,"<br /> +"THE RAINBOW FEATHER,"<br /> +"CLAUDE DUVAL OF NINETY-FIVE,"<br /> +ETC.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 160px;"> +<img src="images/tp1.jpg" width="160" height="160" alt="Vignette" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">NEW YORK<br /> +G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY<br /> +PUBLISHERS +</p> + +<p class="center">Copyright, 1902, by<br /> +<span class="smcap">G. W. Dillingham Company</span><br /> +[All rights reserved]</p> + +<hr class="l1" /> + +<h2><i>The Pagan's Cup</i></h2> + +<h3>CONTENTS</h3> + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="right"><span class="smcap">chap.</span> </td><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">I. </td><td align="left">A Modern Arcadia</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">II. </td><td align="left">The Crusaders' Chapel</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">III. </td><td align="left">The Lady of the Manor</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IV. </td><td align="left">The Dinner-Party</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">V. </td><td align="left">Love's Young Dream</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VI. </td><td align="left">Trouble</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VII. </td><td align="left">A Nine Days' Wonder</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VIII. </td><td align="left">Haverleigh's Defence</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IX. </td><td align="left">A Bad Reputation</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">X. </td><td align="left">The Price of Silence</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XI. </td><td align="left">The London Detective</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XII. </td><td align="left">A Surprise</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIII. </td><td align="left">An Interesting Document</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIV. </td><td align="left">An Unexpected Meeting</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XV. </td><td align="left">A New Complication</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVI. </td><td align="left">Sybil's Visitor</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_214">214</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVII. </td><td align="left">Lord Kilspindie Explains</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVIII. </td><td align="left">A Miracle</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIX. </td><td align="left">A Story of the Past</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XX. </td><td align="left">Mrs Gabriel's Secret</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_276">276</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr class="l1" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> + +<h1>THE PAGAN'S CUP</h1> + +<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> + +<h5>A MODERN ARCADIA</h5> + + +<p>Certain portions of England yet remain undiscovered +by Americans and uncivilised by railways. +Colester village above King's-meadows, in a county +which need not be named, is one of these unknown +spots. No doubt before long the bicycle and the +motor-car will enliven its somnolent neighbourhood, +but at present it is free from the summer jaunts of +tourists. With this neglect the Colester folk profess +themselves satisfied. They have no wish to come +into contact with the busy world. This prejudice +against intrusion dates from mediæval times, when +strangers rarely came to the village with peaceful +intentions. Even now a chance comer is looked upon +with suspicion.</p> + +<p>Mr Richard Pratt said something of this sort to the +vicar during a morning ramble, some six weeks after +he had taken up his residence in The Nun's House. +With the parson and the gentry of the parish Mr +Pratt agreed very well, his respectability having been +vouched for by Mrs Gabriel, the lady of the manor. +But the villagers still held aloof, although the newcomer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> +did his best to overcome their churlish doubts. +They did not credit his story that he had settled in +Colester to pass his remaining years in peace, and even +the money he scattered so freely could not buy their +loyalty. Pratt had never met with such people before. +In most countries an open purse invites an open heart; +but the Colester villagers were above Mammon worship. +Such an experience was refreshing to Pratt, and +introduced him to a new type of humanity.</p> + +<p>"The first place I ever struck in which the dollar +is not all-powerful," he said, with his Yankee twang +and pleasant laugh.</p> + +<p>"We are not sufficiently educated in that respect," +replied Mr Tempest in his simple way. "For my +part, I am not ill pleased that my parishioners should +refuse to worship the Golden Calf."</p> + +<p>"There is no calf about me, I guess," said Pratt, +grimly, "and very little gold. I don't say I haven't +a decent income, but as to being a millionaire—no, sir."</p> + +<p>"In the kingdom of the blind the one-eyed is king, +Mr Pratt. You are a millionaire in this poor place. +But I fear you find it dull."</p> + +<p>"Why, no, vicar. I'm glad to be out of the buzz. +The world's made up of nerves and machinery nowadays. +At fifty-two years of age I can't stand the +racket. This Sleepy Hollow's good enough for me to +stay in until I peg out. Guess I'll buy an allotment +in that graveyard of yours."</p> + +<p>"Hollow!" said the vicar, smiling, "and our +earthly dwelling-place is set upon a hill! Mr Pratt, +I suspect you have Irish blood in your veins."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> + +<p>Pratt laughed, and being to a large extent devoid +of humour, explained earnestly that he had used the +word figuratively. "Washington Irving, Rip Van +Winkle," he explained, nodding, whereat the vicar +smiled again.</p> + +<p>The situation of Colester was striking and strange. +A green-clothed promontory extended abruptly from +the high table-land into King's-meadow. To right +and left chalky cliffs of considerable height flared away +for miles, forming a buttress to the moors above and +walls to the plains below. In pre-historic ages the +ocean waves had beaten against these cliffs, but, +gradually receding, had left dry the miles upon miles +of fertile lands now called King's-meadows. An +appanage of the Crown, they had been called so from +the days of William the Conqueror.</p> + +<p>From where they stood, the vicar and his friend had +a bird's-eye view of this desirable land, unrolled like +a map under the bright June sky. League after +league of corn-fields stretched away to the clear, shining +line of ocean; and amidst the ripening grain appeared +red-roofed villages, clumps of trees, the straight +lines of dusty white roads and the winding, glittering +serpent of the river. And as a background to this +smiling plenty—if so Irish an expression be permitted—was +the blue expanse of the Channel dotted with +the white sails of merchantmen.</p> + +<p>A small wood of ancient oaks shut off the purple-clad +moor from the spur upon which Colester was +built. On the verge of this, yet encircled by trees, +stood the village church—a crusading chapel, dedicated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> +to St Gabriel the Messenger. Thence the +ground fell away gradually, and spread out into a +broad neck of land, down the centre of which ran a +road leading from chapel to village. On either side +of this, amidst oaks and elms and sycamores, were the +houses of the gentry. From where they ended the +promontory rose into two rounded hills, with a slight +depression between. On the one to the left the village +was built, its houses cramped within a tumble-down +wall, dating from the days when it was needed as a +defence. The other hill was surmounted by a well-preserved +castle, the keep of which with its flag could +be seen above the oak woods. This was inhabited by +Mrs Gabriel, the sole representative of the feudal +lords of Colester. Yet she was only the childless +widow of the last baron, and had none of the fierce +Gabriel blood in her veins. The once powerful and +prolific family was extinct.</p> + +<p>From castle and village steps led down into the depression +between the two hills. Down this continued +the chapel road, sloping gradually with many windings +to the plains below. The whole place had the +look of some Rhenish robber-hold. And if tradition +was to be trusted, the Gabriel lords had dwelt like +eagles in their eyrie, swooping down at intervals to +harry and plunder, burn and slay the peaceful folk +of the plains. A turbulent and aggressive race the +Gabriels. It had defied king and priest, and parliament +and people. Time alone had ever conquered it.</p> + +<p>"A survival of the Middle Ages," said Mr Tempest, +pointing out these things to his companion. "It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> +was needful that the Gabriel barons should build +strong defences. They were fierce and blood-thirsty, +defiant of law and order. For many centuries they +were a scourge to the inhabitants of the plains. These +often complained to the king, and several times the +place was besieged, but without result. The Gabriels +kept their hold of it. The only thing they ever lost +was their title. A bill of attainder was passed against +them in the time of the second George. After that +they became less lions than foxes."</p> + +<p>"Just so," said Mr Pratt. "This place couldn't do +much against artillery, I guess. And even in the bow +and arrow days, a strong force coming over the moor +and down the spur—"</p> + +<p>"That was often tried," interrupted Tempest, +quickly, "but the attempt always failed. In the days +of Henry II. Aylmer Gabriel beat back an overwhelming +force, and then erected the chapel as a +thanksgiving. The Archangel Gabriel was the patron +saint of the family, and the chapel is dedicated to +him."</p> + +<p>"He couldn't keep the family from dying out, however," +said Pratt, as they moved towards the village.</p> + +<p>"No. With the late John Gabriel the family became +extinct. But I daresay Mrs Gabriel will arrange that +her adopted son succeeds. He can take the name and +the coat of arms. I should be very pleased to see +that," added the vicar, half to himself. "Leo is a +good fellow, and would make an excellent landlord."</p> + +<p>The eyes of the American flashed when the name +was mentioned, but he made only a careless comment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> +"Leo Haverleigh," he said, after a pause, "he's a +right smart young chap, sure. Who is he?"</p> + +<p>"The son of Mrs Gabriel's brother. She was a +Miss Haverleigh, you know. I believe her brother +was somewhat dissipated, and died abroad. The boy +arrived here when he was three years of age, and Mrs +Gabriel adopted him. He will be her heir."</p> + +<p>"Is there anyone to object?" asked Pratt, eagerly.</p> + +<p>The vicar shook his head. "The Gabriels are absolutely +extinct. Failing Leo, the estates would lapse to +the Crown. In the old days they would have been +seized by the king in any case, as the sovereigns were +always anxious to hold this point of vantage which +dominated their lands below. But we live in such law-abiding +times, that Mrs Gabriel, although not of the +blood of the family, can leave the estates to whomsoever +she will. I understand that she has quite decided +Leo shall inherit and take the name; also the coat of +arms."</p> + +<p>"She doesn't strike me as over-fond of the boy," +said Pratt, as they climbed the crooked street; "rather +a hard woman I should say."</p> + +<p>"Mrs Gabriel has a particularly high moral +standard," replied the vicar, evasively, "and she wishes +all to attain to it. Leo—" he hesitated.</p> + +<p>"He's no worse than a boy ought to be," said the +American, cheerily. "Your young saint makes an old +sinner. That's so, vicar!"</p> + +<p>Mr Tempest laughed outright. "I fear there is +small chance of Leo becoming a saint either young or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> +old," he said, "though he is a good lad in many ways. +Wild, I admit, but his heart is in the right place."</p> + +<p>Pratt smiled to himself. He knew that Leo was in +love with Sybil, the daughter of this prosy old archæologist. +Simple as Mr Tempest was, he could not +be blind to the possibility of his daughter making such +an excellent match. "Oh, yes," laughed Pratt, knowingly, +"I'm sure his heart is in the right place."</p> + +<p>But by this time the vicar was on his hobby horse, +and did not gauge the significance of the speech. +"Here," he said, waving his hand towards the four +sides of the square in which they stood, "the Romans +built a camp. It crowned this hill, and was garrisoned +by the tenth legion to overawe the turbulent tribes +swarming on the plains below. In fact, this town is +built within the camp, as the name shows."</p> + +<p>"How does it show that?" asked Pratt, more to +keep the vicar talking than because he cared.</p> + +<p>"The name, man, the name. It is properly Colncester, +but by usage has been shortened to Colester. +Coln comes from the Latin <i>colonia</i>, a colony, and +caster, or cester, is derived from <i>castra</i>, a camp. Colncester +therefore means the camp colony, which proves +that the original builders of this town erected their +dwellings within the circumvallation of the original +<i>castra</i> of Claudian. If you will come with me, Mr +Pratt, I will show you the remains of this great work."</p> + +<p>"I have seen it several times before," replied Pratt, +rather bored by this archæological disquisition. "I +know every inch of this place. It doesn't take an +American centuries to get round, and six weeks of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +walking have fixed me up in your local geography. +But there's the chapel, vicar. We might walk up +there. I'd like to hear a few remarks on the subject +of the chapel. Interesting. Oh, I guess so!"</p> + +<p>"Certainly! certainly!" said Tempest, absently, +"let us walk, walk," and he strolled away with his +hands in his tail-coat pockets, looking something like +an elderly jackdaw. Indeed the churchman, with his +lean, oval face, his large spectacles and the fluttering +black garments on his thin figure, very much resembled +a bird. He was scholarly, well-bred and +gentle, but wholly unworldly. Since his wife had +died seven years before, Sybil had taken charge of +the house. Harold Raston, the energetic curate, +looked after the parish. But for these two, both +clerical and domestic affairs would have been neglected, +so immersed was Mr Tempest in his dry-as-dust +explorations. Many people said openly that the +vicar was past his work and should be pensioned +off. Mrs Gabriel, a capable and managing woman, +had once hinted as much to him. But the usually +placid parson had flown into such a rage, that she +had hastily withdrawn herself and her suggestion. +"There is nothing more terrible than the rebellion of +a sheep." Mrs Gabriel recalled this remark of Balzac's +when Tempest, proving himself worthy of his +name, swept her in wrath from his study.</p> + +<p>Pratt was quite another specimen of humanity. A +neat, dapper, suave little man, undersized yet perfectly +proportioned. He had black hair, black eyes, +and a clean-shaven face, which constantly wore an expression<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +of imperturbable good-humour. His dress +was too neat for the country. A blue serge suit, +white spats on brown boots, a Panama hat, gloves +and—what he was never without—a smoothly-rolled +umbrella. Spick-and-span, he might have stepped out +of a glass case, and this was his invariable appearance. +No one ever saw Pratt unshaven or untidy. He +had been everywhere, had seen everything, and was a +most engaging companion, never out of temper and +never bored. But for all his smiling ways the villagers +held aloof from him. Wishing to break down their +barrier of prejudice, the sharp little American had attached +himself to the vicar during the good man's +usual morning walk. He thought that such a sight +might dispose the villagers to relent.</p> + +<p>"I shall not vary my usual walk," remarked Mr +Tempest, positively. "We will stroll through the +village, return to the chapel, and then, Mr Pratt, I +hope you will lunch with me."</p> + +<p>"Delighted, if it will not put Miss Sybil out."</p> + +<p>"No, no. My wife is always prepared for chance +visitors," answered the vicar, quite oblivious to the +fact that the late Mrs Tempest was resting in the +churchyard. "Ha, this is Mrs Jeal. How do you do, +Mrs Jeal?"</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal was in excellent health, and said so with +a curtsey. A dumpy, rosy-faced woman was Mrs +Jeal, with a pair of extremely wicked black eyes which +snapped fire when she was angered. She had a temper, +but rarely displayed it, for it suited her better +to gain her ends by craft rather than force. Fifteen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> +years ago she had appeared from nowhere, to settle +as a midwife in Colester. Contrary to their usual +fashion, the villagers had taken her to their bosoms. +This was owing to the clever way Mrs Jeal had of +managing them, and to her knowledge of herbs. She +had cured many sick people whom the doctor had given +up, and consequently was not looked upon with favour +by Dr James, who had succeeded to the family practice. +But even he could not be angry at rosy, laughing Mrs +Jeal. "Though I don't like her," confessed Dr James; +"the devil looks out of her eyes. Dangerous woman, +very dangerous."</p> + +<p>Pratt had no chance of proving this remark of the +doctor's to be true, for Mrs Jeal never looked at him. +She kept her wicked eyes on the kindly vicar and +smiled constantly, punctuating such smiles with an occasional +curtsey. "Pearl is not with you?" said Mr +Tempest.</p> + +<p>"No, bless her poor heart!" cried Mrs Jeal, "she +is up at the chapel. Her favourite place is the chapel, +as your reverence knows."</p> + +<p>"She might have a worse place to haunt, Mrs Jeal. +Poor soul—poor, mad, innocent child!"</p> + +<p>"Do you call eighteen years of age childish, Mr +Tempest?" asked the woman.</p> + +<p>"No, no! I speak of her mind, her poor, weak mind. +She is still a child. I beg of you to look after her, +Mrs Jeal. We must make her path as pleasant as we +may."</p> + +<p>"Then I beg your reverence will tell that Barker +to leave her alone."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Barker, Barker? Ah, yes, the sexton—of course. +Worthy man."</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal sniffed. "He won't let her stay in the +chapel," she said.</p> + +<p>"Tut! tut! This must be seen to. Poor Pearl is +God's child, Mrs Jeal, so she has a right to rest in +His House. Yes, yes, I'll see to it. Good-day, Mrs +Jeal."</p> + +<p>The woman dropped a curtsey, and for the first +time shot a glance at Pratt, who was smiling blandly. +A nervous expression crossed her face as she caught +his eye. The next moment she drew herself up and +passed on, crossing herself. Pratt looked after her, +still smiling, then hurried to rejoin the vicar, who began +to explain in his usual wandering way.</p> + +<p>"A good woman, Mrs Jeal, a good woman," he said. +"For some years she has had charge of Pearl Darry, +whom she rescued from her cruel father."</p> + +<p>"Is that the insane girl?" said Pratt, idly.</p> + +<p>"Do not talk of one so afflicted in that way, Mr +Pratt. Pearl may not be quite right in her head, but +she is sane enough to conduct herself properly. If the +fact that she is not all herself reached Portfront"—the +principal town of the county—"it is possible that +the authorities might wish to shut her up, and that +would be the death of Pearl. No, no!" said the good +vicar, "let her have a fair share of God's beautiful +earth, and live to a happy old age. In this quiet place +we can afford one natural."</p> + +<p>"Like the village idiot we read about in Scotch +tales," said Pratt.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Just so, Mr Pratt. In <i>Waverley</i> there is such a +one. Pearl Darry is quite harmless, and really has a +very beautiful nature. Mrs Jeal is much to be commended +for her charity."</p> + +<p>"She looks a charitable woman," said the American, +but whether he meant this ironically or not it is +hard to say.</p> + +<p>The women of Colester were mostly lace-workers, +and toiled at this fairylike craft while their husbands +worked in the fields below. During three seasons the +mountain men, as they might be called, ploughed the +meadow-land, sowed the corn and helped to reap and +harvest it. In the winter they returned to live on +their earnings and take a holiday. But the women +worked all the year through, and Colester lace was +famous. As the vicar and Pratt walked down the +street, at the door of every house sat a woman with +her pillow and pins dexterously making the filmy fabric +which was destined to adorn the dress of many a +London beauty. They were mostly serious-looking, +and some even grim. But all had a smile for the +vicar, although they pursed up their lips when they +saw the good-natured face of Pratt. Most unaccountable +this dislike they had for the American. He was +rather annoyed by his pronounced unpopularity.</p> + +<p>"I must really do something to make them like me," +he said, much vexed.</p> + +<p>"Tut, tut!" replied the vicar, "liking will come in +good time, Mr Pratt. It takes some years for them +to fancy a stranger. I was an object of distrust to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +them for quite three. Now they are devoted to +me."</p> + +<p>"And have you been here long?"</p> + +<p>"About forty years," said Tempest. "I have buried +many and christened most. We have no Methodists +in Colester, Mr Pratt. Everyone comes to church +and worships according to the rites of the Anglican +communion, as is fit and proper."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are a prosperous community on the +whole?"</p> + +<p>"So, so! Nothing to complain of. The lace made +here by those clever fingers sells well in London and +even abroad. Then the men earn a fair wage in +King's-meadows. Mrs Gabriel looks after the few +poor we have amongst us. On the whole, we have +much to be thankful for, Mr Pratt."</p> + +<p>Thus talking the good vicar led his companion +round by the mouldering walls, where they could look +down on to the plains. After a glance they re-entered +the town and walked through the cobbled-stoned +streets, between the quaint, high-roofed houses. +Everywhere the vicar was greeted and Pratt frowned +upon. He was quite glad when they descended from +the village through the old gate, and after walking +along the neck, which was the fashionable part of +Colester, began to climb up towards the chapel.</p> + +<p>"A most delightful spot," said Pratt, politely; "but +I guess the folk don't cotton to me. I must make +them freeze on somehow."</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER II</h3> + +<h5>THE CRUSADERS' CHAPEL</h5> + + +<p>The church dedicated to St Gabriel the Messenger +was enshrined in a leafy glade. No churlish wall +marked the limits of the sacred ground, and from the +ancient building a soft green sward stretched on all +sides to the circle of oaks which sheltered it from +the rude winds. In this circle were two openings +counter to each other. The lower one admitted those +who came from Colester into the precincts; the upper +gave entrance to a larger glade, in which the dead had +been buried for centuries. This also was without a +wall, and it was strange beyond words to come suddenly +upon an assemblage of tombstones in the heart +of a wood. From this sylvan God's-acre a path +climbed upward to the moor, and passed onward for +some little distance until it was obliterated by the purple +heather. Then for leagues stretched the trackless, +treeless waste to the foot of distant hills.</p> + +<p>Of no great size, the chapel was an architectural +gem. Built in the form of a cross, a square tower rose +where the four arms met, and this contained a famous +peal of bells. The grey stone walls were carved with +strange and holy devices, lettered with sacred texts +in mediæval Latin, and here and there were draped in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +darkly-green ivy. The sharp angles of the building +had been rounded by the weather, the stones were +mellowed by time, and, nestling under the great boughs +of the oaks, it had a holy, restful look. "Like a +prayer made visible," said Mr Tempest.</p> + +<p>With his companion he had paused at the entrance +to the glade, so as to enjoy the beauty of the scene. +Round the chapel swept the swallows, pigeons whirled +aloft in the cloudless blue sky; from the leafy trees +came the cooing of doves, and the cawing of rooks +could be heard. All the wild life of the wood haunted +the chapel, and the place was musical with forest minstrelsy. +As the beauty of scene and sound crept into +their hearts, the vicar quoted Spenser's lovely lines:—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"A little lowly hermitage it was,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Downe in a dale, hard by a forest side."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"Just so," said Pratt, in the hard, unromantic way +of the twentieth century; "it's the kind of church you +see in pictures."</p> + +<p>"The church in which Sir Percival met Sir Galahad," +replied Tempest.</p> + +<p>The American felt the influence of the place despite +the material faith which he held. There was a +vein of romance in his nature which had been buried +beneath the common-place and selfish. But in this +holy solitude, at the door of the shrine, his spiritual +self came uppermost, and when he stood bare-headed +in the nave his talkative tongue was silent. The influence +of the unseen surrounded him, and, like Moses,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> +he was inclined to put off his shoes, "for this is holy +ground," murmured his heart.</p> + +<p>Glancing at his companion, Tempest was surprised +to see his usually pale and calm face working with +emotion and covered with blushes.</p> + +<p>"You are unwell, Mr Pratt?" he asked in a low +tone befitting the place.</p> + +<p>The man stammered, "No—that is, I feel that—well, +no matter." He controlled himself by a powerful +effort and laughed. Tempest was not shocked. +He was shrewd enough to see that the merriment +was artificial and designed to cloak a deeper feeling. +But the laughter was reproved in a most unexpected +fashion.</p> + +<p>"The joy of the profane is as the passing smoke," +said a high, sweet voice.</p> + +<p>Pratt started in surprise, and looked around. He +saw the jewelled windows shining through the dim +twilight of the church, the white cloth on the altar, +and the glimmer of a silver crucifix, in the faint light +of tall candles. But who had spoken he could not +guess, as no one was in sight. Mr Tempest, however, +had recognised the voice.</p> + +<p>"Is that you, Pearl?" he called out softly.</p> + +<p>From behind the altar emerged a girl of eighteen, +though in looks and stature she was a child. She +was small and delicately formed, and on her thin +white face there was a vacant look as of one whose +wits were astray. No intelligence shone through her +dark eyes, but a mystical light burned in their depths. +Like Kilmeny, she had been to fairyland, and had seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +things which had lifted her above the common lot of +mortals. Therefore upon her face there shone the +light that never was on sea or land. And, curiously +enough, she was dressed in a green gown—the fairy's +colour. Round her straw hat was twisted a wreath +of oak leaves. When she appeared her arms were +full of flowers.</p> + +<p>"You are decorating the altar, Pearl," said the vicar, +kindly.</p> + +<p>"I am making ready the House for the Master's +coming," replied the girl in her silvery voice, "but +He will abide here but a little time." She pointed +to the groined roof of black oak. "That shuts out +His Home," said Pearl, reverently, "and He loves +not to dwell in darkness."</p> + +<p>"Darkness and light are the same to Him, Pearl. +But go on with your work, my child. You have +beautiful flowers I see."</p> + +<p>"I gathered them in the woods before dawn, when +the dew was yet on them. And see, I have got these +mosses to put into the pots. The flowers will be quite +fresh to-morrow for morning service. Then they +will die," added the girl, heaving a sigh, "die, as we +all must."</p> + +<p>"To rise again in the light of Heaven, child."</p> + +<p>Pearl shook her black locks and turning back to the +altar began dexterously to arrange the flowers. When +passing and re-passing she never forgot to bend the +knee. Pratt observed this. "Is she a Roman Catholic?" +Mr Tempest smiled. "She does only what +I have taught her," he said. "I am what is called<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> +High Church, Mr Pratt, and believe in a beautiful +ritual. To the service of God we should bring all +lovely things, and perform all solemn acts of humility +and reverence. That," said Tempest, pointing to the +white-covered altar, "is a symbol of the Unseen +Power, and so those who approach it should acknowledge +its solemn meaning."</p> + +<p>Pratt shrugged his shoulders. The vicar was talking +of things too high for his comprehension. He +looked at the mad girl decorating the altar. "I suppose +the villagers think a great deal of this church," +he said.</p> + +<p>"It is the most precious possession we have," replied +Tempest, reverently, "and it is all that remains +to us of the beautiful and sacred things created by +the faith of our forefathers. There were many vessels +for the altar, Mr Pratt; but these were melted +down by the Gabriel who fought for the first Charles +in order to help his king. I would we had a communion +service as beautiful as this shrine," and Mr +Tempest sighed.</p> + +<p>The remark gave Pratt an idea. He wanted to obtain +the goodwill of the villagers seeing he had come +amongst them to pass his days in peace. If they loved +their church so much they would approve of anyone +who helped to decorate it. "I am not rich," he said +slowly, "and I can't give you a whole service such +as you want. But I should like to present this chapel +with a communion cup. I have in my travels collected +many beautiful things, Mr Tempest. Amongst +others a golden cup of Roman workmanship which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +I obtained in Italy. It is a splendid example of the +jeweller's art, and would look well on that table."</p> + +<p>"On the altar," corrected Tempest, wincing at the +sound of the word which he connected with the Low +Church party. "It is more than good of you, Mr +Pratt. We must talk the matter over. I do not accept +gifts lightly, especially for the service of the +Church. But come, let us look at the tombs. Then +we can go to luncheon."</p> + +<p>Pratt said no more, but fully made up his mind that +the cup of which he spoke should figure on the altar. +He had a vague kind of idea that he could buy repentance +if he gave so splendid a present. If the vicar +proved difficult to deal with, he resolved to ask for +Mrs Gabriel's help. As the lady of the manor, she +could insist upon the acceptance of the offering. +There was no reason why Tempest should refuse it, +but Pratt knew that the old man was—as he phrased +it—queer, and one never knew what objection he +might make. If he thought that the cup was given +only to secure the goodwill of the parish he would +certainly refuse it. A gift made in such a spirit could +not be accepted by the Church.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile he examined the tombs of the crusading +Gabriels, which he had seen often before. But the +vicar made the present visit more acceptable by recounting +the legends connected with each recumbent +figure. The tombs were three in number, and occupied +what was called the Ladye's Chapel. Their sides +were richly blazoned with the Gabriel crest and with +decorations of scallop shells to denote that those who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +rested below had been to the Holy Land. The figures +of the brave knights were cross-legged, and their +hands rested on the pommels of their huge swords. +Considering the lapse of time, they were in a wonderful +state of preservation. Pratt looked upon them with +a sigh, and the vicar inquired the reason of his sadness.</p> + +<p>"I was thinking of the glory of having such ancestors," +said Pratt, and Mr Tempest noticed that his +Yankee twang and mode of expressing himself had +quite disappeared. "I would give anything to come +of such a line—to have a dwelling that had been in +the possession of my race for centuries, and to have +traditions which I could live up to. I am a lonely +man, Mr Tempest," he added, with some pathos, "no +one cares for me. I never had a home, or a family, +or a position in the world. All my life I have had +to fight for my own hand, and for years I have been +a rolling stone. Money, yes! I have made money, +but I would give it all," and he pointed to the crusaders, +"if I could call those my ancestors."</p> + +<p>Mr Tempest looked surprised. "I did not expect +to hear such views from the mouth of a Republican," +he said, "for, as you are an American, I presume you +hold by the political faith of Washington."</p> + +<p>"I don't hold by anything in particular," replied +Pratt, recovering himself, as they left the chapel. +"I am unfettered by sectarian prejudices. You can +call me a cosmopolitan, Mr Tempest. But we can +talk of these things on some other occasion. You must +come to see me. I have furnished The Nun's House,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +and have got out my collection of rare and curious +things. Will you and Miss Tempest dine with me +next week?"</p> + +<p>"I rarely go out," replied the vicar; "however, I +will see what Sybil says. If she is willing, I will +come with pleasure."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss Tempest will be willing," said Pratt, +significantly. "Leo Haverleigh is coming to dine +also!"</p> + +<p>"They are very good friends," said the vicar, simply. +No thought of what Pratt meant entered his +mind.</p> + +<p>At the Vicarage they were met by Sybil and the +curate, who had been talking to her about parish affairs +for the greater part of the morning. At once +Raston drew aside his ecclesiastical superior, and the +two went into the library, leaving Sybil to entertain +the American. She was not averse to doing this, as +she liked Mr Pratt and his merry conversation. Having +recovered from the emotion caused by the atmosphere +of the chapel, the man was more pronouncedly +Yankee than ever. He described his walk with the +vicar, and repeated his invitation to dinner. "Mrs +Gabriel and Mr Haverleigh are coming," he said, +"and I shall also ask Sir Frank Hale and his sister."</p> + +<p>Sybil smiled on hearing that Leo was to be present, +but her brow clouded over when she heard about +the baronet and Miss Hale. She did not like that +young woman, and Pratt knew the cause. It was not +unconnected with Leo. He was the prize for which +these young ladies strove. Miss Hale was very much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +in love with the young man, and so was Sibyl, but he +cared more for the vicar's daughter than for Miss +Hale. The two girls guessed each other's feelings, and +disliked one another accordingly. This might not +have been proper, but it was eminently human. However, +Sibyl was too much a woman of the world to +show Pratt what she felt, and she accepted his invitation +calmly enough. "I shall be delighted to come," +she said, "but I can't answer for my father."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I have something to lure him," said Pratt, +easily, "and I think you will be pleased also, Miss +Tempest." And thereupon he told the girl of his +proposed gift. "The cup is over a thousand years +old," he explained. "It belongs to the time of the +Cæsars."</p> + +<p>"From all I have heard of them," said Sybil, +bluntly, "I don't think a vessel of their manufacture +ought to serve for a Christian ceremony."</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, the cup will be sanctified by being +put to such a good use," said Pratt, "and you can +set your mind at rest, Miss Tempest. I got the cup +from the church of a little Italian town, where it served +for a chalice. It has been used in the service of the +Romish Church for ages."</p> + +<p>"In that case I am sure my father will be delighted +to accept it. He is anxious to get some vessels for +the chapel altar. It is very good of you to give the +cup, Mr Pratt."</p> + +<p>"Not at all. It is better put to such use than in +my collection. However, you will see all my curios<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> +when you come. Mr Haverleigh has already seen +them."</p> + +<p>"He told me about them yesterday. I only hope +Mr Haverleigh will be here next week. He said +something about going away."</p> + +<p>"Why is he going away?" Pratt fixed his keen +eyes on the girl.</p> + +<p>"I think he is in trouble. That is," added Sybil, +hastily, "I gathered as much. But don't say I told +you anything, Mr Pratt. Ah," she broke off suddenly, +"here are my father and Mr Raston."</p> + +<p>Pratt cast another sharp glance at her. He guessed +that something was wrong with Leo, and that the +young man had told her of his trouble. He wondered +if the two were engaged when they were thus +confidential. Pratt took an interest in Leo, as he had +known him for some years, and rather sympathised +with his outbursts of youthful folly. He thought that +marriage would steady the lad's somewhat volatile nature, +but he could not make up his mind as to whether +Miss Hale or Miss Tempest was the best wife for +him. However, it was useless for Pratt to worry +over this, as he recognised very clearly. In the first +place, it was none of his business; and in the second, +Leo would certainly choose for himself.</p> + +<p>"I am giving a house-warming, Mr Raston," said +Pratt during luncheon, "and I should like you to +come to dinner. Next Thursday. I suppose in this +Arcadian spot it is not necessary to give written +invitations."</p> + +<p>"I accept with pleasure," replied Raston, quite ignorant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> +that Pratt wished to enlist him on his side in +getting the vicar to accept the cup; "but as to written +invitations—what do you say, Miss Tempest?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, those are <i>most</i> necessary," laughed Sybil. +"We are very particular in this part of the world."</p> + +<p>"I am an American, you see, Miss Tempest, and +I don't know your English way of doing things. But +the invitations shall be written in due form. I guess +it is as well to humour the prejudice of folks."</p> + +<p>"If you wish to be popular," said the vicar, "you +must do so here."</p> + +<p>"As I intend to die in this part of the world, I +must get on with the crowd somehow. I am not +accustomed to be shunned, and that is what your +people here are doing."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" cried Sybil, much distressed, "they are +only waiting to know you better, Mr Pratt. In a +year you will be quite friendly with them."</p> + +<p>"I'm friendly with them now," said Pratt, dryly, +"it is they who hold off."</p> + +<p>"We are slow to make friendships here," said Raston, +"but when we do accept a friend we stick to +him always."</p> + +<p>"You are a native of these parts, Mr Raston?"</p> + +<p>"I was born and bred here."</p> + +<p>"It is I who am the stranger," put in Mr Tempest, +"and it was a long time before my parishioners +took to me."</p> + +<p>"You are adored now, papa," said Sybil, with a +bright glance.</p> + +<p>"And someone else is adored also," put in Pratt.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +Sybil flushed at the compliment. She thought it was +in bad taste.</p> + +<p>After a time the conversation turned on Pearl Darry, +and Raston, who was deeply interested in her, gave +them some insight into the girl's mind. "She does +not care for churches built by hands," he said. "If +she had her way she would take the altar into the +middle of the moor and worship there. I think she +feels stifled under a roof."</p> + +<p>"Ha!" said Pratt, with a swift glance, remembering +Mrs Jeal, "is she of gipsy blood? She looks +like it."</p> + +<p>"No. Her dark complexion comes from Highland +blood," explained Sybil. "Her father, Peter Darry, +was a stone mason. He is dead now—died through +drink. While working in Perth he married a farmer's +daughter. They came back here and Pearl was born. +Then her mother died and her father treated her +badly. Mrs Jeal rescued her, and Peter fell over a +cliff while drunk."</p> + +<p>"Mrs Jeal is a good woman," said Tempest, +mechanically.</p> + +<p>"Do you endorse that statement, Miss Tempest?"</p> + +<p>Sybil looked at Pratt who had spoken. "I think +Mrs Jeal was very good to take charge of Pearl," she +said evasively, whereat Pratt smiled to himself. He +saw that Sybil did not like the woman, and privately +admired her insight.</p> + +<p>Mr Pratt was destined to deliver all his invitations +verbally. On his way home after the vicar's luncheon +he met with a rider on a roan horse. This was a fair,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +handsome young man with a clear skin, a pair of bright +blue eyes and a sunny look on his face. He had a remarkably +good figure, and rode admirably. Horse +and man made a picture as they came up the road. +Pratt waved his hands and the rider pulled up.</p> + +<p>"How are you this morning, Haverleigh?"</p> + +<p>Leo laughed. He did not wear his heart on his +sleeve, and if he was worried, as Sybil averred, he +did not show his vexation. "I am all right," he replied, +with a smile. "Who could help being all right +in this jolly weather? And how are you, Mr +Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"I am busy," responded the American, gravely. +"I have been lunching with the vicar, and now I am +going home to write out invitations for a dinner at my +new house."</p> + +<p>"Will you ask me, Mr Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"I have asked Miss Tempest and I want you to +come."</p> + +<p>Leo laughed. Also he flushed a trifle. "It is very +good of you," he said. "And who else will be at your +house-warming?"</p> + +<p>"Mrs Gabriel, Mr Raston, Miss Hale and her +brother."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" Leo looked annoyed at the mention of Miss +Hale. "I am not sure if I shall be able to come," he +said, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"No?" Pratt's tone was quite easy. "Miss Tempest +said something about your going away. But I +hope you will put that off. My dear fellow"—Pratt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> +smiled meaningly—"you can depend upon me. It is +not the first time I have helped you!"</p> + +<p>Haverleigh made no direct response, but sat on his +saddle in deep thought. "I'll come," he said at length, +and rode off abruptly.</p> + +<p>"I thought you would," murmured Pratt, with a +bland smile. He knew more about Leo Haverleigh +than most people in Colester.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER III</h3> + +<h5>THE LADY OF THE MANOR</h5> + + +<p>Haverleigh's face did not continue to wear its +sunny expression after he left the American. He +frowned and bit his moustache, and in the annoyance +of the moment spurred his horse full speed up the +castle road. Only when he was within the avenue and +nearing the porch did he slacken speed, for his mother—so +he called her—might be looking out of some +window. If so, she would assuredly accuse him of +ill-using his horse. Mrs Gabriel rarely minced matters +in her dealings with Leo. He was never perfectly +sure whether she loved or hated him.</p> + +<p>Mindful of this, he rode gently round to the stables, +and, after throwing his reins to a groom, walked into +the castle by a side door. As he had been absent all +the morning, he was not very sure of his reception, +and, moreover, he had eaten no luncheon. The butler +informed him that Mrs Gabriel had asked that he +should be sent to her the moment he returned. At +once Leo sought her on the south terrace, where she +was walking in the hot June sunshine. He augured ill +from her anxiety to see him. A memory of his debts +and other follies—pardonable enough—burdened his +conscience.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Here I am, mother," he said as he walked on to +the terrace, looking a son of whom any woman would +have been proud. Perhaps if he had really been her +son, instead of her nephew, Mrs Gabriel might have +been more lenient towards him. As it was she treated +him almost as harshly as Roger Ascham did Lady Jane +Grey of unhappy memory.</p> + +<p>"It is about time you were here," she said in her +strong, stern voice. "As you are so much in London, +I think you might give me a few hours of your time +when you condescend to stay at the castle."</p> + +<p>Leo threw himself wearily into a stone seat and +played with his whip. This was his usual greeting, +and he knew that Mrs Gabriel would go on finding +fault and blaming him until she felt inclined to +stop. His only defence was to keep silent. He +therefore stared gloomily on the pavement and listened +stolidly to her stormy speech. "No reverence for +women—after all I have done for you—clownish behaviour," +etc.</p> + +<p>Some wit had once compared Mrs Gabriel to +Agnes de Montfort, that unpleasant heroine of the +Middle Ages. The comparison was a happy one, for +Mrs Gabriel was just such another tall, black-haired, +iron-faced Amazon. She could well have played the +<i>rôle</i> of heroine in holding the castle against foes, and +without doubt would have been delighted to sustain +a siege. The present days were too tame for her. +She yearned for the time when ladies were left in +charge of the <i>donjon</i> keep, while their husbands went +out to war. More than once she fancied that if she had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> +lived in those stirring times, she would have armed +herself like Britomart, and have gone a disguised +knight-errant for the pleasure and danger of the +thing. As it was, she found a certain relief in the +power she exercised in Colester. Her will was law +in the town, and her rule quite feudal in its demand +for absolute obedience.</p> + +<p>Report said that the late John Gabriel had not been +altogether sorry when he departed this life. Undoubtedly +he was more at rest in the quiet graveyard +near the chapel than he had ever been before. Mrs +Gabriel mourned him just as much as she thought +proper. She had never professed to love him, and +had married him (as she calmly admitted) in order +to become mistress of the grand old castle. Besides, +Gabriel had always hampered her desire to rule, as he +had sufficient of the old blood in him to dislike being +a cypher in his ancestral home. Consequently, husband +and wife quarrelled bitterly. Finally, he died, +gladly enough, and the Amazon had it all her own +way. It was about two years after his death that Leo +came to live with her, and everyone was amazed that +she should behave so kindly towards the child of her +dead brother, whom, as it was well known, she hated +thoroughly.</p> + +<p>However, Leo came, and from the moment he entered +the house she bullied him. Spirited as the boy +was, he could not hold his own against her stern will +and powers of wrathful speech. When he went to +school and college he felt as though he had escaped +from gaol, and always returned unwillingly to Colester.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +Mrs Gabriel called this ingratitude, and on +every occasion brought it to his mind. She did so +now; but even this could not induce Leo to speak. He +declined to furnish fuel to her wrath by argument or +contradiction. This also was a fault, and Mrs Gabriel +mentioned it furiously.</p> + +<p>"Can't you say something?" she cried, with a +stamp. "Is it any use your sitting there like a fool? +What explanation have you for me?"</p> + +<p>"To what?" asked Leo, wearily; the question had +been asked so often. "You have accused me of so +many things."</p> + +<p>"Then why do you do wrong? I am talking of +those debts you have incurred in London. You gave +the list to me before you went out riding."</p> + +<p>"I know, mother. I thought it best to avoid a scene. +But it seems there is no escape. When you have +quite done perhaps you will let me speak?"</p> + +<p>"You shall speak when I choose," rejoined Mrs +Gabriel, fiercely. "All I ask you now is, how comes +it that your debts run up to three hundred pounds? +I allow you that income. You should make it do."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I have been a little foolish," began Leo, +but she cut him short.</p> + +<p>"A little foolish, indeed! You have behaved like a +fool, as you always do. What right have you to be +extravagant? Are you in a position to be so? Have +I not fed and clothed and educated you?"</p> + +<p>"You have done everything that a charitable woman +could have done."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You mean that a <i>mother</i> could have done. Had +you been my own child—"</p> + +<p>"You might have been kinder to me," finished the +young man.</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel stared aghast at this speech, and at last +broke out furiously, "Had you been my own child +you would have been a stronger man; not a weak fool +squandering money, and defying your benefactress. +You ought to be ashamed of yourself."</p> + +<p>"I am," replied Leo, bitterly, "ashamed that I have +endured this humiliating position for so long. I was +only a child when you brought me here, and had no +voice in the matter. Yet, out of gratitude, I have borne +with your injustice, and—"</p> + +<p>"Injustice!" broke in Mrs Gabriel. "What do +you mean?"</p> + +<p>"My meaning is not hard to gather, mother. You +have never been just to me, and the bread with which +you have fed me has been bitter enough to swallow. +Do you think that I can go on listening to your angry +words without a protest? I cannot. My position is +not of my own making, and since you find me a burden +and an ungrateful creature, the best thing will be +to put an end to the position."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" sneered the woman. "And how do +you propose to do that? You are quite unable to +earn your own living."</p> + +<p>"Oh, there is one way of doing that," replied Leo, +grimly. "It does not need much education to be a +soldier."</p> + +<p>"A soldier!" screamed Mrs Gabriel.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes. I made inquiries while I was in London, as +I knew very well what welcome you would give me. +It is my intention to volunteer for the war."</p> + +<p>"You'll do nothing of the sort."</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon. I have made up my +mind."</p> + +<p>"Then I shall have nothing more to do with you."</p> + +<p>"That is as you please, Mrs Gabriel. You are my +aunt, and I suppose you have the right to support me +out of charity. At any rate, you have no right to +keep me here and taunt me all the time with my inability +to keep myself. Again I say that the position +is none of my making. However, I intend to relieve +you of the burden of a useless man. Next week I +shall enlist. Then you will be well rid of me."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel gasped. "I forbid you!" she cried, +with a stamp.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I must decline to accept the command," +said Haverleigh, with great coolness. "You have +told me often enough that I am a beggar and a loafer. +You shall do so no longer. As to my debts, I shall +see to them myself. You need not pay them, nor +need you continue my allowance. I earn my own +bread from this moment."</p> + +<p>"How dare you, Leo? Do you not owe me something?"</p> + +<p>"No! You have cancelled all obligation by the +way in which you have treated me. Everything you +have done has been done grudgingly. If you did not +intend to behave as a woman should, why, in Heaven's +name, did you not leave me to be dependent on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +strangers? They could scarcely have been more +harsh to me than you have been. But this is the +end of it. I relieve you from this hour of the burden +you complain of."</p> + +<p>"Take care. I intended you to be my heir, and—"</p> + +<p>"I decline to accept further favours at your hands," +said Leo, proudly; "for what you have done I thank +you, but I do not care to accept an inheritance as a +favour. Now you know my intentions and I shall +not change them."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel raged for twenty minutes without +making the least impression on the young man. He +was determined to put an end to the position, and she +found that she could not longer dominate him by her +wrath. Then Mrs Gabriel became aware that she +had driven him like a rat into a corner, and that, like +a rat, he had turned to fight. For reasons best known +to herself she did not wish him to leave her. Forthwith +she abandoned her tyrannical attitude, and took +refuge in the weakness of her sex. Considering her +boasting, this was ironical.</p> + +<p>"It is cruel of you, Leo, to behave thus to a woman +who loves you!"</p> + +<p>Leo, leaning over the parapet, shrugged his shoulders +and replied without looking round. "That is +just the point," he said. "You really do not love me—no, +not one little bit."</p> + +<p>"I do. See how I have looked after you all these +years."</p> + +<p>"And made me feel that I was a pauper all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +time," he retorted. "But is it necessary to go over +all the old ground? I have made up my mind."</p> + +<p>"You shall not enlist."</p> + +<p>"I tell you I shall."</p> + +<p>The two faced one another, both pale and both defiant. +It was a contest of will, and the weaker would +be sure to yield in the long run. Mrs Gabriel quite +expected that her adopted son would give in, as he +had often done before, but this time she found to her +surprise that he declined to move from his attitude +of defiance. Seeing that she was beaten, she suddenly +calmed and proceeded to win the necessary victory +in another and more crafty way.</p> + +<p>"Sit down, Leo," she said quietly. "It is time we +had an explanation. You are behaving very badly, and +I must request you at least to listen to me."</p> + +<p>Haverleigh had been doing nothing else for nearly +an hour, so this speech was a trifle inconsistent. However, +he could not be brutal, so with another shrug he +resumed his seat. All the same he was resolved in +his own mind that no argument she could use should +make him alter the course he had determined upon. +Leo could be obstinate on occasions.</p> + +<p>"I do everything I can for your good," said Mrs +Gabriel in a complaining tone, "yet you thwart me at +every turn." Then she proceeded to recount how she +had sent him to Eton, to Oxford, how she had permitted +him to go to London and allowed him money, +and how he had behaved foolishly. It was at this +point the young man interrupted her.</p> + +<p>"I admit that I have been foolish, but that comes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> +from want of experience. You can't expect me to +have an old head on young shoulders."</p> + +<p>"Don't interrupt me, please," said Mrs Gabriel, +sharply. "Now that you have sown your wild oats, +I want you to come here and take your position as +my heir. I am no longer so young as I was, and I +need someone to help me in administering the estate. +Besides, I want you to marry."</p> + +<p>Leo rose from his seat. "You wish me to marry," +said he; then, after a pause, he proceeded sarcastically, +"And I suppose you have chosen me a wife?"</p> + +<p>"Just so," said Mrs Gabriel, coolly. "I want you +to marry Miss Hale."</p> + +<p>"Not if there was not another woman in the +world!"</p> + +<p>"That's all nonsense, Leo. She has a good dowry +and she is an agreeable girl. You <i>shall</i> marry her."</p> + +<p>"I don't love her," protested Leo.</p> + +<p>"No matter; she loves you. Her brother told me +so, and I am woman enough to see that she is deeply +attached to you."</p> + +<p>"I won't marry her!" said Leo, doggedly. "I +have a right to choose a wife for myself, and Miss +Hale is not my choice."</p> + +<p>"Ah! Then what I have heard is true?"</p> + +<p>"What have you heard?" he demanded, with a +dangerous look in his blue eyes. Mrs Gabriel was +going too far.</p> + +<p>"That you are in love with Sibyl Tempest."</p> + +<p>"That is true. She is a beautiful and charming +girl."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And a beggar!" burst out Mrs Gabriel, savagely. +"Her father has nothing beyond his stipend, and that +he spends on books. When he dies she will be a beggar. +If you married her she would bring you no +dowry."</p> + +<p>"She will bring me herself," replied Haverleigh, +"and that is good enough for me. I love Sybil with +my whole soul."</p> + +<p>"And how do you propose to keep her?" sneered +Mrs Gabriel.</p> + +<p>"Not as the heir to your property," said Leo, +wrathfully. "In some way or another I shall make +my way in the world. Sybil is quite willing to wait +for me. We are engaged."</p> + +<p>"Ha! You seem to have settled the whole matter."</p> + +<p>"We have. And it will not be unsettled by +anyone."</p> + +<p>The young man looked so determined, there was +such fire in his eye, such a firmness about his closed +mouth, that Mrs Gabriel felt that she was beaten. For +the moment she retreated gracefully, but by no means +gave up her point. By nagging at Leo she might be +enabled to bring about things as she wished. "Well, +have it your own way," she said, rising. "I have said +my say, and you are behaving abominably."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry you should think so, but I really cannot +submit to this life any longer. You quite understand +that next week I go to London?"</p> + +<p>"As you please." Mrs Gabriel was outwardly calm, +but inwardly furious. "I hope you have well considered +what you are doing?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have. My mind has been made up for some +time."</p> + +<p>"In that case, Leo, we may as well part good friends. +I shall pay your debts and fit you out. Now do not +contradict me. If you have any feeling of gratitude +you will at least let me do this much."</p> + +<p>Haverleigh did not like the proposition, as he felt +that Mrs Gabriel was preparing some snare into which +he might blindly fall. However, as he could not see +his way to a refusal, and, moreover, was weary of this +bickering, he merely bowed. Mrs Gabriel had thus +gained time, and in some measure had secured the +victory. It remained to her to make the best use of +it. She was determined that Leo should marry Edith +Hale.</p> + +<p>"Have you had luncheon, Leo?" she asked, changing +the subject.</p> + +<p>"No. But I am not hungry now."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense. A big man like you. Come in and +have something to eat at once."</p> + +<p>As a refusal would only have meant another outburst, +Leo accepted the inevitable, and moved towards +the door with his mother. "By the way," he +said, "I met Mr Pratt down below. He intends to +ask us to a house-warming."</p> + +<p>It might have been Leo's fancy, but he thought +that Mrs Gabriel started at the mention of the name. +However, there was an emotion in her hard voice as +she replied, "I shall be rather glad to see the interior +of his house, Leo. It is said that he has the +most beautiful things. Will he ask us to dinner?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes. Hale and his sister are coming."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Mrs Gabriel in gratified tones.</p> + +<p>"And the vicar and his daughter. Also Raston, +the curate."</p> + +<p>"The church party," said Mrs Gabriel, disdainfully. +She had no love for Tempest, whom she regarded +as half insane, nor for Sibyl, who was too beautiful +for womanly taste, nor for Raston, who had frequently +fought her on questions connected with parish +affairs.</p> + +<p>"By the way," said Leo, who had been meditating, +"why has Mr Pratt settled in these parts? I should +think he found it dull."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel smiled contemptuously. "Mr Pratt +is not a foolish young man like someone I know," +she said; "he does not find pleasure in the follies of +the Town. For my part, I think he is wise to settle +here in his old age. He is a delightful neighbour and +a pleasant companion."</p> + +<p>"He is all that," assented Leo, heartily. He liked +Pratt. "You have known him for many years, +mother?"</p> + +<p>"For ten or twelve," replied Mrs Gabriel, carelessly. +"I met him in Vienna, I think, and he called +on me when I returned to London. Afterwards he +came down here and fell in love with the place. For +years he has been a rolling stone, but always said that +when he settled down he would come to Colester. He +is liked, is he not, Leo?"</p> + +<p>"He is more than liked. He is immensely popular—with +our friends, if not with the villagers. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +have done a good deed in introducing him to our dull +parish."</p> + +<p>"I don't think Mr Pratt, who has so many resources +in himself, finds it dull, my dear. However, +I shall be glad to accept the invitation to his dinner. +I should like to see him married."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! Have you chosen him a wife also?"</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel laughed. "I thought he might take +a fancy to Sibyl Tempest."</p> + +<p>"Why, he's old enough to be her father. Besides—"</p> + +<p>"Besides you love her," finished Mrs Gabriel, with +a shrug. "Well, do not get angry, Leo. I should +like to see Mr Pratt marry Sybil and you the husband +of Edith Hale. Then everything would be +right."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so at all," commenced Haverleigh in +vexed tones. "But don't let us quarrel any more. I +have the greatest regard for Pratt, but I do not care +to go the length of letting him marry the girl I love."</p> + +<p>"You know very little of Mr Pratt," said Mrs +Gabriel, looking suddenly at the young man, "how, +then, can you regard him so—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I have seen him often in Town," broke in +Leo; "sometimes when I was in difficulties and did +not want to tell you Pratt helped me."</p> + +<p>"With money?" asked Mrs Gabriel, sharply.</p> + +<p>"Of course with money. But I paid him back."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel made no answer, but, rising suddenly, +passed out of the room, and left Leo eating his +luncheon alone. Her usually calm face looked disturbed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +and her hands were restless. Leo's information +had annoyed her.</p> + +<p>"What does Pratt mean?" she asked herself. +"Can't he leave the boy alone after all these years? +I wonder—" She broke off and pressed her hand to +her heart as though she there felt a cruel pain. Perhaps +she did, but Mrs Gabriel was not the woman to +show it.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> + +<h5>THE DINNER-PARTY</h5> + + +<p>Built on the lower slopes of the Castle Hill, Mr +Pratt's residence, commonly known as The Nun's +House, stood a little distance back from the highway +which led down to King's-meadows. It was a +plain, rough stone building of great strength, two +storeys in height, and with a high roof of slate. +Gloomy in the extreme, it was rendered still more +so from its being encircled by a grove of yew trees +which gave it a churchyard air. Not the kind of residence +one would have thought attractive to a cheerful +and dapper man like Richard Pratt. But he had, so +he declared, fallen in love with it at first sight, and +Mrs Gabriel, always having an eye to business, had +only too readily granted him a seven years' lease. She +was delighted at the chance of securing a tenant, as +the house had been empty for a long time owing to its +uncomfortable reputation. There was not a man, +woman or child in Colester that did not know it was +haunted.</p> + +<p>The name came from a tradition, probably a true +one, that when the Colester convent had been suppressed +by Henry VIII., the evicted nuns had found +refuge in this dismal house, a dozen of them. In time +they died, and the mansion was inhabited by other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +people. But queer sounds were heard, strange sights +were seen, and it became known that the twelve nuns +re-visited the scene of their exile. There never was a +house so populated with ghosts; and the tenants +promptly departed. Others, lured by a low rent, came, +and after a month's trial departed also. Finally no one +would stop in the ill-omened mansion until Mr Pratt +arrived. He liked the place, laughed at the gruesome +reputation of the dwelling, and announced his intention +of making it his home.</p> + +<p>"Ghosts!" laughed Pratt, with his cheery smile. +"Nonsense. Ghosts went out with gas. Besides, I +should rather like to see a ghost, particularly of a nun. +I am partial to the fair sex."</p> + +<p>"I wonder, then, you never married," said the person +who had warned him against the house, with the +best intentions, of course.</p> + +<p>Pratt looked at her—she was Mrs Bathurst, the +gossip of the neighbourhood—under half-closed eye-lids, +and smiled. "Ah!" said he, rubbing his plump +white hands, "I have admired so many beautiful +women, dear lady, that I could not remain constant to +one;" which reason, although plausible, did not satisfy +Mrs Bathurst. But then she was one of those amiable +persons always willing to believe the worst of people.</p> + +<p>However, Pratt took up his abode in the chief +Colester inn, and sent for cartloads of furniture, while +the house was being re-decorated. He took a deal of +trouble to make it comfortable, and as he was a man +of excellent taste, with an eye for colour, he succeeded +in making it pretty as well. In six weeks the place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +was ready to receive him, and up to the period of his +walk with the vicar, Pratt had occupied it for another +six without being disturbed by the numerous ghosts. +The Colester folks quite expected to hear that he had +been carried off like Dr Faust, and were rather disappointed +that he met with no ghostly adventure. But +then Mr Pratt, as he said himself, was not imaginative +enough for spectres.</p> + +<p>Failing his leaving the house, the gentry expected +that he would entertain them and show his treasures, +for it was reported that he had many beautiful things. +But Pratt was in no hurry. He wanted first to study +his neighbours in order to see who were the most +pleasant. In a surprisingly short time he got to know +something about everyone, and on the knowledge thus +acquired he selected his guests. In addition to those +already mentioned, he invited Mrs Bathurst and her +daughter Peggy. The girl was pretty and the mother +talkative, so, in Pratt's opinion, it paid to ask them. +"There is no chance of an entertainment being dull if +Mrs Bathurst has her legs under the table," he said, +and this being reported to the lady, she accused Pratt +of coarseness. Nevertheless, she accepted the invitation. +Not for worlds would Mrs Bathurst have +missed a sight of re-decorated Nun's House. Besides, +it was her duty to go. She supplied all the gossip of +the neighbourhood.</p> + +<p>Anxious to see as much as possible of the house, +Mrs Bathurst was the first to arrive. Pratt, in a +particularly neat evening dress, advanced to meet her +and Peggy with a smile. He knew very well that her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> +ungovernable curiosity had led her to be thus early. +"I am glad to see you, Mrs Bathurst," he said +genially; "pray sit down. You are the first to arrive."</p> + +<p>"I always like to be punctual," responded the lady, +nodding to her daughter that she also should be seated. +"Dear me, how well this room looks! I can see you +have spared no expense."</p> + +<p>"I like to make myself comfortable, Mrs Bathurst. +We only have one life."</p> + +<p>"I wonder you care to spend it in such a dull place +as Colester. If Mr Bathurst were rich I should make +him take me to London."</p> + +<p>"You would soon get tired of the roar of that city."</p> + +<p>Here Peggy, who was fair and pretty and fond of +gaiety, shook her blonde head vigorously. "I should +never get tired of fun," she said. "I could go to a +dance every night and still want more."</p> + +<p>"Ah, Miss Peggy, you are young and active!"</p> + +<p>"Well, dear Mr Pratt, you are not old," said Mrs +Bathurst, flatteringly; "we must make you happy +here. I am sure you are quite an acquisition. We +must find you a wife."</p> + +<p>"I shall apply to you when I want one," he said, +with a laugh; "but I guess I'm not made to run in +double harness."</p> + +<p>"What odd expressions you use! I daresay that +comes from your being an American. Never mind, +you'll soon lose all Americanisms here. I look upon +you as quite one of ourselves, dear Mr Pratt."</p> + +<p>The fact is that Mrs Bathurst wished to bring +about a marriage between her daughter Peggy and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +newcomer. He had been introduced by Mrs Gabriel, +so his social position was secure; and if one could +judge from the magnificent furnishing of the house, +he was a wealthy man. That Peggy herself should be +consulted never entered her mother's head.</p> + +<p>Pratt guessed what Mrs Bathurst was after, and +chuckled. He had no intention of having the good +lady for a mother-in-law. Moreover, he knew that +Peggy was in love with Raston, the curate. Nevertheless, +having a love of tormenting people, and wishing +to punish Mrs Bathurst, he sighed, cast a +languishing look at Peggy, and allowed the mother to +think that he might be guided by her wish. Seeing +this, the lady pushed her advantage vigorously, and +was getting on very well by the time the other guests +arrived. Then, after some desultory conversation, +dealing with the weather and the crops, all went in to +dinner.</p> + +<p>The table was beautifully set out. The linen was +snowy white, the silver and crystal of the best, and +the flowers, which Pratt had personally arranged, were +skilfully chosen and blended. The women present +were rather annoyed that a man should be able to manage +a house so well, for the dinner was one of the best +that had ever been eaten in Colester, and the service +was all that could be desired. What was the use, +thought Mrs Bathurst, of suggesting a wife to a man +who knew so well how to dispense with one? She +could not have arranged things better herself, and it +was vexing that a mere man should be able to beat a +woman on her own ground.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have certainly made a very pretty place of it, +Mr Pratt," said Mrs Gabriel, when they returned to +the drawing-room. "I suppose you will live here for +many a long day?"</p> + +<p>"I hope to die here," he replied, smiling. "But one +never knows. I may take a fancy to resume my +travels."</p> + +<p>"You are like Ulysses," put in the vicar, "you +know men and cities."</p> + +<p>"And, like Ulysses, I don't think much of either, +Mr Tempest."</p> + +<p>"Come now!" cried Leo, laughing. "I never +heard that Ulysses was a cynic."</p> + +<p>"He was not modern enough," said Sybil, who was +looking particularly charming, much to the anger of +Mrs Gabriel, who saw in her a man-trap for her +adopted son.</p> + +<p>"I don't think cynicism is altogether a modern disease," +remarked Sir Frank Hale. "Solomon had not +much belief in human nature."</p> + +<p>"What could you expect from a man who had so +many wives?" put in Pratt, in a dry voice. The remark +annoyed Mrs Bathurst. It augured ill for her +scheme to marry Peggy. A man who talked thus of +women could never be brought to respect his mother-in-law.</p> + +<p>While this conversation was taking place Mrs Gabriel +kept a vigilant eye on Leo. Whenever he tried +to edge up to Sybil she contrived to get in the way, and, +finally, by a dexterous move, she placed him 'longside +the baronet's sister. Edith Hale was a tall, raw-boned,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> +thin girl, with small pretensions to beauty or wit. +She had a freckled skin and red hair, an awkward way +of carrying herself and a silent tongue. She was so +deeply in love with Leo that she followed his every +movement with her eyes, until he found her regard +most embarrassing. However, Leo, to avert a storm +when he returned home, was obliged to show her every +attention, and strolled away with her into Mr Pratt's +new conservatory. Sybil looked disappointed, but +controlled herself sufficiently to play an accompaniment +for Peggy. Raston turned over the leaves of the music, +and Mrs Bathurst, with a glance at Pratt, settled +herself to listen. As to Mr Tempest, he was moving +round the room examining the objects of art in his +usual near-sighted way. Seeing everyone thus occupied, +Mrs Gabriel drew aside Sir Frank into a convenient +corner.</p> + +<p>The baronet was a pale-faced, hunchback, lame +creature, with a shrewish expression and a pair of +brilliant grey eyes. He had been an invalid all his +life, and his temper had been spoilt thereby. The +only person in the world for whom he cherished the +least affection was his sister. In his eyes she was as +beautiful as Helen and as clever as Madame de Stael. +He knew that she was breaking her heart for Leo, and +resented the young man's indifference. And as Hale +had the spite of a cripple, his resentment was not to be +despised. But Leo did not know that.</p> + +<p>"Frank," said Mrs Gabriel, addressing him thus +familiarly, as she had known him from his cradle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> +"I want to speak to you about Leo. It is time he was +married. Nothing but marriage will steady him."</p> + +<p>"Sybil Tempest is ready enough to become his wife, +Mrs Gabriel," snarled the little man. "Why don't +you speak to her?"</p> + +<p>"Because she is not your sister," replied Mrs +Gabriel, coldly. "I do not intend that Leo shall throw +himself away on a penniless girl who has nothing but +her face to recommend her. Edith has both brains and +beauty."</p> + +<p>"Leo does not see that," said Hale, who implicitly +believed in his companion; "he is infatuated with +Sybil. I don't say a word against her," he added +hastily; "I want to marry her myself."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel looked with secret contempt on the +deformed man, and wondered how he could have the +impertinence to think that any woman could take him +for her husband. However, she was pleased to hear +of this new complication. If Sybil could be induced to +marry the baronet—and from a worldly point of view +the match was a good one—she would be out of the +way. In despair Leo might marry Edith, and thus all +would be as Mrs Gabriel wanted. She wished to +move human beings as puppets to suit her own ends, +and never thought that she might be thwarted by the +individual will of those with whom she played. However, +she had an idea of how to entangle matters so +as to carry out her schemes, and commenced her intrigue +with the baronet. She knew he would help her, +both for his own sake and for the sake of his sister. +At the same time she moved warily, so as not to make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> +a false step. It was no easy matter to deal with Hale, +as she knew. Once or twice he had got the better of +her in business.</p> + +<p>"I don't mind being candid with you," said Mrs +Gabriel softly. "It is my wish that Leo should marry +Edith, and I shall be delighted to help you to become +Sybil's husband."</p> + +<p>"It's easy saying, but harder doing," said Hale, +snappishly. "Sybil is in love with Leo, and the woman +who admires Apollo will not look upon Caliban. Oh, I +am under no delusions respecting myself," he added, +with a hoarse laugh. "I am not agreeable to look +upon, but I have money, a title and a good position. +Nine women out of ten would be content with these +things."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid Sybil is the tenth," said Mrs Gabriel, +coldly. "However, neither she nor Leo know what +is good for them. Help me to marry him to your sister, +and then Sybil will fall into your arms."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so?"</p> + +<p>"I am certain of it."</p> + +<p>"How are we to manage?" asked Hale, after a +pause. "You have some scheme."</p> + +<p>"It is in order to explain my scheme to you that I +have brought about this conversation. Listen. I am +not pleased with Leo. He has been leading a wild life +in Town, and is in debt to the tune of three hundred +pounds."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" said Frank, under his breath. "These +Apollos know how to waste money. I shall see that +Edith's dowry is settled on herself."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I shall tie up the Gabriel property so that +Leo cannot waste it."</p> + +<p>Hale looked at her from under his bushy eyebrows. +"You intend that he shall be your heir, then?"</p> + +<p>"Assuredly. If he does what I want him to do."</p> + +<p>"What is that?"</p> + +<p>"He must marry Edith and take up his residence +in the castle. No more gadding about, no more wild +living. Let Leo be a respectable country gentleman +and his future is secure."</p> + +<p>"Have you explained that to him?" asked the +baronet, sharply.</p> + +<p>"No. Leo is a fool, and infatuated with that girl. +I must force him to do what I want. It is for his +own good. You must help, both for the sake of Edith, +and because it is your only chance of marrying Sybil."</p> + +<p>"I'm quite ready to help you, Mrs Gabriel. +Go on."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel glanced round, bent her head, and +spoke lower. "I intend to refuse to pay this three +hundred pounds for Leo. There is no chance of his +earning it for himself, and he will soon be in serious +difficulty. Now if you come forward as his old +friend and—"</p> + +<p>"I don't like lending money," said Hale, who was +something of a miser.</p> + +<p>"If you want to gain Sybil and make your sister +happy, you must lend Leo three hundred pounds. +When he is in your debt, well—the rest is easy."</p> + +<p>Hale nodded. "I see what you mean," said he,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +ponderingly. "The idea is not a bad one. But Leo—humph! +Three hundred pounds! A large sum!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I will be your surety for it," said Mrs Gabriel, +impatiently. She did not want her plans upset by this +miser. "But if you want to gain anything you must +sacrifice something. You love Sybil?"</p> + +<p>"With my whole soul," said the cripple, and flushed.</p> + +<p>"And your sister?"</p> + +<p>"I would give anything to secure her happiness."</p> + +<p>"Three hundred pounds will be enough," said Mrs +Gabriel, coolly. "Make Leo your debtor, and then +you can deal with him. He is so honourable that he +will keep his word even at the cost of his happiness. +Well?"</p> + +<p>Hale reflected. "I will think of it," said he, +cautiously.</p> + +<p>"As you please. But remember that if I do not +have this settled within the week, I shall allow Leo to +marry Sybil."</p> + +<p>Of course Mrs Gabriel had no such intention, but +she determined outwardly on this course to frighten +the baronet. It had the desired effect.</p> + +<p>"I will see to the matter," he said hastily; "to-night +I will ask Leo to come and see me. It will all be arranged. +But three hundred pounds!" He winced +and Mrs Gabriel smiled.</p> + +<p>"I will be your surety," she said, rising. "Let me +know when you have made Leo your debtor. Come, +we must not talk any more. Here is Mr Pratt."</p> + +<p>It was indeed the host who came to disturb them. +He wished to take the whole party round his house.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> +Leo and Edith returned from the conservatory, the +former looking bored, the latter brilliantly happy. +Sybil did not like this, and glanced reproachfully at +Leo, who immediately would have gone to her side, but +he was anticipated by Hale. "Help me to get round +the house, Miss Tempest," he said, pointing to his +lame leg. "You must be my crutch."</p> + +<p>Sybil could not but assent, and so Leo found himself +out in the cold. Peggy, who approved of his love for +Sybil, took his arm. "Never mind," she said softly, +"I will manage to take Sir Frank away," and Leo gave +her hand a grateful squeeze.</p> + +<p>"Come, all of you!" cried Pratt, cheerily. "The +museum is open."</p> + +<p>He led them through a series of rooms crammed with +treasures. There were valuable pictures, pieces of rich +tapestry, exquisite examples of goldsmith's work, and +many other things of value. Mr Pratt had a story +for every object. This he picked up in the Great Bazaar +at Stamboul; that was a bargain obtained in an +Italian town; the silver crucifix came from Spain; the +lacquer work from Japan. Apparently he had been +all over the world, and had made purchases in every +part. Here was the evidence of his travels and his +wealth before the longing eyes of Mrs Bathurst. More +than ever was she determined that Peggy should +become Mrs Pratt.</p> + +<p>While Pratt discoursed and the company exclaimed +at the treasures displayed to their wondering eyes, Mrs +Gabriel maintained her haughty silence. She surveyed +all the beautiful things in a cold, unemotional manner,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> +and kept an eye on the movements of Leo. He felt +uncomfortable under her gaze, and once or twice +looked angrily at her. But Mrs Gabriel met his +indignant looks with a calm smile.</p> + +<p>"You must have spent a fortune on all this," said +Hale, inspecting a tray of antique coins. "What a +collection!"</p> + +<p>"I have been buying for years," explained Pratt, +smiling. "Mine has been a varied life. I was born +of poor parents and had to make my own way in the +world. For years I worked in the States, in South +America and elsewhere to make money. Finally I secured +a fortune in South Africa, and for the last ten +years I have devoted myself to collecting these things. +They have been stored for years, and now that I have +a house of my own, this is the first time I have been +able to arrange them. I am glad you are pleased."</p> + +<p>"We are more than pleased," gushed Mrs Bathurst. +"It is a most beautiful treat to see these lovely +things and hear you talk about them. What is this +cup, dear Mr Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Pratt, taking it up. "This is the property +of the vicar."</p> + +<p>"Mine!" said Mr Tempest in mild surprise. "Dear +me, Mr Pratt, what do you mean? It would take half +my year's stipend to buy this!"</p> + +<p>"It is the cup of which I spoke to you, vicar." +Pratt handed it to Tempest and then turned to the +group. "I wish to present this cup to the chapel, Mr +Raston," he said, "and I hope that you and Mr +Tempest will accept it on behalf of the town.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> +It is an old Roman goblet, and has been used for centuries +as a communion chalice in an Italian city. I +bought it many years ago. Is it not beautiful?"</p> + +<p>The cup was indeed an exquisite object of art. Of +considerable size, it was of pure gold. The rim and +the stem were set round with gems of great value, and +the outside was embossed with faces peering from out +a tangle of flowers. It had two handles formed of +twisted snakes with ruby eyes and round its broadest +part ran an inscription in Latin. The vicar held the +goblet to the light and translated the inscription. +"'To the great God, who maketh the heart joyful,'" +he said, then added dubiously, "Does that refer to a +pagan god, or to the Maker of all things?"</p> + +<p>"If the cup is Roman, probably it is an inscription to +Bacchus," said the curate, a shadow on his face. "If +so, we cannot use it as a communion cup." Pratt +laughed and raised his eyebrows at this scrupulous regard. +"You can set your mind at rest," he said. "The +priest who sold it to me on account of the poverty of +his parish church said that the inscription was inscribed +during the Middle Ages. It refers to the God +of Christendom."</p> + +<p>"In that case," said the vicar beaming, "I accept +the cup with pleasure and with many thanks. It shall +be consecrated and placed on the altar by the end of +this week."</p> + +<p>While the others were thanking and congratulating +Mr Pratt, an expression of relief might have been noticed +on his face. Mrs Gabriel, who knew his every +look, wondered to herself why he appeared to be so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +pleased. Evidently he was thankful to be rid of the +cup. However, she said nothing, as she was a wise +woman, but added her congratulations to those of the +others.</p> + +<p>"Everyone will be delighted," she said coldly. +"Such generosity is unusual in Colester." But her +glance hinted unusual as regarded Pratt. He received +the hint smilingly.</p> + +<p>"I hope it will make me popular," said he. "I am +weak enough to wish to be liked, and hitherto I have +not secured the goodwill of the people."</p> + +<p>"You will have it now," said Raston, "and particularly +that of Pearl Darry. She loves beautiful +things for the altar, and as she attends to the decorating +of the chapel, it will be a constant pleasure to +her to keep this cup bright and spotless."</p> + +<p>"I hope it will be safe with her!" cried Mrs Bathurst. +"These insane people are like magpies, and +steal anything glittering that attracts their weak fancies. +Are you <i>sure</i> she will not take it away, Mr +Raston?"</p> + +<p>The curate was indignant. "Pearl would no more +do such a thing than take her own life, poor soul," he +said. "She is devoted to the church. Religion, so far +as her own poor brain understands it, is her one consolation."</p> + +<p>"She ought to be shut up," said Mrs Gabriel.</p> + +<p>"There I differ from you," said the vicar, mildly. +"She is not harmful enough to be placed in durance. +Let her enjoy liberty and sunshine, Mrs Gabriel. It +is little pleasure she has."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She seems to me harmless enough," said Pratt, +"and if this cup will be an additional pleasure to her, +I am the more glad that Mr Tempest has accepted it. +I shall have it wrapped up, vicar."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. Be very careful, Mr Pratt. So +beautiful an object must not be carelessly dealt with." +From which remark it will be seen that now the Roman +goblet was the property of the Church it assumed +quite a new value in the eyes of the priest. Formerly +it was merely a beautiful example of the goldsmith's +art; now it was sacred.</p> + +<p>After this the company repaired to the drawing-room, +where Mr Pratt told stories until quite a late +hour for Colester. Never had there been so agreeable +a host in the dull little provincial town, and one and +all confessed themselves charmed with their evening. +"Quite an acquisition," repeated Mrs Bathurst as she +departed. "Mind you come and see me, Mr Pratt. +Peggy will never forgive you if you do not." A foolish +speech which sent poor Peggy away covered with +blushes. But then Mrs Bathurst's zeal always outran +her discretion.</p> + +<p>As Mr Pratt stood at his door waving a hearty +good-bye to his guests, he saw that Hale was beside +Leo and overheard a remark. "Come and see me in +three days, Leo," the baronet was saying. "I want +to speak to you most particularly."</p> + +<p>"Most particularly," echoed Pratt, thoughtfully. +"Humph! What's up now?"</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER V</h3> + +<h5>LOVE'S YOUNG DREAM</h5> + + +<p>The Colester folk were certainly pleased that Mr +Pratt had adorned their beloved chapel with so magnificent +a gift. They unbent so far as to smile when +they curtsied or touched their hats, but did not take +him to their bosoms. However, Pratt saw that he had +made a step forward in their affections, and professed +himself well pleased. "Rome was not built in a day," +said he, philosophically.</p> + +<p>Mr Tempest installed the cup on the altar, where +it glittered in front of the crucifix. It was an object +of wonder and reverence to the simple villagers, and +the vicar himself was no less pleased. Its weight, the +beauty of the workmanship, and the splendour of the +jewels, filled him with joy, and he came to regard the +pagan vessel—as it undoubtedly was—as a kind of +Holy Grail. Having made some such reference to it, +the sexton Baker, an inquisitive octogenarian, wanted +to know what the Holy Grail was. Forthwith Mr Tempest +prepared a lecture, compounded of Mallory's prose +work and Tennyson's poetical interpretation. This +he delivered in the village schoolroom, and had the +sacred cup placed on the table before him, so that his +hearers might have the significance of the gift borne<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +home to them. Pearl heard the lecture, and so much +of it as her poor wits took in led her to look upon the +cup as the very vessel itself mentioned in the poem. +To Pearl the Pagan cup, as Frank Hale called it, was +the veritable vessel from which the Master had drunk +at that last sad feast. And no argument could shake +this belief when she once got it into her head.</p> + +<p>"So ridiculous," said Mrs Jeal, sniffing. "I daresay +Mr Pratt bought it in London. He is clever at inventing +stories," whereupon Pearl flew into such a +rage that the elder woman never ventured to hint a +doubt of the cup. In her own queer way, and that was +none of the most righteous, Mrs Jeal was fond of +Pearl. It is true that she regarded her as a half-baked +natural, but she would never let anyone but herself +say so. Mrs Jeal was superstitious, and kept Pearl +in her humble cottage as a kind of talisman against +evil. Probably she felt it necessary for her to have +some pure and innocent thing beside her. The Colester +people never thought of this. They regarded Mrs +Jeal as a hard-working, honest woman. She was certainly +all that, and more. What the "more" was +Mrs Jeal never explained. She was well able to hold +her tongue.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the cup stood on the altar, and Pearl +frequently stared at it on her knees, dreaming Heaven +knows what dreams, as its beauty flashed in the sunlight. +She attended to her duties as usual, and the +vicar had no reason to complain that the decking of the +altar suffered. But the insane girl passed hours before +the cup, drinking in its lovely colour and beauty of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +form. It was to her a kind of fetish, and she resented +it being touched even when Mr Tempest used it for +the purpose for which it had been presented. Pratt, +hearing this, laughed, and was a little touched. He +was sorry for the girl, and pleased that he had been +the means of introducing a new element of beauty into +her life.</p> + +<p>One day while Pearl was on her knees with clasped +hands, Sybil entered the chapel. She had come here +to meet Leo, for owing to the vigilance of Mrs Gabriel, +a meeting was not easily arranged. Whenever Leo +and Sybil were together, they would be joined by Mrs +Gabriel, by Frank Hale or by Edith. It was no use +resenting this addition to the company, for the inconvenient +third would never take the hint. Consequently +Leo met Sybil by stealth, and as those who interfered +rarely came to the chapel save on Sunday, it was the +chapel they chose for their meeting-place. Certainly +Pearl was always haunting the shrine, but she gave +them no trouble.</p> + +<p>Although the day was warm, Pearl had draped a +shawl of white Chinese crape over her shoulders. This +was a present from Mrs Jeal, who had many such +beautiful things, although she would never say how +she came by them. The girl still wore her favourite +green dress and the straw hat, which had a fresh +wreath of oak leaves round it. Every day the wreath +was renewed, and some significance was attached to it +by the wearer which was not understood by her friends. +With her eyes fixed on the cup, and her hands clasped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> +on her knee, she knelt on the lower step of the altar +with a wrapt expression and moving lips.</p> + +<p>"And the foundations of the wall of the city were +garnished with all manner of precious stones," she +murmured, and went on with the verse enumerating +the gems. Pearl knew much of the Bible by heart, and +frequently recited long passages to herself. But, like +a parrot, she could never be got to speak when she +was wanted, and few knew the extent of her knowledge. +Sybil overheard the words, and guessed that the +poor creature applied them to the cup.</p> + +<p>A strong ray of sunlight streamed in through a +small plain glass window in the chancel. It struck +with a golden glory on the altar, and in its burning +light the cup flashed with many hues. The gems +with which it was adorned shot sparks of rainbow +fire—the green or the emerald, the fiery red of the +ruby, the amethyst, purple in colour as a ripe grape, +and above all the fierce flash of a diamond that was +in front of the vessel immediately above the Latin inscription. +Sybil did not wonder that Pearl had a passion +for the cup. It looked a singularly beautiful object +glowing in the splendour of the sunlight, and +might well have been the Holy Grail, as Pearl thought +it was.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Pearl?" she asked, drawing near, but +speaking low so as not to disturb the girl. For Pearl +was like a wild animal, and shrank away even at the +slightest sound. And even as she spoke the sunlight +passed away.</p> + +<p>"It is gone, gone!" cried Pearl, rising with a wild<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +look. "The Master has withdrawn His presence. I +would that I could take it out where His sun would +ever shine. Did you see the angels, Miss Sybil?"</p> + +<p>"What angels, Pearl?"</p> + +<p>"In the beam of the Master's glory. They ascended +and descended like the angels of Jacob's dream. From +the holy cup a shining pathway went up to heaven, +and now it is gone."</p> + +<p>"The shining pathway will be there again at this +same hour to-morrow," said Sybil, comforting the girl.</p> + +<p>"But it endures only for a little while," sighed +Pearl. "Oh, why doesn't the Master take His cup +into the bright sunshine where it could grow warm +and rejoice in the glory of day? And the sun would +make it glitter like a thousand fires, nor would the +moon withhold her light."</p> + +<p>"It is better here in this sacred place, Pearl."</p> + +<p>"The roof shuts out the light, Miss Sybil." And the +girl looked at the great cup, now dull and colourless +like a dead thing. "Only in the sunshines does the +Master put out His hand to grasp His cup."</p> + +<p>"It is not the real cup, Pearl," said Sybil, +incautiously.</p> + +<p>"How dare you say so?" shrieked the girl, tearing +herself away from Sybil's grasp. "The vicar said it +was the cup of the Master. I doubt you are one of +the evil things its presence makes to fear," and with an +indignant look Pearl moved swiftly down the aisle, +murmuring as she went. At the door she broke into a +jubilant chant, and Sybil gathered that she was recalling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +some lines of Tennyson which the vicar had +repeated in his lecture:—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Oh, yet methought I saw the Holy Grail,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All palled in crimson samite, and around<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Great angels, awful shapes, and wings and eyes."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Half singing, half reciting, she passed out of the +door and brushed by Leo, who entered at the moment. +Like a shadow she faded out of the church, and left +him staring after her. But high and sweet in the distance +rose her voice, singing like a lark.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with her now?" asked Leo as +Sybil met him.</p> + +<p>"Nothing much. She has a belief that yonder cup +is the veritable Holy Grail, and when I suggested that +it was not she grew angry. But what a memory she +has!" added Sybil, linking her arm within that of +Leo. "Did you hear her recite Tennyson's lines? +Well, she only heard them once before."</p> + +<p>"I daresay. But she cannot read, and those who +can't read have always a marvelous memory. But the +wonder to me is that her poor, cracked brain can hold +anything. I know she's mad about the Grail, as she +called that cup. Mrs Jeal told me that Pearl expects +the cup will some day be snatched up to heaven to be +used there. Poor soul!"</p> + +<p>"It is a sweet belief, though," murmured Sybil; +then, after a pause, she drew Leo into the side chapel +where the crusaders were set stiffly on their tombs. +"We are safe here, Leo. No one will come. Sit down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +beside this pillar and let us talk. We have much to +say to one another."</p> + +<p>"And nothing very pleasant," sighed Leo, as he +sat down, and slipped his arm round the girl's waist. +"Oh, Sybil, how foolish I have been getting into debt +and quarrelling with Mrs Gabriel! It will end with +my going away to the war. Indeed, I intended to have +gone this week, only I could not leave you, and +besides—" Here Leo hesitated.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" she asked, noticing that he looked +nervous.</p> + +<p>"There is a chance of my debts being paid."</p> + +<p>"Mrs Gabriel?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. At first she said she would pay. Now +she has changed her mind. But Hale has offered to +lend me the money."</p> + +<p>Sybil looked anxious. "I don't like that," she said +decidedly. "It is not like him to be so generous."</p> + +<p>"My dear," said Leo, taking her hand, "you are +too hard upon poor Frank. I have known him now +for many years, and it is reasonable enough that he +should be willing to help an old playfellow."</p> + +<p>"It is not like him," insisted Miss Tempest. "I +hope he is not laying a trap for you, Leo. He is +spiteful enough to do that."</p> + +<p>"And when he has caught me in his trap, Sybil?"</p> + +<p>She shook her head. "It is easy laughing, but +I don't like your accepting a favour from that +cross-grained little man."</p> + +<p>"You are uncharitable, my dear."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to be. I am sure I am sorry poor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +Sir Frank is so afflicted, but I really wish he had a +sweeter nature. Besides," her eyes fell and she began +to play with a button on Leo's coat, "he is—I +think—too fond of me."</p> + +<p>"Can anyone be too fond of you?" asked Haverleigh, +not taking in the real significance of this remark.</p> + +<p>"You do not understand, Leo. I mean that I think +he intends to ask me to be his wife. Now don't be +angry, for I am not sure if he will. It is only a kind +of instinct I have that such is his intention."</p> + +<p>Haverleigh, confident in his good looks and virile +strength, laughed good-humouredly. "I am not +angry, my dear. The idea of that wretched little +creature thinking of marriage!"</p> + +<p>"Who is uncharitable now, Mr Haverleigh?"</p> + +<p>The young man laughed. "Fairly hit," he said; +"but really, Sybil, I don't think you need trouble about +Hale. No man of his build and weakness would insult +a woman by asking her hand in marriage. He is a +queer little creature, but for all his cross-grained temper +his heart is in the right place. I am sorry for him, +and I feel his kindness in offering to help me. To be +sure he is well off, but the kindness is all the same."</p> + +<p>"And what about his sister? She is in love with +you."</p> + +<p>"So Mrs Gabriel says," responded Leo, coolly. +"But that is all nonsense—much the same as your +suspicions of Hale. Why, the girl never opens her +mouth to me; she only looks and looks."</p> + +<p>"With her soul in her eyes!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It must be a dull soul then, for I see no gleam in +those eyes of hers."</p> + +<p>"You are most unsuspicious, Leo," said Sybil at +length. "I have a kind of feeling that we are on the +eve of some trouble. Have you noticed that until we +found out this quiet spot Mrs Gabriel or Sir Frank +and his sister always joined us?"</p> + +<p>"I noticed that, but it meant nothing." Leo paused +and then continued, "I know that my mother wants +me to marry Edith, but I told her plainly that I would +not, and she has agreed to let me have my own way."</p> + +<p>"That is not like her," said Sybil, after a pause. +"She always wants to have <i>her</i> own way."</p> + +<p>"I think she is beginning to find me one too many +for her, my love. It is this way, Sybil. I told her that +if she went on treating me so badly I would enlist. +That frightened her, and she has been kinder since."</p> + +<p>"I don't trust her, no more than I do Sir Frank. +Are you going to take this money?"</p> + +<p>"As a loan I am, but I hope to pay it back."</p> + +<p>"How are you going to manage?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Pratt has promised to make it right with my +mother. He has a wonderful influence with her. You +know he has been her friend for years, and she has +great reliance on his judgment. I told him all my +trouble, and he has promised to help me. It is not the +first time he has done so, Sybil. Several times last year +he lent me money."</p> + +<p>"I know he is a kind man," said Sybil; "but, Leo, +I do wish you—"</p> + +<p>He stopped her mouth with a kiss. "I know what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +you are going to say," was his half-laughing, half-serious +remark, "and, indeed, my love, I am not +worthy of you. But now I am a man, and I intend to +put away all childish things—by which I mean the +follies of youth. I have done nothing very wrong, +Sybil. Indeed, my wickedness has been of the mildest +description. I understood Mrs Gabriel to say that I +was her heir, and so I thought I had a right to spend +money. I overstepped the mark, and I own my fault. +I should have been more sensible, but, indeed, Sybil, it +is difficult for a man brought up in luxury to know +when to stop. If my home had only been made more +attractive to me, I should never have behaved so foolishly. +But that page of my life is turned down now. +It will close with the payment of this three hundred +pounds, and henceforth I shall try and deserve your +love."</p> + +<p>"That is right, darling. But don't you think it +would be better to get Mr Pratt to see your mother and +induce her to give you the money than take it from +Sir Frank?"</p> + +<p>"No, my dear," said Leo, decidedly; "if my mother +thinks that I am able to pay the money myself, she will +be afraid lest she will lose me altogether and be more +amenable to reason. I have arranged it all with Pratt. +Hale is to lend me the money next week. I pay my +debts. Then I shall get him to speak to Mrs Gabriel."</p> + +<p>"Does Mr Pratt know that Sir Frank proposes to +lend you the money?"</p> + +<p>"No; I did not tell him that at Frank's special request. +I merely said that I would put off paying the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +matter for a month. In the meantime he will speak +to my mother."</p> + +<p>"It seems all wrong," said Sybil, with a sigh. "I +can't help thinking that you are behaving foolishly."</p> + +<p>"I hope not, Sybil. But I must manage Mrs Gabriel +somehow. I cannot have her treating me so +badly. Sometimes she really seems to hate me. When +my debts are paid I shall look about and see what I +can do to earn my own living. I am half inclined to +enlist in the Yeomanry."</p> + +<p>"Leo! Leo! Don't do that!" Sybil seized his +arm. "I should lose you."</p> + +<p>"My dear, it is the only thing I am fit for. My +mother would not let me have a profession, and I am +not clever enough to make money. I should have gone +into the army long ago. Indeed, it was my wish, only +Mrs Gabriel would not consent. I think my father +must have come of a fighting stock, Sybil, as I feel +so inclined to be a soldier."</p> + +<p>"The Haverleighs were always simple country +squires, Leo. I have heard my father speak of them +often. There were no soldiers amongst them!"</p> + +<p>"Then I don't know where my aunt got her fierceness. +By the way, Sybil, don't you get mixed by the +many different ways I refer to that lady; I call her +my mother, my aunt, and very often Mrs Gabriel."</p> + +<p>"I think the last name suits her best," said Sybil, +"she is such a hard woman. Still, she has been kind +to you, Leo."</p> + +<p>"I don't quite agree with you there," he answered +a trifle bitterly. "If she took me in, she has made me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +feel my position. No, Sybil, I hope in some way to +make a position for myself. Then Mrs Gabriel may +be proud of me. At present I am only an object of +her charity. Let me go for a soldier, my darling."</p> + +<p>"You must wait for a time, Leo," entreated Sybil. +"If you are really bent upon enlisting, I shall not +try and dissuade you. But, oh! how unhappy I shall +be when you are in South Africa!"</p> + +<p>"Come, come, you will never do for a soldier's +wife. Is it not better for me to be fighting for my +country than staying here eating the bread of idleness? +I am sure you would be prouder of me dead +on the battlefield than to see me a hanger-on here."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Sybil bravely, "I should."</p> + +<p>"In that case I shall enlist." And after taking her +in his arms, he kissed her tenderly. "I shall be here +for another week. Let us make the best of our time."</p> + +<p>Hand in hand they passed from the chapel, but at +the door they suddenly separated. Mrs Gabriel was +coming up the steps, and cast a cold smile at the +pair. "I want to see you, Leo, when you can spare the +time," she said.</p> + +<p>"I will come with you now," said Haverleigh. +"And you, Sybil?"</p> + +<p>"I want to find Pearl Darry," said Miss Tempest; +"she is offended with me, and I must make my peace +with her. Good-day, Mrs Gabriel!"</p> + +<p>"Good-day!" said Mrs Gabriel in her stiffest +manner. Then, as Leo walked down the road beside +her, back to the castle, she added, "I understand that +you are engaged, Leo, and without my consent?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am sorry you should be vexed," he said formally; +"but I cannot sacrifice my life's happiness even for +you."</p> + +<p>"Bless the boy! I don't want you to do that," said +Mrs Gabriel, sharply. "And about this enlisting?"</p> + +<p>"I intend to enlist."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel drew a long breath, and walked on in +silence for a few moments. "Well," she said at +length, "I think it is about the best thing you could +do. Your debts?"</p> + +<p>"I shall see that they are paid," said Leo, calmly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, indeed! And where will you get the money?"</p> + +<p>"From a friend."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel again became silent. "I don't think +you are treating me altogether fairly, Leo."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to do whatever you think best, +mother. But I am ashamed to live on your charity any +longer. However, I promise you one thing. I shall +not enlist for at least a month."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel laughed silently. Many things might +happen in a month.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> + +<h5>TROUBLE</h5> + + +<p>Still anxious to secure Mr Pratt for a son-in-law, +Mrs Bathurst resolved to make some return to his +hospitality. Her husband had very little money, and +the lady was unable to give a dinner-party on account +of the cost. Also Pratt had "done things so +well"—so she put it—that she was unwilling to provoke +comparisons. Nevertheless, some sort of entertainment +had to be given, and after much reflection +and many consultations with Peggy, it was decided +that it should take the form of a picnic. The scenery +around Colester was beautiful, the weather was fine, +and the cost of an open-air entertainment would be +comparatively small. Mrs Bathurst therefore issued +cards.</p> + +<p>"We must make Mr Pratt one of ourselves," said +the energetic lady; "and although we cannot hope to +vie with his luxury, we can at least bestow what we +have with liberal hearts."</p> + +<p>What Mrs Bathurst had in the way of food was +principally sandwiches—the cheapest form of nourishment +she could think of. As she had decided that the +picnic should take place on the moor, where there were +no roads, it was not necessary to hire vehicles to convey +the party to the scene of revelry. "A good brisk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +walk will give everyone an appetite," said the hostess, +"and the air will do us all good." Thus it came about +that all those who had partaken of Pratt's hospitality +found themselves the guests of Mrs Bathurst. Her +husband, who characterised the picnic as foolery, was +not present.</p> + +<p>By a dexterous arrangement the good lady contrived +that Peggy should find herself in the company +of Pratt. The little man was as neat and dapper as +ever, and as Peggy strolled beside him over the +heather, she could not but admit that he was a pleasant +companion. The principal meal of the day had been +devoured, and Mrs Bathurst's guests had been sent +hungry away. Tea and a limited quantity of sandwiches +were scarcely sufficient for appetites sharpened +by the keen moorland air. However, there was nothing +else; and now the company, split up into small +parties, wandered here, there and everywhere. Peggy +was with Pratt. He saw how Mrs Bathurst had +manœuvred to bring this about, and resolved to make +use of the opportunity in a way of which the schemer +would not approve.</p> + +<p>"Most beautiful place this, Miss Peggy," said Pratt, +glancing round, "but I fear the company is not to +your mind."</p> + +<p>"Oh! Mr Pratt, how can you say that!" said poor +Peggy, divided between a desire to keep him at a +distance and to avoid giving offence to her mother. +"I am very pleased to be with you."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know, Miss Peggy. I am not a +parson, you know."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> + +<p>Peggy laughed and blushed. Her secret was everybody's +property, and it was well known in Colester +that she and Raston were attached to one another. +Even Mrs Bathurst knew, but she was resolved to +crush this affection before it grew too strong for her +control. As a matter of fact it had already passed +that stage, but Mrs Bathurst was not aware of that. +"Mr Raston is quite happy with Miss Hale," said +Peggy, frankly. She found Pratt sympathetic and +did not mind speaking freely to him.</p> + +<p>"And I think Miss Hale would rather be with +young Haverleigh," said her companion, "but he is +with Miss Tempest."</p> + +<p>"And with Sir Frank Hale."</p> + +<p>"Who is the inconvenient third, Miss Peggy? We +are all at sixes and sevens, I fancy. Even Mrs Gabriel +and the vicar are badly matched. However, in a little +time I shall ask Mr Raston to join us."</p> + +<p>"Not on my account," cried Miss Bathurst, hastily.</p> + +<p>"I understand, your mother would not be pleased."</p> + +<p>"Mr Pratt!" Peggy bit her lip. "Really, Mr +Pratt!"</p> + +<p>"My dear young lady," said Pratt, with a twinkle, +"do you think that I flatter myself that a battered +old man like myself is your choice? No, indeed; although +your mother would have it so. Like draws to +like, and if I can bring it about you shall be Mrs +Raston."</p> + +<p>"No chance of that," sighed Peggy. "Mr Raston +is too poor!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. He has three hundred a year of his own,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +and it is more than probable that when Mr Tempest +dies, Mrs Gabriel will give him the living. Then why +won't your mother consent?"</p> + +<p>"She was not opposed to my engagement until—until—" +Peggy hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Until I arrived," finished Pratt. "Set your mind +at rest, Miss Peggy; I am not a marrying man; I +have seen too much of the world."</p> + +<p>Peggy laughed and looked at him. His pleasant +face was turned towards her, and she saw on his +cheek a mark she had never noticed before. It was +a tattooed star, very small and placed just under the +jawbone. Unless looked for very closely it was apt +to escape notice. But there it was, and being so close +to the man, Peggy saw it very plainly. Perhaps she +saw it the more clearly because Pratt held his head +at a particular angle. He noticed the curiosity in +her eyes, and flushed a trifle. He knew what she was +looking at. "I had that done in the South Seas," said +Pratt, rubbing the star; "foolish thing to have had +done, but I was a reckless young sailor then. And +see here, Miss Peggy," he rolled up his sleeve, that +of the left arm. Immediately below the elbow there +was a beautifully tattooed snake, half red and half +blue. "That was done in Japan," he said.</p> + +<p>"You seem to have been everywhere, Mr Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"I have. That is why I have come down here to +end my days in peace. I want everybody hereabouts +to like me—you included, Miss Peggy."</p> + +<p>"I <i>do</i> like you, Mr Pratt," protested Peggy. "Not, +of course, like—"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I understand. Well, I shall speak to your mother +about Mr Raston. Oh, do not look so afraid, Miss +Peggy. I know very well what I am about. I have +managed much more obstinate people in my time. All +you have to do is to look pleased as though you were +delighted with me. That will put your mother on the +wrong scent."</p> + +<p>"Harold will not like it," objected Peggy, as they +returned to join the others. "Harold is Mr Raston."</p> + +<p>"I gathered that from your blush," said Pratt, with +a chuckle. "Well, leave it to me. There is Harold +making signals. What is up now?"</p> + +<p>Mrs Bathurst informed them as soon as they came +within earshot. "Come here at once, Peggy," she +screamed. "Mr Pratt, come here! Mr Raston is +about to take a group with his kodak. It will be a +memorial of my picnic."</p> + +<p>The American did not seem pleased. For the moment +his usually active tongue was silent, and he +seemed unwilling to form part of the group. "I do +not care about having my likeness taken, Mrs +Bathurst," he said.</p> + +<p>"But indeed you must—in the group," said the lady, +vigorously; "dear Mr Pratt, do not spoil the little +memorial of my picnic."</p> + +<p>"It can be taken without me, Mrs Bathurst."</p> + +<p>"That would be the play of Hamlet with the Prince +left out," replied the lady, gracefully. "Mrs Gabriel, +add your entreaties."</p> + +<p>"Oh! Mr Pratt will not listen to me," said Mrs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +Gabriel, severely, "I know him of old. He can be +obstinate when he chooses."</p> + +<p>Pratt laughed but gave her a sly look which made +her wince. Strong woman as she was, there was +something about this artless, good-natured little man +which made her turn white and draw her breath +in quick gasps. "I consent to be taken," said Pratt, +withdrawing his gaze, "if I am permitted to arrange +the group myself."</p> + +<p>"Certainly," said Raston, brightly. He had been +exchanging a few words with Peggy. "Arrange it +as you please."</p> + +<p>Leo, who had Hale at his elbow, ranged alongside +the American. "You know where to place me," he +said softly, and Pratt nodded. It was mainly for that +reason that he wished to arrange the group.</p> + +<p>The result of his efforts was that Leo and Sybil were +together, much to the wrath of the baronet and Mrs +Gabriel. The others Pratt scattered anyhow, and +placed himself at the back. Raston did not approve +of this.</p> + +<p>"You can hardly be seen, Mr Pratt," he said. +"Please come more forward."</p> + +<p>Pratt hesitated, but, catching sight of a cold smile +on the face of Mrs Gabriel, he gave her a defiant look +and placed himself in the position indicated by Mr +Raston's outstretched finger. Then the curate adjusted +his kodak and took three pictures. He also had +to take a fourth, as Mrs Bathurst wanted herself to +be seen making tea, surrounded by her guests. "To +recall a happy, happy day," she explained.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You are fond of photography, Raston?" said +Pratt, when this was over.</p> + +<p>"Very. I have taken pictures all round the place."</p> + +<p>"And the other day he took a picture of the cup +you gave," put in Sybil.</p> + +<p>"I guess that's kind of him," said Pratt, gnawing +his lip. "I suppose," he was addressing Raston, "that +you send copies of these to your friends?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed I do not," replied the curate, cheerily, "I +take only a few copies and place them in an album. +Certainly I have given a few to Miss Bathurst."</p> + +<p>"Natural, very natural," said Pratt, gravely; "you +must give me one of the group you took just now." +And without waiting for an answer he turned away. +Somehow he seemed relieved to hear that the photographs +were not likely to be sent round the country. +And all the time Mrs Gabriel, who had listened to +this conversation, heard it with a cold smile. She +seemed rather pleased that Pratt should be upset, and +upset he was, a remarkable thing in so calm a man.</p> + +<p>After a time Leo and Sybil slipped away, and were +some distance across the moor before their absence +was noticed. There was no chance of following them +save in the most pointed manner, so Sir Frank, with +a scowl, devoted himself to his sister. She was seated +on the heather, staring after Leo with a despairing +look. Frank patted her hand kindly. "He will come +back, Edith," he whispered.</p> + +<p>"No," she replied, quietly, "he will never come +back. Sybil has taken him away for ever. Don't +worry about me, Frank."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh! as to that," retorted Frank, savagely, "I approve +of that no more than you do. If you want to +marry Leo, I wish to make Sybil my wife."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid neither of us will get our wishes," +said Edith, with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"We'll see about that," muttered Frank; "at all +costs I'll stop that marriage. Sybil must become my +wife."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel overheard him. "Make your mind +easy, Frank," she said, "I can put an end to this." +She cast a look at Pratt. "I could have done so long +ago but for—" She stopped.</p> + +<p>"But for what, Mrs Gabriel?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing! nothing!" she said hastily. "A matter +which does not concern you, Frank. But it is time +to adopt strong measures. Mr Tempest"—she went +to the vicar—"come for a stroll with me. I wish to +speak to you."</p> + +<p>"About parish matters?" asked the vicar, rather +nervously, for he knew Mrs Gabriel's tongue and +temper. "Won't you speak to Raston?"</p> + +<p>"It is not about parish matters," said Mrs Gabriel. +"It is concerning your daughter and Leo."</p> + +<p>Mr Tempest looked up sharply. "Indeed!" he +said, with quite a new note in his voice. "Nothing +wrong, I trust?"</p> + +<p>"I shall leave you to judge of that," replied Mrs +Gabriel. "Come, vicar!" and she carried the old man +away. Hale started after them distrustfully.</p> + +<p>"What does she intend to do now?" he muttered.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> +"I intend to take my own way in this matter, and I +don't trust her. Too clever by half!"</p> + +<p>Meantime Leo and Sybil, not thinking of the envy +their happiness caused, were walking slowly along. +Every now and then they would turn and look at +one another and smile. The action seemed childish, +but those who are deeply in love are often nothing but +children. Then they came to talk of their future.</p> + +<p>"When are you going away, Leo?" asked Sybil.</p> + +<p>"I go to Town next Monday," replied Leo. "I +start at seven o'clock for Portfront, and there take +the steamer that leaves at ten."</p> + +<p>"And the money for your debts?"</p> + +<p>"That will be all right. Frank has promised to +give it me this week. But the queer part is, Sybil, +that he will not give me a cheque."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" she asked, stopping abruptly.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Some whim on his part. He intends +that I shall take it in sovereigns—yes, the whole +three hundred pounds! There is a treasure to travel +with! However, I shall take it to London and pay it +into my bank there. Then I can settle with my +creditors by cheque."</p> + +<p>"Does he give any reason why he wants you to +take it in gold?"</p> + +<p>"No! But he is a queer chap, although a kind +one. I must take the money as he chooses to give it. +But do you know, Sybil, I believe Hale has the instincts +of a miser, and likes to look at gold. I should +not be surprised if he had a chest of sovereigns in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +house. I expect that is why he gives me specie +instead of a cheque or notes."</p> + +<p>"I don't like it at all," said Sybil, decisively.</p> + +<p>"There you go with your distrust!" said Leo, +good-humouredly. "You will not make allowance for +the queerness of poor Frank. Never mind, I will take +the money as he chooses to give it. When my +creditors are paid I shall see about enlisting."</p> + +<p>"You have made up your mind to that?"</p> + +<p>"Fully. Mrs Gabriel understands as much. And +I do not think, Sybil," said Leo, bending down, "that +you will seek to dissuade me."</p> + +<p>Sybil paused for a moment. "No," she said at +length, and her voice was firm, "it is a good thing +for you to take up the burden of life, Leo. Even if +you die in South Africa it will be better than that you +should live on the charity of Mrs Gabriel. I admire +your spirit."</p> + +<p>Leo shook his head sadly. "Don't admire anything +about me, dear," he said. "Long, long ago, I should +have earned my own living. I have been a fool too +long. But now, Sybil, I intend to work my hardest +for you. I am sure to get my commission, as there +are plenty knocking about; and when I return, your +father will consent to our marriage, and Mrs Gabriel +will forgive me."</p> + +<p>"I don't think my father would ever object, Leo," +said Sybil. "He would not care if you had little +money. All he asks from anyone who marries me is +that they come of a good stock. He has much family +pride, you know."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then he will easily be satisfied with the Haverleighs. +They have been established in the place down +yonder for centuries. I did not know, though, that +he attached much value to pedigree, Sybil."</p> + +<p>"It is his one failing. He would not mind if I +married a pauper, so long as my future husband had +good blood in his veins. The one thing he would +not permit would be that I should marry what he +calls a 'base-born' man. But, of course, there is no +danger of that."</p> + +<p>"No; I think my pedigree will satisfy Mr Tempest. +But it is strange that he should attach such +value to race."</p> + +<p>"I'm not so sure of that," said Sybil, slowly. "I +have a great opinion of race myself, Leo. But, come," +she broke off, "there is my father waving to me. I +wonder what he wants. To go home, I expect."</p> + +<p>Mr Tempest did, indeed, want to go home, and, +moreover, he seemed by no means anxious for the +company of Leo. Quite different to his usual self, +he was stiff and cold towards the young man. Mrs +Gabriel saw this, and smiled. Not in vain had she +adopted the stronger measures of which she had +spoken to Sir Frank. However, she gave Leo no +time to talk to the vicar, but took possession of him +and threw him into the company of Miss Hale. Leo +was obliged to talk to the girl, for, although she bored +him greatly, she was too unoffending a creature to +hurt. Frank saw how dexterously Mrs Gabriel had +managed, and came up to her. "What have you +been doing?" he asked in a low voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Talking Mr Tempest over to my views about +this marriage. Set your mind at rest, Frank. Leo +will never become the husband of Sybil now."</p> + +<p>Sure enough matters seemed to be quite in Mrs +Gabriel's favour. On arriving home Mr Tempest had +a scene with his daughter, and forbade her to think +any more of Leo. "Had I known of this before, it +would not have gone so far," said the vicar; "but +I have been blind. Fortunately, Mrs Gabriel has +opened my eyes. It must stop!"</p> + +<p>"I am engaged to Leo Haverleigh," said Sybil, +firmly.</p> + +<p>"Nothing of the sort!" retorted the vicar. "I +won't have it, I tell you. I do not consider that Leo +is a fit husband for you."</p> + +<p>"And what is your reason, father?"</p> + +<p>"I decline to give it you. Later on I may do so, but +not now. Please do not argue, Sybil. I won't hear +a word. You are neither to see Leo again nor are +you to talk to him. I won't have it."</p> + +<p>"But, father—"</p> + +<p>"That's quite enough, Sybil. Not another word." +And, as the girl knew of the rages into which her +father was capable of falling, she said nothing more +at the time lest she might provoke one. But this sudden +change of front on the part of her easy-going +father bewildered her.</p> + +<p>Leo was also at his wits' end to understand the new +state of things. From the day of the picnic he never +had a chance of seeing Sybil alone, nor was he asked, +as formerly, to the Vicarage. Mr Tempest was coldness<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +itself when they met, and appeared to wish to +see as little of him as possible. Leo asked Mrs Gabriel +what was the meaning of these things, but could get +no answer. She only laughed insultingly, and said +that Mr Tempest was of her opinion about this ridiculous +marriage. Leo saw Mr Pratt, and consulted +him.</p> + +<p>"I guess you'd better leave it to me," said Pratt, who +was on the side of the lovers. "I'll bring Mrs Gabriel +to reason."</p> + +<p>"But it is more the vicar that needs bringing to +reason," argued Leo. "He has changed wholly +towards me."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he has heard of your debts," suggested +Pratt, pondering.</p> + +<p>"What if he had! He knows that I am not so +wild as everyone tries to make out. No. It is something +else. I believe my mother has been saying +something to him about me."</p> + +<p>Pratt looked up suddenly, but his face did not +change. "I'll see Mrs Gabriel," he said calmly. "If +she has said anything to the vicar likely to do you +harm, I'll get her to tell me. I have known her for +many years, Leo, and she often takes my advice."</p> + +<p>"I know. She has the very highest opinion of +you, Pratt," said the innocent Leo; whereat Pratt +chuckled.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what," he said. "I'll speak to Mrs +Gabriel about your debts at the same time."</p> + +<p>"No; don't do that!" cried Leo in alarm. "You +will only weaken my position with her. I want to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +settle these debts without her knowledge. I can +raise the money, as I told you. Later on, when she +comes round, I can get her to give me the sum and +settle. She will surely do that when she hears that +I have enlisted."</p> + +<p>"I daresay. In fact, I'm sure she will," said Pratt, +with his queer smile. "Who is going to lend you +the money meantime?"</p> + +<p>"I can't tell you that, Mr Pratt," said Leo, with +dignity.</p> + +<p>"You might tell it to a worse person," said Pratt, +rather offended. "However, keep your secret; I'll do +what I can."</p> + +<p>"Don't be offended, Pratt. Indeed, as soon as possible +I'll tell you."</p> + +<p>"There! There! Don't make a fuss over it," he +said testily. "I know you are not such a fool as people +think you are. And to tell you the truth, Leo, +if you can pay these debts independently of Mrs +Gabriel, I fancy she will think all the more of you. +I don't offer to help you myself, because if she asks +me I want to be able to say 'no' for reasons which I +will explain later. But I tell you what, Leo. If, +when you get these matters settled and enlist, Mrs +Gabriel won't come round, I'll give you the money myself +to repay the loan, and fit you out for South +Africa."</p> + +<p>"You are indeed a friend," cried Leo, with emotion, +and the two men shook hands. They understood each +other very well.</p> + +<p>But all this time Leo was pining to get a sight of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +Sybil. It is true that he sometimes saw her in the +distance; but she was always with her father, and +he could not come near. However, it came about that +Sybil induced Pearl to take a note to Leo. She explained +in it that her father had taken a dislike to +the marriage, and that the only chance of things being +arranged lay in Leo going away for a time. Several +notes passed between the lovers, and then their kindly +messenger fell ill, but not before it was understood that +Sybil was to leave a note or so in a certain crack in the +chapel wall, which they could use as a post-office. +And out of that subterfuge all the subsequent trouble +arose.</p> + +<p>Pearl was really ill. She was in the habit of wandering +about at night, and as the wet weather was +coming she had been caught on the moor in a thunderstorm. +Now she was laid up with a severe cold. +Raston was particularly anxious about her. Leo met +him one day, and the curate was red with indignation. +It seemed he had good cause for it.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever hear of anything so wicked, +Haverleigh?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter now?"</p> + +<p>"Why, that poor mad child! She is very ill, as +you know, but is getting on all right; Dr James says +she is well on the way to recovery. Now Mrs Jeal +took it into her head that the girl was dying, and has +been frightening her with stories of eternal torment. +You know, Pearl always believed that she would go +to heaven, and be at the Supper with the Master, as +she calls Our Lord. She never had any doubt. Now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> +these gruesome stories of Mrs Jeal's have made her +doubt if she will be saved. In fact, she believes now +that unless the Master gives her some sign she will +be lost!"</p> + +<p>"How cruel of Mrs Jeal," said Leo, angrily.</p> + +<p>"Oh! I believe she did it for the best. She is +fond of Pearl, and kind to her. But you know she +came from the north, and she holds to that gloomy +Calvinistic religion that has terrified so many people. +I gave her a good talking to, and she has consented +to leave Pearl alone. All the same, she still holds that +the child is a lost soul. I have been trying to pacify +the poor creature. She is haunted by terrible fears."</p> + +<p>"Show her the cup!" suggested Leo. "She has +such a belief in it as the Holy Grail that it may +soothe her."</p> + +<p>"A good idea," said the curate. "I will ask Mr +Tempest about it. But I cannot take it to her till +Monday. To-morrow I preach in the evening. I +hear you are going up to Town."</p> + +<p>"On Monday morning early. When you next hear +of me, Raston, I may have enlisted."</p> + +<p>"And a good thing too," said Raston. "But that +I am a clergyman I should have been a soldier. Good-day! +Come to church to-morrow."</p> + +<p>And to church Leo went to see Sybil in her pew. +He also went to the evening service. On Monday he +departed for London. But no one heeded his going. +The village was excited by a rumour that the cup had +been stolen. On hearing the report Mr Tempest went +to the church. It was true. The cup was gone.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> + +<h5>A NINE DAYS' WONDER</h5> + + +<p>Ill news spreads like circles on water when a stone +is thrown in. Barker, the old sexton, a white-haired, +crabbed sinner, was the first to discover the loss. He +had gone to the chapel at seven in the morning to +make ready the church for early celebration, and on +going to the altar he had noticed that the cup was +missing. Nothing else had been touched. At once +the old man had trotted off to see the vicar, and in a +quavering voice related what had taken place, finishing +with a hope that he would not be blamed for the +loss.</p> + +<p>"You locked the chapel up last night?" asked Mr +Tempest, sorely distressed, for indeed this was +sacrilege and not a common robbery.</p> + +<p>"'Deed and I did!" replied Barker, sturdily. "And +I took the key home with me. My wife saw me place +it on its nail just inside the door."</p> + +<p>"Was the church door locked?"</p> + +<p>"Fast locked, sir. And all the windows fastened. +I went round the chapel to see if I could find any +sign."</p> + +<p>"When did you leave the church last night, +Barker?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"At nine o'clock, after I made everything right for +the night. It was after evening service, if you mind, +Mr Tempest. Then I went home and put the key in +its place. My Joan and I went then to a neighbour +for a bit of supper. We got home again about +eleven."</p> + +<p>"And the key was still on its nail?"</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," said Barker, scratching his white locks, +"I didn't look. But it was there this morning; so it +could not have been taken away. Besides, my Joan +locked the door of our cottage. No one could have +got in."</p> + +<p>"The cup was on the altar when you left the church +last night?"</p> + +<p>"On the altar where it ought to be. But this +morning it's nowhere to be seen. I hope you don't +think it's my fault, sir."</p> + +<p>"No," replied Mr Tempest. "I cannot see that +you are to blame. But this is a very serious matter, +Barker. I did not know that there was anyone in +Colester who would have committed such a crime."</p> + +<p>"It's terrible," sighed the sexton. "And what that +poor lass Pearl will say I don't know."</p> + +<p>"She must not hear of it," said Raston, who +entered at the moment. "She thinks so much of the +cup that in her present state of health its loss may do +her much harm."</p> + +<p>"Is she very ill, Raston?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Much worse than she was last night. But +Mrs Jeal is giving her all attention, and I have sent +Dr James. But about this loss, sir?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We had better go to the chapel, Raston, and see +with our own eyes."</p> + +<p>Followed by Barker, still protesting that it was not +his fault, the vicar and the curate went up to the +church. It was surrounded with a crowd of people, +for the news had spread quickly. Some looked in at +the door, but no one had ventured to enter, as each one +was afraid if he did an accusation might be levelled +against him. Mr Tempest told Harris, the local policeman, +to keep back the crowd, and entered the chapel +followed by his curate. All was as Barker had said. +There was the altar covered with its white cloth, and +with the withered flowers still in the vases. The +gilded crucifix was also there; but not a sign of the +cup. It had vanished entirely. Tempest sighed.</p> + +<p>"A terrible thing for the man who stole it," he +muttered. "This is no common robbery. Raston, let +us examine the church."</p> + +<p>The two went round it carefully, but could find nothing +for a long time likely to enlighten them as to the +cause of the robbery. Then in the lepers' window, a +small opening at the side of the chancel, Raston discovered +that some of the stones had been chipped. +"I believe the church was entered through this window," +said Raston, but the vicar was inclined to doubt.</p> + +<p>"The window is so small that no grown man could +have got through," he said.</p> + +<p>They went outside, and certainly against the wall +and immediately under the window were marks, and +scratches of boots, as though someone might have +climbed the wall. Also the sides of the window were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> +broken, as though a way had been found through. +The lepers' window was so small that no care had +been taken to put in glass or iron bars. Besides, no +one had ever expected that the chapel would be robbed. +In all its centuries of history nothing up till now +had ever been taken from it. And now the most +precious thing of all had vanished!</p> + +<p>"And during my occupation of the Vicarage," said +Mr Tempest. "It is really terrible!"</p> + +<p>However, in spite of the loss, he held the service +as usual, and as a great number of people, attracted +by the news of the robbery, had come, the chapel was +quite full. Service over, Tempest returned to the +Vicarage, and found Mr Pratt waiting to see him.</p> + +<p>"This is a nice thing!" said Pratt, looking annoyed, +as well he might, seeing that his magnificent gift had +disappeared. "I did not know that you had thieves +in the parish, Mr Tempest!"</p> + +<p>"Neither did I," groaned the vicar, sitting down. +"Hitherto we have been singularly exempt from crime. +And now one of the very worst sort has befallen us! +Not a mere robbery, Mr Pratt. Sacrilege, sir, +sacrilege!"</p> + +<p>The American turned rather white as Tempest spoke. +He had not regarded the robbery save as a common +one. The idea that it was sacrilege placed it in a new +light. Yet Mr Pratt was sharp enough to have +guessed this before. The wonder was that he had +not done so.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?" he asked, after +a pause.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Raston has sent for the police at Portfront. I +expect the inspector will come over this afternoon."</p> + +<p>Pratt shrugged his shoulders. "I don't think much +of the police," he said. "The metropolitan detectives +are stupid enough; but the provincial police—oh, +Lord! I beg your pardon, Mr Tempest; I forgot +myself."</p> + +<p>"No matter, no matter," said Tempest, wearily. +"I can think of nothing save our great loss. And +your gift, too, Mr Pratt! Terrible!"</p> + +<p>"Well," said the American, cheerfully, "if this cup +can't be found, I guess I must find you another one."</p> + +<p>"The cup <i>shall</i> be found," cried the vicar, vehemently. +"The culprit must belong to this parish, else +he would not have known the lepers' window in the +chapel. We shall find the guilty person yet, Mr +Pratt."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," said Pratt, with another shrug; "but +he seems to have got away very cleverly. I shall see +you this afternoon when you interview the inspector, +Mr Tempest. I should like to have a hand in the +discovery."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, certainly. Who but you, the giver of +the cup, should wish to help? Come here this afternoon, +Mr Pratt."</p> + +<p>As Pratt left the Vicarage he met Sybil, who looked +sad. "Don't take on so, Miss Tempest," he said; +"we'll find the cup yet."</p> + +<p>"I was not thinking so much of that," explained +Sybil; "but this morning my poor dear Leo went +away."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> + +<p>"When is he coming back?"</p> + +<p>"Towards the end of next week. I wonder who +can have taken the cup?"</p> + +<p>Pratt sneered, an unusual thing for so good-natured +a man. "No doubt the Portfront police will tell us," +he said; "but I haven't much opinion of law officers +myself, Miss Sybil. I once lost a lot of gems in London, +and the thief was never found. Are you fond of +gems? Come to my house and I'll show you my collection. +I have several thousand pounds' worth."</p> + +<p>"Is it not dangerous to keep them in your house +after this robbery?"</p> + +<p>Pratt laughed. "I don't think a thief would steal +them so easily as the cup!" he laughed. "I have a +good dog and a capital revolver. No, Miss Sybil, I +can look after my property well, I assure you."</p> + +<p>When he went away Sybil sighed and sought her +room. The departure of Leo had left her very sad. +She did not know what would become of him. He +would pay his debts and then enlist for South Africa. +In that case she would not see him again for months. +Perhaps never—for it might be that some bullet would +lay him low on the veldt. However, for the sake of +her father, she strove to assume a light-hearted demeanour. +The vicar felt the loss of the cup keenly. +And although Sybil thought he had treated her hardly +in her love affair, she laid all thoughts of self aside so +as to comfort him in his trouble.</p> + +<p>As for Pratt, he walked back to his own house. +At the foot of the Castle Hill he met Mrs Gabriel, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +seemed to be in a great state of indignation. As usual, +her anger was directed against Leo.</p> + +<p>"He came to me last night and said that he was +going up to London to pay his debts. This morning +he went off at seven without taking leave. Now, Mr +Pratt, you have been giving him the money to pay +his debts."</p> + +<p>"Indeed I have not, Mrs Gabriel," said Pratt, quite +prepared for this question. "I have not given him a +sixpence."</p> + +<p>"Then where did he get so large a sum?" asked the +lady, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. He told me that someone had lent +it to him."</p> + +<p>"A likely story! As if anyone here would trust him +with money without a guarantee! Mr Pratt—" Here +Mrs Gabriel stopped and her face went white. A +thought had struck her and she was about to speak. +But she saved herself in time and stared at her +companion.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" said Pratt, anxiously. He +thought she would faint, a weakness he had never +hitherto associated with Mrs Gabriel.</p> + +<p>"Nothing," she replied in a strangled voice. "But +Leo—I must see Frank," and without another word +she hurried away.</p> + +<p>Pratt stared after her as he could not conjecture +what she meant. Then he shrugged his shoulders and +went back to The Nun's House. That same afternoon +he called again at the Vicarage, and there found +Mr Tempest in consultation with a grey-haired man<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +whom he introduced as Inspector German. The police +officer, who had a shrewd face with keen eyes, nodded +in a friendly manner. "I understand you gave this +cup to the chapel, Mr Pratt," he said. "Pity it is +lost."</p> + +<p>"A great pity," replied Pratt, who was making a +thorough examination of the man, and now seemed +much more at ease than when he had entered. "I +hope the thief has gone away, however. I have in +my house several thousand pounds' worth of gems, +and I don't want him to come after them."</p> + +<p>"How do you know it was a man?" asked German, +quietly.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," responded the American, with a +stare and a laugh. "I only speak as others do. For +my part, I believe that there were two people concerned +in the robbery—a man and a boy."</p> + +<p>"Certainly a boy," replied Tempest, looking up. +"No one but a small boy could have forced himself +through that window."</p> + +<p>"Then you don't think, Mr Tempest, that a woman +can have had anything to do with the matter?"</p> + +<p>Tempest stared. The idea seemed ridiculous. "I +do not think a woman would commit so wicked an +act," he said stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, as to that," interposed Pratt, "women are +as wicked as men, and worse when the fit takes them. +But I see what Mr Inspector means. He has heard +of Pearl Darry's devotion to the cup."</p> + +<p>"It was not Pearl!" cried Mr Tempest, indignantly. +"I am sure of that. Why, the poor child regarded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> +that cup as something too holy to be touched—as it +was," added the vicar, reverently.</p> + +<p>"Well," said German, after a pause, "I have been +talking to your villagers about her. It seems that she +was always haunting the chapel and looking at the cup. +She might have been seized with a desire to have it +for her very own. She is insane, I believe, and insane +people have very mad ideas. Also she is small +and could easily have forced herself through the lepers' +window, of which she would know the position."</p> + +<p>Pratt looked with contempt at the officer. He was +even more stupid than he had given him credit for. +"You can rest easy, Mr Inspector," he said. "It was +not Pearl who stole my cup. She has been ill in bed +for the last few days and unable to move, as Mrs Jeal +and Dr James will tell you."</p> + +<p>"I must make certain of that myself," said the inspector. +"Will you come with me, Mr Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"Not I," replied the American. "I think you are +going on a wild-goose chase. The best thing for you +to do, Mr Inspector, is to see if any vagabonds have +been in the village lately."</p> + +<p>"I have already done so," replied German, coolly; +"and the villagers assure me that no stranger has been +seen hereabouts for some days. However, I am willing +to give this girl the benefit of the doubt. But I +must see her."</p> + +<p>As Pratt still refused to come and Tempest was unwilling +to call at the cottage of Mrs Jeal on such an +errand, the inspector went himself. He found no difficulty +in entering, as Raston was at the door. All the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> +same the curate was indignant on hearing the accusation. +He took German into the sitting-room, but +refused—and in this he was backed up by the doctor—to +let the inspector enter the bedroom of the sick +girl. Not that German desired to do so after an interview +with Mrs Jeal. She was most indignant at the +slur cast upon the character of the girl she called her +adopted daughter. There was a scene, and Mrs Jeal +proved herself to be more than equal to the official from +Portfront.</p> + +<p>"I never heard anything so wicked in my life," cried +Mrs Jeal. "The poor child may be mad, but not +mad enough to take what is not her own. I wonder +at you, sir, that you should come here on such an +errand."</p> + +<p>"My duty is clearly before me," replied the inspector, +stiffly. "Is the girl really and truly ill?"</p> + +<p>"You can take my word for that, Mr German," said +Raston. "Or, if you do not believe me, here is Dr +James!"</p> + +<p>"Ill!" repeated the doctor, when the question was +put to him. "She had a bad attack of inflammation +of the lungs, and she is worse this morning than I +have ever seen her. I do not wish her disturbed, Mr +Inspector."</p> + +<p>"She could not have gone out last night to the +chapel, doctor?"</p> + +<p>"Not without the risk of being dead this morning," +replied James, dryly. "Besides, Pearl Darry is not +a thief. No, sir. Whosoever stole that cup, it was +<i>not</i> my patient."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I would have you know," cried Mrs Jeal, +with her arms akimbo, "that I sat beside her the most +of last night, and not one step did she stir off the +bed."</p> + +<p>"Ah, well," said German, who could not go against +this evidence, "it is very plain that I am in the wrong. +Unless—"</p> + +<p>"There's no <i>unless</i> about it, sir," cried Mrs Jeal. +"Pearl wasna oot o' this hoose;" in her excitement +she was falling into the Scotch speech of her childhood. +"I wonder at ye, I do that! Hoots, awa' wi' ye!"</p> + +<p>Baffled in this quarter, the inspector took his way +into the village. First he examined the chapel. Then +he started out to make inquiries. For quite three +days he exasperated everyone in the village with his +questions and suspicions. But for all his worry he +was unable to get at the truth. No tramps had been +to the village. Old Barker proved his innocence with +the assistance of a wrathful wife, and there was not +a single person to whom the well-meaning but blundering +inspector could point as likely to have stolen the +cup. Finally, he was obliged to state that he could do +nothing, and withdrew himself and his underlings from +Colester, much to the relief of the villagers, whom he +had grievously offended by his unjust suspicions. The +cup had vanished as though it had been swallowed up +by the earth, and no one was able to say who had +taken it.</p> + +<p>"A grievous loss," sighed Mr Tempest, when he +became resigned. "But I sorrow not so much for the +theft of the cup as for the awful sacrilege of which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +the thief has been guilty." And he took occasion to +refer to the terrible deed in a wrathful sermon. The +villagers shook in their shoes when they heard of the +ills likely to befall the thief. But not one was able to +say who was guilty.</p> + +<p>For a whole week things went on much as usual, and +the excitement died away. Leo was still in London, +and, through Pratt, Sybil had heard from him. He +had seen his creditors and had settled all his debts. +He was now thinking about enlisting. Before he could +do so, however, Sybil sent a message recalling him +to Colester to defend his good name.</p> + +<p>It so happened that Barker held his tongue for +some time, but when the first effects of the fright lest +he might be accused passed away, he began to talk. +The old man was given to babbling in his cups. Thus +it came about that he mentioned that he believed Mr +Haverleigh had taken the cup. It seemed that Barker +had seen Leo near the chapel, as he was leaving it +about half-past nine. Mr Haverleigh, said the old +man, had seemed to shun recognition, and had hurried +past him. Not thinking anything of the matter, +Barker had left him near the chapel door. Now, +however, he hinted that Leo might have had some +reason to be there at so untoward an hour. Also, he +had gone away the next morning early. It was well +known in Colester that the young man was in debt, and +that his mother had refused to pay his debts. What, +then, was more likely, people argued, than that Leo +should have stolen the cup, should have taken it up +to London before the loss was discovered, and should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +have sold it to pay his debts? In a few hours this +sorry tale was all over the place, and so came to Sybil's +ears. It was her father who heard it, and her father +who told her.</p> + +<p>"But surely you do not believe it!" cried the girl, +when the accusation was made. "You have known +Leo all these years! Whatever you may have against +him, father, you know that he would never commit +so wicked an act."</p> + +<p>"I say nothing until I hear what <i>he</i> has to say," +replied the vicar, who, for some reason, seemed to be +biased against Leo. "But you must admit that it was +strange he should be near the chapel at so late an +hour. And we know that he is deeply in debt. Mrs +Gabriel told me herself that he owed three hundred +pounds. In a moment of madness—"</p> + +<p>"I won't hear a word against Leo!" interrupted +Sybil, pale but resolute. "Not if an angel came down +to accuse him would I believe him guilty! How could +he have got the key? And if he did not get the key, +how could he have forced himself through that small +window?"</p> + +<p>"I say nothing until I hear his defence," said the +vicar, obstinately; "but the whole affair is highly +suspicious."</p> + +<p>"I never knew you to be unjust before, father," +cried Sybil. "Mrs Gabriel has infected you with her +dislike of Leo. I shall say nothing myself, although +I could say more than you think. But I shall send +at once to Leo, and he shall come back to rebut this +wicked accusation."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> + +<p>Without listening to another word, Sybil ran off to +see Pratt, who was equally indignant. "It is disgraceful," +he said furiously. "Leo never would do +such a thing, never! Be comforted, my dear. I'll +ride over to Portfront this very day and send a wire +to him."</p> + +<p>And this he did without delay. More than that, +he defended Leo heartily when he returned; so did +Raston. Hale kept silent. But the majority of the +villagers were against the young man. Leo returned +in disgrace.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> + +<h5>HAVERLEIGH'S DEFENCE</h5> + + +<p>Thanks to the care of Dr James, and the nursing +of Mrs Jeal, the sick girl took a turn for the better. +In a remarkably short space of time she began to improve, +and when Leo arrived back in Colester she was +on a fair way of recovery. Although the doctor did +not like Mrs Jeal, he could not but admit that no +mother could have been kinder than the midwife. She +waited hand and foot, day and night, on Pearl, and +refused to let anyone take her place, even when she +was worn out with watching. In the middle of her +trouble she was called away to London.</p> + +<p>One day shortly after the theft of the cup she received +a telegram from Town informing her that her +father was seriously ill, and that she was to come up +at once if she wanted to see him alive. Now, if there +was one strong feeling Mrs Jeal possessed it was love +for her father, of whom she often spoke. Much as +she liked Pearl, she was not prepared to stay beside +her in the face of such a summons. The old man might +die if she delayed.</p> + +<p>"I can get Joan Barker in to nurse Pearl," she said +to the doctor, "and go at once to London. I may be +away a week or two."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Humph!" said James, running his eye over the +telegram. "I suppose you must go; the matter seems +urgent. Mrs Barker is not so good a nurse as you, +though."</p> + +<p>"But Pearl is much better, doctor," said Mrs Jeal, +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'll pull her through. Well, pack your traps, +Mrs Jeal. Myself and Mr Raston will attend to Pearl +with the assistance of Mrs Barker. You must leave +me some address, though, in case anything goes wrong +during your absence. Not that I think anything will; +Pearl is mending rapidly."</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal gave an address in a humble Battersea +street, and in a few hours was ready for the road. +She took a tender leave of Pearl, to whom she appeared +to be sincerely attached, and that same morning +left for Portfront by a carrier's waggon. When she +departed the village was still filled with anxiety regarding +the loss of the cup.</p> + +<p>As has been said before, no railway had yet opened +up the solitudes of Colester and King's-meadows. But +those who wished to get quickly to London took the +steamer from Portfront, and in a few hours came to +Worthing, at which place a train was easily procurable. +Mrs Jeal took this route, and having started early +she arrived in Town that same night. She sent a +wire telling of her arrival to Dr James. He showed +it to Sir Frank Hale.</p> + +<p>"Quick work," said James; "yet we are far enough +away from the world here."</p> + +<p>"That's true," replied the baronet. "So Mrs Jeal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> +has gone to Town! I saw her at Portfront when I +was there yesterday morning. It is not often she goes +to Town. I suppose she does not wish to lose the +money."</p> + +<p>"The money, Hale? What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Why, it seems, from what Mrs Jeal told me, that +her father is not badly off, and if he dies she will +come into a tidy bit of money. There are other relatives, +though, and she was afraid lest they should +get the old man to leave the fortune to them."</p> + +<p>"Fortune!" said James, with a smile; "a large +word for a small legacy."</p> + +<p>"I don't know so much about that," responded the +cripple, snappishly. "From what the woman told me, +her father is well off. He was a porter or something +in a stockbroker's office, and dabbled in mines himself. +It seems he was lucky in his speculations and made +money. By the way, James, has Haverleigh turned up +yet?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I heard that Mr Pratt had sent a telegram +to him. I expect he will wonder what is the +matter that Pratt should ask him to come back."</p> + +<p>"Not he!" growled Hale. "He knows well +enough."</p> + +<p>"Why, Hale, you don't believe he stole the cup?"</p> + +<p>The cripple remained silent for a time. "It is a +difficult thing for me to say," he finally remarked. +"You know, James, that my sister Edith is deeply in +love with the man. I don't like him myself; I never +did. But if he would marry my sister I should not +decline the alliance. I put her happiness before my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> +own feelings. Well, under the circumstances, I really +am not prepared to give an opinion. I know that Leo +was in debt, and it is common talk that Mrs Gabriel +refused to pay his debts; yet she informed me that he +went up to London to settle them. Now, he must +have got the money from somewhere, and who would +trust him?"</p> + +<p>"It looks black against him, I confess," replied +James, shaking his head; "still, I cannot believe that +Haverleigh would sink to being a common thief. You +will see when he returns that he will be able to +explain."</p> + +<p>"If he ever <i>does</i> return," growled Hale, doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"He will. Why, Miss Tempest believes in him, and +he must come back if only to justify her faith. I believe +those two are in love with one another, Hale. +Well, they will make a handsome couple."</p> + +<p>"He will have to get back his good name first," +retorted Hale, jealously. "And as to there being anything +between them—I don't believe it. Good-day, +James. Don't go spreading cock-and-bull stories."</p> + +<p>As the baronet walked off the doctor looked after +him with a smile of contempt. He knew that Hale +was madly in love with the vicar's daughter, and that +he regarded Leo as a too successful rival. "You'll +be delighted if the poor chap comes to harm," muttered +James; "you are a viper! But I am sure Haverleigh +will clear himself. A girl like Sybil Tempest +is not likely to be deceived in the character of the man +she loves. I would rather believe her than you, Sir +Frank Hale!" And James, who had no great love<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> +for the spiteful little cripple, walked away to see +Pearl.</p> + +<p>By this time the opinion was that Leo would not +return. It was positive, said the gossips, that he had +stolen the cup in order to procure money for the payment +of his debts. The most likely thing was that he +would clear out of the country.</p> + +<p>"What fools these people are," said Pratt, who +heard this. "If the man intended to leave the country +he certainly would not pay his debts. Only a +heaven-born ass would do that. He would take the +money himself and leave his creditors unpaid." But +the gossips did not see matters in that light. They +were bent upon thinking the worst of Leo.</p> + +<p>All this time Mrs Gabriel said nothing, but remained +shut up in the castle. She knew well enough +what was being said about Leo, and could not bear +to face anyone, the more particularly as she did not +know how to defend him. She denied herself to everyone, +even to Pratt, although he called several times to +interview her on behalf of her nephew. The young +man had a strong defender in Pratt. He went about +everywhere insisting on Haverleigh's innocence. In +this opinion he was supported by Sybil, by the curate, +and, strange to say, by Mrs Bathurst.</p> + +<p>"The whole thing is absolute nonsense," said Mrs +Bathurst. "Why should Mr Haverleigh be such a +fool? Mrs Gabriel would have paid his debts in the +long run. And then if he had not wished to pay them +himself, he could have enlisted and slipped away to +Africa without anyone being the wiser. Then there's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> +another thing. He would not commit a crime for such +a purpose. If he was in difficulties before, he would +not make them worse by putting himself within reach +of the law." All of which was common-sense, although +Leo's enemies were too much bent on thinking +the worst of him to accept such a reasonable view.</p> + +<p>It was while matters were in this state that Leo +Haverleigh returned. He drove up to the castle one +night without informing anyone of his coming. Mrs +Gabriel was amazed when he presented himself before +her. He looked bright and cheerful, not at all like a +man who had been accused of a sordid crime. But it +must be remembered that Leo knew nothing of his +new reputation. All he knew was that Pratt, at the +instance of Sybil, had recalled him to Colester. He +thought that this telegram had to do with some new +difficulty with regard to his love affairs.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, mother," he said as he marched into +the room where Mrs Gabriel was sitting. "I have +returned, you see."</p> + +<p>"And are you not ashamed?" cried Mrs Gabriel, +rising, with a wrathful expression. "I thought some +feeling of decency would have kept you away."</p> + +<p>"Oh, come now, mother," returned Leo, trying to +keep his temper, "I am not so bad as all that. If I +have been foolish and extravagant, surely you can +forgive. Besides, my debts are paid. I am a free +man."</p> + +<p>"You won't be a free man long," said Mrs Gabriel, +grimly. "I am willing to do what I can for you,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> +badly as you have treated me. But I cannot condone +a felony! That is out of the question."</p> + +<p>Leo stared and sat down. "You use very extraordinary +words," he said at length. "I never heard that +a man who was in debt could be called a felon. Come, +mother," he went on, trying to be amiable—a difficult +task with a woman like this. "Don't use big words +for a trifle. I intended to enlist, but I thought I +would come down first to see you and talk the matter +over. You have been kind to me and I do not want +to part in anger. Let us arrange matters in a kindly +spirit."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel looked at him aghast at his boldness. +"How dare you speak to me like this," she cried. +"Are you not aware that everyone in Colester is talking +of your crime?"</p> + +<p>"Crime!" Leo started to his feet. "What crime?" +He looked bewildered.</p> + +<p>"As if you didn't know! I wonder you have the +impertinence to come back here! How much did you +sell the cup for?"</p> + +<p>Leo still looked puzzled. "Cup!" he echoed. +"What cup?"</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel grasped him by the shoulders and shook +him, her eyes blazing with anger. "You are absolutely +shameless," she cried. "I mean the cup +which Mr Pratt presented to the chapel, and you know +too! It has been stolen, and <i>you</i> are the thief."</p> + +<p>Haverleigh stared at her for a moment and then +burst out laughing. "Is this a joke, mother?" he said +at length. "If so, it is a very poor one."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is not a joke," retorted Mrs Gabriel, still angry. +"The cup was missing on the very morning you went +up to London. You stole it, Leo, and took it away +to pay your debts. I never—"</p> + +<p>"Nor did I!" cried Haverleigh, now beginning to +lose his temper. "Who dares to say such a thing +about me?"</p> + +<p>"The whole village says it, and everyone believes +it."</p> + +<p>"Does Sybil?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; nor do I care. And so far as she +is concerned, you need not think to marry her. Mr +Tempest will never let his daughter become the wife +of a—"</p> + +<p>"Stop!" cried Leo, before she could utter the +shameful word. "How dare you call me by a foul +name? I know perfectly well you hate me; but you +have no right to believe that I did this thing. I +know that Sybil believes me guiltless. She would +never credit the man she loves with such a contemptible +crime. And Pratt believes in me also. He +sent me a telegram asking me to come back. I thought +it had to do with some trouble you had made over my +engagement to Sybil. I never expected this. How +dare you accuse me of such a crime?"</p> + +<p>"The whole village accuses you," said Mrs Gabriel, +passionately. "You have paid your debts. I know +you have. Where did you get the money? Not from +me—not from Pratt, for I asked him. And Barker +saw you lurking about the chapel on Sunday night at +a late hour. What were you doing there if it was not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +to steal? Oh, shame upon you, Leo! How can you +stand there and deny your guilt?"</p> + +<p>"Because I am not guilty!" cried Leo, furiously. +"I tell you I did not steal the cup. I did not even +know that it was lost. I <i>was</i> near the chapel on that +night and at that hour. I can explain why I was +there."</p> + +<p>"Explain then," said Mrs Gabriel, with a stamp.</p> + +<p>"Not to you, and not until I have thought over my +position. Everyone seems to have judged me guilty +without giving me an opportunity of defending +myself."</p> + +<p>"You cannot," muttered Mrs Gabriel. "You dare +not!"</p> + +<p>The scorn of her speech carried Leo beyond all +bounds of prudence. He had not intended to defend +himself until he had consulted with Pratt. The situation +was so unpleasant and dangerous that he wanted +an older and wiser head than his own to deal with +the matter. But Mrs Gabriel's taunt made him forget +his resolutions. "I dare, and I can!" he burst out. +"I went to the chapel to meet Sybil. Her father would +not let us see one another, so we had to do so by +stealth. I was going away on Monday morning, and +she wished for a meeting, as I did myself. In her +pew she left a note, and she let me know by signs during +the service that she had done so. I looked in the +vicar's pew after the service was over, and found that +she asked me to meet her at the door of the chapel +shortly after nine. I was there, and I saw old Barker +going away. I think he saw me, but as I did not wish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> +to attract attention, I kept out of his way as much as +possible. Sybil came about half-past nine, perhaps +later, and we had a talk. Then I took her back to the +Vicarage, and returned here to sleep. I was on my +way to Portfront by seven in the morning. That is all +I know."</p> + +<p>"A likely story," sneered Mrs Gabriel. "I do not +believe one word of it."</p> + +<p>Leo looked at her with great dignity. "If you do +not choose to believe me I cannot make you," he said; +"but from this moment all is at an end between us. +God knows why you hate me so. I have done nothing +to deserve it. What I have told you is the truth. +Sybil can vouch for it. I have some hesitation in asking +her to do so, as she will have to say that she was +alone with me at that late hour, and you know well +what the gossips will say. Still, if I am in danger of +arrest, she will come forward, although I would rather +suffer myself than that she should be lightly spoken +of. I shall see her, and her father. For some reason +best known to you, Mrs Gabriel, Mr Tempest has +taken a dislike to me. But he is a just man, and I am +sure he does not believe me guilty."</p> + +<p>"You'd better see him and ask," said Mrs Gabriel, +tartly. "I say again that I don't believe your explanation. +Where did you get the money to pay your +debts if it was not from selling the cup?"</p> + +<p>"I borrowed it," retorted Leo, after a pause. "I +did not intend to tell you, but it seems I must, in order +to clear my character. You would not help me, and +Pratt was not ready to do so. I daresay if I had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +pressed him he would have helped me, but I did not +think it right he should pay for my folly. I borrowed +the money, if you must know, from Frank +Hale."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel, who had seated herself, looked at the +young man indignantly.</p> + +<p>"Why will you tell these lies?" she said, trying +to speak calmly. "I had an idea that Hale might +have assisted you, and I went to see him. He absolutely +denies that he lent you a penny."</p> + +<p>Leo looked bewildered. "He denies the debt," said +he. "Why he has my acknowledgment! He gave me +the three hundred pounds in gold on Sunday morning. +I packed it in a Gladstone bag, and took it to +London with me. There I paid it into my bank, and +gave my creditors cheques for—"</p> + +<p>"In gold!" burst out Mrs Gabriel, contemptuously. +"Is it likely that in these days a man would pay such +a large sum otherwise than by cheque? Why, if you +said notes it would be more reasonable, but gold—bah!"</p> + +<p>"I tell you he did," said Leo, now thoroughly angry. +"I wondered myself at the time, and I mentioned to +Sybil how inconvenient it was. I asked Hale for notes, +for a cheque, he refused both, and said I must take the +money as he chose to give it, or not at all. He gave +it to me in three bags, each containing a hundred sovereigns. +I paid that into my London bank."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I daresay you did," sneered Mrs Gabriel. +"But you should have got a better price for the +cup."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You still believe me guilty," cried Leo, recoiling.</p> + +<p>"I do. Hale denies that he paid you the money."</p> + +<p>"I shall see him about it to-morrow," said Leo. +"He will not dare to deny what is the truth. And +I leave the castle this very night, Mrs Gabriel. I shall +never call you 'mother' again. You are cruel and +wicked. Tell me why you hate me so."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel's eyes flashed. "If I told you that—" +she began, then closed her mouth and turned away.</p> + +<p>"Then you <i>do</i> hate me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. With all my soul!" She turned on him like +a fury. "I have hated you from the moment you +came into my house. All these years I have been on +the point of turning you out. Go now, and never +darken my doors again. I was a fool to have anything +to do with you. Go! Go!"</p> + +<p>For a moment Leo stood bewildered at her furious +speech. He thought she was mad, for he could not +conceive why she should speak so. It was useless to +talk or to remonstrate, or to seek an explanation. He +looked at her for a moment, then, without a word, he +walked away. In another quarter of an hour he had +left the castle, bag and baggage.</p> + +<p>"Thank God!" cried Mrs Gabriel when alone. "I +am rid of him at last!"</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER IX</h3> + +<h5>A BAD REPUTATION</h5> + + +<p>Pratt sat alone in his library. He was not reading, +for although he had many books he rarely looked +into one of them. He collected rare editions, he indulged +in gorgeous bindings, and placed all his gatherings +on shelves behind glass doors. It was the look +of the thing Pratt liked. If his collection had been +so many volumes of blank pages he would have been +just as well pleased.</p> + +<p>As the evening was cold there was a fire in the +steel grate. The room looked comfortable and luxurious. +It was decorated in dark red, with bookcases +of rosewood, and many busts of celebrated men. On +the desk stood a reading lamp, and this was the only +light in the room. Before the desk sat Pratt. He +was playing with a small pile of precious stones which +he had shaken out of a leathern belt. The jewels +gleamed in the light with rainbow hues, and Pratt +fingered them with loving care, recalling where each +one had been bought and found. He was crazy about +his gems, but never showed them to anyone. Moreover, +in addition to his liking for such things, it was +a portable way of carrying about his wealth.</p> + +<p>The door opened softly and a servant entered. Pratt +did not turn his head, for he knew the footstep. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> +when he heard that Leo wished to see him, he poured +the jewels back into the belt, flung it into a drawer and +told Adam—that was the man's name—to admit Mr +Haverleigh. Adam was a tall, soldierly looking man, +of the fair Saxon type. He had been with Mr Pratt +for years, knew all his secrets and was absolutely devoted +to him. As well he might be, for Pratt had +once saved his life. Adam never forgot the obligation, +and was Pratt's devoted slave.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, Leo!" said Pratt, rising, when the young +man entered the room. "Where did you come +from?"</p> + +<p>"From London, if you want to be precise," said +Leo, after shaking hands. "My bag is in the hall, +Pratt."</p> + +<p>"What? Have you not been to the castle?"</p> + +<p>"I have been there, and I have come away. In fact, +Pratt, she has turned me out at last. I always knew +that it would come to this."</p> + +<p>As Leo sat down Pratt frowned, and when he +frowned he did not look pleased. "Ah!" said he, +calmly, "so she has turned you out—on account of +this theft, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. It is the first I ever heard of it!" said Leo, +looking up. "Your wire said nothing about such an +accusation. I don't suppose you could very well have +mentioned it in a telegram. However, Mrs Gabriel insisted +that I had stolen the cup and sold it in London +in order to pay my debts. We had a few words on the +subject and parted. I am now here to ask you for a +bed!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My dear fellow, you shall stay here as long as +you please. Let me ring for Adam to bring you +some supper!" and Pratt touched the bell.</p> + +<p>"A few sandwiches and a glass of port will be sufficient," +said Leo. "I am not in the humour to eat. +By the way," as Adam entered, "I see he has got +back?"</p> + +<p>"Who? Adam? Yes. Where did you meet him?"</p> + +<p>"At Portfront," said Leo, with a nod to Adam, who +smiled. "He told me he had been up to London on +your business. I gave him a lift part of the way. +Didn't I, Adam?"</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't have got home otherwise, sir," said +Adam, respectfully, and departed to get food for his +benefactor. Pratt seemed pleased that his servant was +so friendly with Leo. He had a great opinion of +Adam's intelligence. Also, Adam was a power in the +house—but Leo did not know that. Later on, he +learned all about it, to his great astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Come now," said Pratt, when Leo had eaten and +had finished a glass or two of port. "Tell me about +this cup. <i>Did</i> you take it?"</p> + +<p>"I certainly did not!" said Leo, stiffly. "I wonder +at your asking me such a question, Pratt! I am +not a thief!"</p> + +<p>His host laughed somewhat nervously. "I only +wanted to be sure, my dear lad," he said. "Don't +get angry with your best and only friend."</p> + +<p>"I have another friend," said Leo, looking up from +the cigar he was cutting, "and that is Sybil. She does +not believe that I am guilty."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have you seen her, then?"</p> + +<p>"No. But I do not want to see her in order to know +that. She loves me, Mr Pratt, and would never believe +me guilty. No; not though the evidence was +twice as strong against me!"</p> + +<p>"The evidence <i>is</i> strong," said Pratt, rubbing his +chin. "You were seen at the chapel, and—"</p> + +<p>"And I have paid my debts," finished Leo. "So +I have, and I can explain how I paid them; also my +movements on that night." And he forthwith related +to Pratt the story he had already told Mrs Gabriel. +The man believed him much more readily than the +woman. But then Pratt liked Leo, and Mrs Gabriel—as +she had shown plainly—hated him with all the intensity +of her stern and cruel nature.</p> + +<p>"You say that Hale lent you the money?" asked +Pratt.</p> + +<p>"As I told you—in gold."</p> + +<p>"And he now denies that he did so?"</p> + +<p>"So Mrs Gabriel says. But I shall see for myself +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>Pratt reflected, staring into the fire. "It seems to +be a conspiracy," he said slowly. "I wonder what +his game is?"</p> + +<p>Leo remembered that Sybil had also been uncomfortable +when she heard that Hale intended to lend +him the money. A thought flashed into his mind as +Pratt spoke. "I believe that Hale is in love with +Sibyl," said he.</p> + +<p>"Humph! And his sister Edith is in love with +you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> + +<p>Leo coloured a little at this very direct remark. "I +believe she is," said he, with an embarrassed laugh; +"but I assure you, Pratt, the feeling is not reciprocal. +The only woman I have ever loved, whom I +shall ever love, is Sybil Tempest. And the course +of our true love does not run smooth," he finished, +with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"A conspiracy," repeated Pratt, who was not paying +much attention to what Leo was saying. "Yes! +I believe it to be one. By lending you that money +Hale hoped to get you into his power, so as to +induce you to give up Sibyl to him and marry Edith."</p> + +<p>"If he ever did have so ridiculous an idea," said +Leo, angrily, "he has thrown away the fruits of it by +denying the loan."</p> + +<p>"No! The unforseen has happened and he is simply +making use of the new development," said Pratt. +"You are accused of having sold this cup to pay your +debts. If Hale acknowledged that he gave you the +money he would take away the motive and would in +a measure prove your innocence. That is exactly what +he will not do. Unless—" he hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Unless I give up Sybil and marry his sister?"</p> + +<p>"Precisely," replied Pratt. "However, this is only +a theory. You had better wait until you see Hale +before you make up your mind. I don't mind making +you a bet, Leo, that what Mrs Gabriel says is +true."</p> + +<p>"Do you think Hale will deny the loan?"</p> + +<p>"I am certain of it. I have studied human nature +a great deal during a not uneventful life, and if ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +I saw a crafty scoundrel Hale is the man. I wish +you had told me that he was the friend who was to +lend you the money. I would rather have found it +for you myself than have let you go to him."</p> + +<p>"I wish I had spoken out. But it's too late now. +And how did I know the man would be such a scoundrel? +Not that we yet can be certain that he is, Pratt. +Only the worst of it is," added Leo, wrinkling his +young brows, "that I cannot now repay the money."</p> + +<p>"If he denies the debt you will not need to repay +it."</p> + +<p>"I shall insist upon doing so when I am able!" +cried Leo, vehemently. "But Mrs Gabriel won't +help me."</p> + +<p>"I will let you have the three hundred pounds," +said Pratt.</p> + +<p>"I don't see why you should, Pratt. As it is, you +are too kind to me. No! I will borrow no more. +This interview with Mrs Gabriel has fixed my mind +as to enlisting. I shall see if I can't arrange about the +money for Hale. I have some jewellery and other +things I can sell. In some way or another I'll contrive +to get out of his debt."</p> + +<p>"He won't admit that you are in his debt," persisted +Pratt; "but it is no use talking all night about +these things, Leo. You have a friend in me, and as I +know you are innocent I'll get you out of this trouble +somehow. To-morrow you can see Hale and Miss +Sybil."</p> + +<p>"I'll see him first," said Leo, grimly, after which +speech—ominous of evil—he retired to bed. Worn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[]</a></span> +out with his long journey and by the anxiety attendant +on his new position—which was that of an absolute +pauper—he soon fell into a dreamless sleep. Pratt +remained in the library and for a long time sat watching +the dying fire. He also saw trouble ahead, but it +had to do more with himself than with his guest.</p> + +<p>Since the illness of Pearl, Sybil had attended to the +decorating of the altar. Sometimes she had the assistance +of Peggy Bathurst. But Mrs Bathurst, still +fearful lest Peggy might become engaged to the curate, +would not let her come as often to the chapel as Sybil +wished. So Miss Tempest usually decked the altar +alone. The morning after Leo's arrival she was in +the chapel at mid-day with her arms full of flowers. +Taking these and the altar vessels into a quiet corner +she began to arrange the blossoms. While thus engaged +she heard a step. At once she sprang to her +feet with the love-light in her eye. She had no need +to see the newcomer. Her heart told her it was Leo.</p> + +<p>"My dear!" She took him into her arms. "How +glad I am to see you again! Oh, Leo, I have so many +sad things to tell you."</p> + +<p>"I know all, my love," said the young man, kissing +her. "I arrived last night and saw Mrs Gabriel. <i>She</i> +did not spare me."</p> + +<p>"Your mother?"</p> + +<p>"She is no more mother of mine, Sybil. She told +me she hated me; called me a thief, and turned me +out of the castle. I shall never enter it again—never! +Last night I slept at Pratt's. He was a good Samaritan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +and took me in. This morning I went to see +Hale."</p> + +<p>Sybil clapped her hands. "Oh, then it is all right!" +she cried joyfully. "I could have told my father that +you had got the money from him, but I thought it better +you should do so yourself."</p> + +<p>"I can't do that without Hale calling me a liar."</p> + +<p>"Leo! What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"That in the eyes of the people here I am both a liar +and a thief. Hale, whom I saw this morning, denies +having given me the money."</p> + +<p>"Has he spread that all about the town?" asked +Sybil, scarcely able to believe her ears.</p> + +<p>"No, he is too clever for that. Now I know, Sybil, +why he gave me the money in gold. So that he might +be able to deny the debt if occasion arose, as it has +done. Had he given me a cheque his signature would +have given him the lie."</p> + +<p>"But what does he mean by denying that he lent +you the money?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll give you Pratt's theory. I believe it is +the true one," and the young man rapidly repeated the +conversation he had had with the American on the +previous evening. "So you see you were right, Sybil."</p> + +<p>"I knew it," said Sybil in low tones. "Do you remember +how I told you on the day of Mrs Bathurst's +picnic? What is to be done now?"</p> + +<p>"There is nothing to be done save to fight," said +Leo, fiercely, "and fight I shall. I had intended to enlist, +but I shall not do that until I have cleared my +name. To leave here now would be to give colour to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> +the lies that are being told about me. I shall stay +with Pratt. He is my friend, and you, Sybil, also. +We three will fight it out."</p> + +<p>"Mr Raston is also your friend, Leo. He says he +does not believe for one moment that you did what you +are accused of doing."</p> + +<p>"Thank God for that! How can anyone who knows +me believe me guilty of so terrible a crime? To rob a +church! Think of it, Sybil. Your father? Does he +believe I did this vile thing?"</p> + +<p>"He suspends his judgment, Leo, until he has heard +your defence."</p> + +<p>"Alas, Sybil, what defence can I make save state +that I am innocent? I cannot make Hale confess that +he lent me the money, and I cannot prove, independently +of him, that he did so. This morning he +coolly denied all knowledge of the loan, but said that +for my sake he would not speak of the visit I had made +or the threats I had used."</p> + +<p>"Did you use threats, Leo?"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I did, dear. But is it not enough to +make an honest man's blood boil to be placed in such +a position? I threatened to give him a thrashing. But +when I remembered that he was a cripple, of course I +could not do that. But for all his physical weakness, +he is a venomous beast. No, Sybil, without Hale I can +do nothing." He paused for a moment, and then went +on. "I think the best way to do is to wait," he said. +"If this is a plot on Hale's part he will continue to +carry it out—that is, he will make some proposition to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +me about giving you up. I don't suppose he will want +me to marry his sister, now that I am called a thief."</p> + +<p>Sybil placed her hand over his mouth. "You must +not be so bitter, Leo. I will not have you revile yourself +in this way. Don't you think you had better see +my father?"</p> + +<p>"What good would that do, my dear? I can only +tell the story I tell you, and as I have no evidence to +prove its truth, he probably will not believe me. No, +Sybil. It is best for me to remain quietly with Pratt, +and wait until Hale makes some move. Besides, Pratt +is a clever man of the world, and can guide me. No +doubt everyone will be disagreeable, but I must put up +with that. I refuse to go away, as though the charge +against me were true. You will see me sometimes, +Sybil?"</p> + +<p>"Whenever I can," she replied; "but it will not be +easy. When my father hears that you are back he will +be more particular than ever to keep me from meeting +you."</p> + +<p>Leo mused. "I wonder why he has changed so, +Sybil? He used to like me."</p> + +<p>"I think Mrs Gabriel said something which has +turned him against you."</p> + +<p>"Very probably," replied Leo, bitterly; "for some +reason she hates me. But all is at an end between us. +I wait here, Sybil, to vindicate my character, and afterwards +I shall carry out my plan of enlisting. I may be +years away from you, but you will be true, I know."</p> + +<p>"I swear to be true, Leo! I marry no one but you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not even Hale," whispered Leo, straining her to +his breast.</p> + +<p>Sybil laughed. "If I disliked him before, think how +I hate him now!" she said. "He is acting a mean +part. But his punishment will come. Now go, Leo, +for my father may come at any moment."</p> + +<p>The two lovers embraced and parted. Leo went +away much comforted by the belief Sybil had in his innocence. +He returned to The Nun's House, and spent +the day with Pratt talking over the position of affairs. +It was a disagreeable position, and at the present moment +he could see no way of mending it. Hale alone +could prove his innocence, and Hale refused to speak +out. Bitterly did Leo regret that he had ever been +tempted to believe in this fox.</p> + +<p>The days went by, and the position remained much +the same as it was. By this time the excitement consequent +on the loss of the cup had died out. Leo remained +mostly within doors, as he did not care about +meeting the cold looks of those he had known from +childhood. Mrs Gabriel gave no sign, but secluded +herself within her own grounds. Once or twice Pratt +saw her on Leo's behalf, but he could do nothing with +her. However, he told Leo to keep up his spirits, that +all would come right. But how this alteration was +to be brought about he did not say. Pratt knew when +to keep his own counsel.</p> + +<p>Towards the end of the week Mrs Jeal returned. +Her father was much better, she said, and she had +come back to look after Pearl. The mad girl was now +out of bed, but, as yet, unable to leave the cottage.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +Someone had conveyed to her the news of the loss—Raston +shrewdly suspected Joan Barker—but, strange +to say, she was not so upset about it as had been +expected.</p> + +<p>"The Master has taken His cup to use in heaven," +she told the curate, who often came to sit with her. +"When he thinks fit he will bring it back again to the +altar."</p> + +<p>Raston was puzzled by this queer view, but as it +prevented the girl from fretting he outwardly agreed +with her. Having settled the matter thus, Pearl rarely +referred to the loss. She was quite content to wait +until the cup was restored. Taking a hint from Raston, +Mrs Jeal never discussed the matter. All the same +she knew more about the missing cup than the Colester +people knew. And it was in this way she explained +the matter to Harold Raston.</p> + +<p>"Sir," she said one day shortly after her return, +"I want you to get me speech with his reverence. I +wish to make a statement to him."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, Mrs Jeal! What is the statement?"</p> + +<p>"It is about the cup, sir. But I prefer to speak to +the vicar and to Mr Haverleigh. I hear he is staying +with Mr Pratt."</p> + +<p>"I believe he is. Some foolish people accuse him +of having stolen the cup, Mrs Jeal. I hope you will +be able to give us some information likely to lead to +its discovery, so that Mr Haverleigh's character can +be cleared."</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal screwed up her mouth, and sent out a flash +from her wicked eyes. She absolutely refused to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> +speak save in the presence of Mr Tempest and Leo. +Therefore, after a consultation with the vicar, Raston +went to see Leo, and asked him to come to the Vicarage. +Leo was surprised at the summons, and not very +willing to obey it. He resented the way in which he +had been treated by Mr Tempest. Still, from what +was hinted by Mrs Jeal, he fancied that she might be +able to clear his character, so he accompanied Raston +to the place of meeting.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal was already in the study, seated beside the +vicar's desk. She was dressed in her best, and looked +demure as any cat. Tempest reddened when he saw +Leo, and held out his hand. Leo refused to take it. +"No, sir," he said coldly; "you have not treated me +well. I thought you were my friend, but I find you +believe me to be a thief."</p> + +<p>"Pardon me," replied Tempest, suddenly growing +hard, "I do not say that you took the cup. I refuse +to believe anything against you until I hear what you +have to say in your own defence."</p> + +<p>"I make no defence, Mr Tempest," rejoined Leo. +"Sybil believes me guiltless; so does Pratt; Raston +also is my friend. I can only wait until I am vindicated +by time. Or perhaps Mrs Jeal will prove to you +that I did not steal the cup," and Leo looked at the +crafty face of the woman.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal at a nod from the vicar, rose and folded +her hands. "I can prove that you did steal it, Mr +Haverleigh," she said. "I saw you pawn the cup in +London."</p> + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER X</h3> + +<h5>THE PRICE OF SILENCE</h5> + + +<p>For a few moments there was a dead silence. Tempest +looked gravely shocked. Mrs Jeal triumphant, +and the curate much disturbed. He had been so certain +of Leo's innocence that this precise evidence took +his breath away. Leo was thunderstruck, and passed +his hand across his eyes to make sure that he was not +dreaming.</p> + +<p>"You saw me pawn what I never had in my possession!" +he said quietly.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal shrugged her plump shoulders. "I can +say no more than I know," she said. "Of course, +I quite expected you would deny my story."</p> + +<p>"I have not heard it yet," replied the accused man, +slowly; "and I shall be glad to hear it. At the +present moment, I declare most solemnly that I never +took the cup. I did not even know it was stolen +until I returned from London."</p> + +<p>"Where you had pawned it," finished Mrs Jeal.</p> + +<p>The vicar interposed. He was struck by Leo's +calmness, which was not that of a guilty person. "I +think you had better tell your story, Mrs Jeal," he +said; "then we can hear Mr Haverleigh."</p> + +<p>"I thank you for giving me a fair trial, Mr Tempest,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> +said Leo, quietly, and sat down with his eyes +on the face of the woman.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal cleared her throat, and in a slow voice began +to speak. She rather enjoyed her position, and +made the most of it. "But before speaking of what +I know, sir," she said, looking at the vicar, "might +I ask if it is true that you have offered a reward for +the recovery of the cup?"</p> + +<p>"I have not done so myself," said Tempest, gravely; +"but Mr Pratt, who presented the cup to me, +has offered the sum of fifty pounds to whomsoever +will give information likely to lead to its recovery. +If you know of anything, Mrs Jeal—"</p> + +<p>"I'll get the reward," said the woman, a greedy +light in her small eyes. "Yes, sir, I do know of +something. I went up to Battersea, in London, to see +my father, who is ill. He is a retired gardener, your +reverence, and has invested his savings in a seed +shop. My mother is still alive, and she looks after +him. They do fairly well out of the shop, and, of +course, your reverence, I give them some assistance, +as becomes an only child."</p> + +<p>"This is not to the point, Mrs Jeal!"</p> + +<p>"I am coming to the point shortly," said the woman, +with a look at Leo, who made no remark; "but +it is necessary that your reverence should understand +how it was that I came to see Mr Haverleigh taking +the cup to Old Penny's pawnshop."</p> + +<p>Leo could bear it no longer, and started to his +feet. "It is absolutely false!" he exclaimed passionately. +"I did <i>not</i> pawn the cup. I never had it in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> +my possession. I was never in Battersea in my life, +and I do not know the name of Penny."</p> + +<p>"Better wait and hear the story, Leo," said Tempest +in a more friendly tone. He was beginning to +be impressed by the bearing of the young man. Even +in the face of Mrs Jeal's evidence, he thought Leo +might be innocent. After all, the evidence was circumstantial, +and that is not always to be relied upon. +"You shall have every justice," he said, patting Leo's +shoulder.</p> + +<p>"I know what I know," said Mrs Jeal when Leo +sat down again. "One evening last week I was out +late. I had been to get some medicine for my dear +father. In Barry Street there is a pawnshop kept by +an old man called Penny. I have known it most of +my life. As I passed I saw Mr Haverleigh ahead of +me. He did not stop immediately at the shop."</p> + +<p>"You saw <i>me</i>!" cried Leo, bewildered. "How was +I dressed?"</p> + +<p>"In a blue serge suit, with a hard, fawn-coloured +hat," said Mrs Jeal, glibly. "Over your arm you +carried a coat, and under it you had a parcel. It was +the cup."</p> + +<p>"You are telling a pack of lies!" said Leo, angrily. +"How did you know the cup was in the parcel?"</p> + +<p>"Wait and you shall hear," said Mrs Jeal, tartly. +"I do not care about being hurried. You passed the +shop; I recognised you at once and wondered what +you were doing in so poor a quarter of the town. Of +course I knew that the cup had been stolen, but I never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +thought that you had it under your arm. You had a +silk muffler round your throat although the evening +was warm, and apparently you wished to escape observation. +I was determined to find out what you +were doing so, I followed you. You went round the +block until it grew darker. Then you returned to the +shop, and entered. I waited on the other side of the +road. In half-an-hour you came out again. You +had the great-coat on and your hands in your pocket. +After looking up and down the street to see if anyone +was observing you I saw you walk rapidly to the end. +I did not follow as I was anxious to see why you +had been to the pawnshop."</p> + +<p>"Why all this anxiety, Mrs Jeal?" asked Tempest, +annoyed.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir! of course I know that Mrs Gabriel does +not approve of Mr Haverleigh's behaviour—"</p> + +<p>"That has nothing to do with the matter," interposed +Mr Tempest, sternly, and Leo gave him a grateful +look. "All you have to do is to state facts."</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal dropped an ironical curtsey. "Very good, +sir," said she; "but I must say that I thought Mrs +Gabriel had cut off Mr Haverleigh's allowance and +that he was pawning some jewellery to keep himself +in bread."</p> + +<p>"I never pawned anything in my life," said Leo, +disgusted at the plain spite of the woman. "Go on, +Mrs Jeal. You saw this man Penny, no doubt?"</p> + +<p>"I did that!" cried the woman, triumphantly. "I +have known him for many years. I went into the +shop and into his back parlour. On the table I saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> +the cup. Yes, gentlemen, you no doubt are surprised. +But it was the very cup I had so often seen on the +altar of the chapel."</p> + +<p>"It is wholly false!" cried Leo, rising. "I never +pawned the cup. Someone must have impersonated +me."</p> + +<p>"It was yourself, Mr Haverleigh," insisted the woman. +"I had a talk with Old Penny, but of course +I said nothing about having seen the cup before. I +did not mention that I knew you. Penny told me +that he had given you four hundred for the cup. It +was worth much more he said, and he was chuckling +over the bargain he had made. I left the cup in his +possession and returned home. Several times I went +to the shop to hear if you had redeemed the cup. But +it was still with Penny. I then had to attend to my +father and gave the matter little thought. But when +I returned and heard how you, Mr Haverleigh, had +stolen the cup, it became my duty to let his reverence +know what you had done with it. And I hear," added +Mrs Jeal, with a malignant smile, "that your debts +have been paid."</p> + +<p>"Who told you so?" asked Raston, who hitherto +had been silent.</p> + +<p>"Mrs Gabriel. I went to tell her what Mr Haverleigh +had done. She said that she expected as much, +as she had refused to give him the money to pay his +debts. So that is all I know. I am prepared to take +my oath in a court of law that this is true."</p> + +<p>There was a pause. Then Tempest observed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +quietly, "If that is all you have to tell, Mrs Jeal, you +can go. I will speak to Mr Haverleigh."</p> + +<p>"But will I not—"</p> + +<p>"You will do nothing," interrupted the vicar. "Go +away and hold your tongue, lest you get into trouble."</p> + +<p>"You're going to let him off, I see," said Mrs Jeal, +with a toss of her grey head. "Well, I have done my +share. Good-day, gentlemen," and she sailed out of +the room quite satisfied that she had ruined Leo.</p> + +<p>When the three were alone Tempest addressed Leo, +who sat silently beside the table. "Leo," he said sadly, +"I do not want you to get into trouble. If you +will confess to me that you did what Mrs Jeal says +I will see about getting the cup back and say nothing +more about the matter. I will give you money to +leave the town."</p> + +<p>"I tell you I am innocent!" cried Leo passionately. +"Why do you want me to confess a crime of which +I am not guilty? I shall not leave Colester. Here +I stay until my innocence is acknowledged."</p> + +<p>"But the evidence against you," urged the vicar, +sorely perplexed. "You were seen about the chapel +on the night the cup was stolen. Your debts are paid, +yet Mrs Gabriel did not give you the money, and you +have none of your own. And now Mrs Jeal says +she saw you pawn the sacred vessel."</p> + +<p>"I admit that the evidence is strong," said Leo, +recovering his calmness. "All the same I am guiltless. +I was at the chapel on that night. I was to meet +Sybil since you had forbidden me to meet her."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Please leave my daughter's name out of this," +said Tempest, an angry spot on each cheek. He was +annoyed at the mention of the meeting, but in the presence +of Raston he controlled himself out of pride.</p> + +<p>"I can't leave Sybil's name out of it," said Leo, +sadly. "I would if I could; but she is as anxious as +I am that I should recover my good name. I did meet +Sybil, and she will tell you that I left her at the door +of the Vicarage before ten o'clock. I therefore could +not have stolen the cup. I got the money to pay my +debts from Frank Hale."</p> + +<p>"From Hale? Then he will say as much!" cried +the vicar. "This will go far to prove your innocence, +Leo."</p> + +<p>"I don't think Hale will help me much," said Leo, +coldly. "However, we can talk of that later, or you +can see Hale for yourself, Mr Tempest. But I declare +most solemnly that Hale lent me the money. +As to pawning the cup, I said before, and I say again, +that I did no such thing. I did not take the cup. I +was never in Battersea, and I do not know the man +Mrs Jeal calls Old Penny. If you want to have me +arrested, Mr Tempest, you will find me at Mr Pratt's. +Far from wishing to run away, I court an investigation."</p> + +<p>"Leo," stammered the vicar, restlessly, "I do not +want to get you into any trouble. If I can help—"</p> + +<p>"I am in the deepest trouble," returned Leo, "and +more will not matter. You can have me arrested if +you like. I know that Sybil believes me to be innocent, +so does Pratt. I do not care for anyone else's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> +opinion. I think you are treating me cruelly, Mr +Tempest, and some day you will be sorry that you +showed so little charity. I go now, and I shall not +see you again until such time as you give evidence +against me in court," and with this last bitter speech +Leo walked out of the room with his head in the air.</p> + +<p>The two clergymen looked at one another. They +did not know very well what to say. Tempest sat +down with a sigh. "I do not know what to think."</p> + +<p>"I do," said Raston, sharply. "Notwithstanding +the woman's story, I still believe that Haverleigh is +guiltless. Circumstances have so culminated that he +appears to be in the wrong. There is a mystery about +the whole of this affair, and it seems to me that Haverleigh +has some enemy."</p> + +<p>"That may be so," admitted Tempest, struck by +this remark. "But what is to be done? I can't have +Leo arrested. Even if he were guilty, which I am +now inclined to doubt, I cannot ruin his life."</p> + +<p>"What we need," replied the curate, "is some +clever man who will get to the bottom of this. If +you can spare me for a few days, Mr Tempest, I will +go to London and see Marton?"</p> + +<p>"Marton?" repeated the vicar. "Who is Marton?"</p> + +<p>Raston laughed. "Such is fame," said he, lightly. +"Marton is one of the best detectives in England. He +was leaving college when I went up, and we met for +a few weeks. When I was curate in the Battersea +slums I met him again, as he has a wide acquaintance +with the criminal classes. We renewed our college<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> +friendship, and I still write to him. Now, with your +permission, Mr Tempest, I will put this case into +Marton's hands. It is just the kind of mystery he +would love to solve."</p> + +<p>"The man is a gentleman, I suppose, Raston?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. He is my friend. I know the pawnshop +of Old Penny. He is a Scotsman, if you can +grasp the idea of a Scotsman keeping a pawnshop. I'll +tell Marton the whole case, and we can then go to this +shop. If possible, we may get back the cup."</p> + +<p>"Who is to pay four hundred pounds for it?" asked +Tempest.</p> + +<p>"We'll see," replied Raston, quietly. "I shall do +nothing without Marton's advice. Have I your permission?"</p> + +<p>Tempest nodded. "I think it is the best thing you +can do. Go to London and keep me advised of everything. +I should like to know Mr Marton's opinion of +the matter."</p> + +<p>"It is probable he'll come down here later on," said +the curate; "but in the meantime, Mr Tempest, do +nothing to Haverleigh."</p> + +<p>"I promise you that," replied the vicar, and the +matter being settled in this way, the two men shook +hands. Afterwards Raston went to prepare for his +departure.</p> + +<p>While this was taking place, Leo was talking in the +chapel with Hale. Haverleigh had gone up to see if +Sybil was about, as he wished to tell her of this new +development of the conspiracy against him. Leo felt +sure by this time that there was a conspiracy, and that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +Hale was concerned in it. He was therefore rather +pleased when he saw the cripple walking up the hill +before him. Leo made up his mind to force the truth +out of him, and hurried on so as to catch him. Hale +heard his steps, and turned with a queer smile on his +face. He was not at all abashed by the presence of +the man to whom he had told a lie, but, on the contrary, +welcomed him in the most friendly manner. +Haverleigh was irritated by this false behaviour. +"Either you think me innocent, and wish to be my +friend," he said, "or you believe that I am guilty and +have some reason to be feigning good fellowship. I +must have some understanding with you, Hale. Come +into the chapel. We will not be disturbed there as it +is mid-day and everyone is at dinner," and Leo, without +waiting for a reply, entered the door.</p> + +<p>The chapel was empty; even Sybil was not in sight. +Hearing the halting steps of the cripple behind him, +Leo led the way into the crusaders' chapel, where he +sat down beside one of the tombs. Hale paused before +him and looked down in a whimsical manner. +"You have chosen a strange place," he said, looking +round.</p> + +<p>"It is a sacred place," replied Leo, coolly; "and you +may be the less inclined to tell lies. I presume you +have some religion."</p> + +<p>"How dare you say I tell lies?" cried the baronet, +scowling.</p> + +<p>"Because I have had some experience of your capability +in that direction. And now I should like to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> +know what you mean by denying that you lent me the +three hundred pounds?"</p> + +<p>Hale shrugged his unshapely shoulders and sat +down with a painful effort, placing his crutch beside +him. "You were fool enough to speak to me in the +presence of my sister," he said. "I could only say +what I did say. Now that we are alone I am willing +to answer any questions you may put to me."</p> + +<p>"You will answer truthfully, I hope?"</p> + +<p>"Assuredly. It is time we understood one another. +Go on."</p> + +<p>"You lent me three hundred pounds?" said Leo, +in the form of a query.</p> + +<p>"In gold," assented Sir Frank, coolly.</p> + +<p>"Why did you lend it to me in gold?"</p> + +<p>"A whim of mine."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," said Leo, slowly. "You had +some scheme in your head. I believe you wanted to +deny the loan if you found it convenient."</p> + +<p>"You are very clever, Haverleigh. That is just +what I did want. Had I given you a cheque you +could have proved the loan. Even notes might have +shown the truth. But I wanted to be free to act as +I pleased, so I went to the trouble of getting gold +from the bank."</p> + +<p>"Then it seems to me that you had this cup stolen +by some confederate, and intended to lay the blame +on me so as to get me into a trap!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, no," protested Hale, so loudly that Leo +believed he was speaking the truth. "The stealing +of the cup, and the subsequent blame being thrown on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +you, was unexpected. But I took advantage of the +opportunity. You can prove your innocence only by +my help, Haverleigh, and I give my evidence only +on conditions."</p> + +<p>"I was prepared for such a speech," said Leo, +calmly; "but it won't do, my friend. You must go to +Tempest and tell him that you gave me three hundred +pounds to pay my debts. Perhaps then he may +disbelieve this ridiculous story of my being a thief."</p> + +<p>Hale sat up alertly. "Then you didn't steal the +cup?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. How dare you suggest such a +thing? I suspect you know more about the loss of +the cup than I do."</p> + +<p>The baronet looked down on his crooked leg and +smiled ironically. "Do you mean to infer that I +thrust this misshapen body through that window?"</p> + +<p>"No! But you have plenty of money to pay for +any rascality."</p> + +<p>"I am not so fond of parting with money," said +Hale, dryly. "I know nothing about the cup. But +I really thought you stole it. Mrs Jeal's tale—"</p> + +<p>"Ha!" Leo started up. "She told you that? +Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because she is a woman who is fond of money," +said Hale, quietly. "Knowing that my sister is in +love with you, Haverleigh, she came to threaten me. +She declared that she would proclaim you a thief if +I did not pay her. It was her belief that such a course +would break my sister's heart."</p> + +<p>"And what did you do?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I told her I would inform the police if she dared +to speak to me in that manner again. I believe she +then went to the vicar. But if I come forward, Haverleigh, +and state that I lent you the money, it will +go a long way towards clearing you. Of course, I do +not understand this pawning business. The woman +says she saw you."</p> + +<p>"She saw my double, or someone dressed up to resemble +me," said Leo, vehemently; "but she did not +see me. I was never near the shop."</p> + +<p>"So you say," said Hale, smiling cruelly. "However, +you must see that I can help you. I will do so +on one condition—no, on two."</p> + +<p>"I can guess the two," said Leo, looking at his +mean face. "You want me to surrender Sybil so +that you may marry her, and to make your sister my +wife? Is that not so?"</p> + +<p>Hale smiled again. "You save me the trouble of +an explanation," he said.</p> + +<p>"Then I absolutely refuse to do what you want, +Hale. I respect your sister, who is a kind and good-hearted +girl; but I do not love her, and not for all +the gold in the world would I marry her. On the +other hand, nothing will induce me to give up Sybil. +She shall never become your wife. I wonder you +have the impertinence to propose such a thing to +me!"</p> + +<p>"If you don't do what I ask," said Hale, very pale +and venomous, "I shall refuse to help you. I shall +deny that I lent you the money."</p> + +<p>"Deny what you please!" Leo walked to the door<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> +of the chapel. "Everything is in your favour, and +you can have me arrested if you choose. But I decline +to sell my love to buy my safety. Good-day, Hale," +and he marched away.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XI</h3> + +<h5>THE LONDON DETECTIVE</h5> + + +<p>Sybil had seen Leo go into the room where her +father was waiting with Mrs Jeal, and wondered what +the woman had to do with her lover. She was called +out to see a sick woman on behalf of her father, and +on her way home bethought herself how she could see +Leo. The girl was in a perfect fever of nervous fear +for the young man. Then it struck her that the best +thing to do would be to call at Mr Pratt's. No sooner +had she made up her mind to brave her father's anger +in this respect than she went at once to The Nun's +House. She feared if she delayed that her courage +might evaporate.</p> + +<p>The door was opened by Adam, who explained that +Mr Pratt was from home. "He went into Portfront +to-day, miss," said Adam. "I only hope he will be +able to get back this night, as there is a sea-fog coming +up the Channel."</p> + +<p>"There is no danger of his losing the road, Adam," +said Sybil, cheerfully; "but I don't want to see Mr +Pratt. It is Mr Haverleigh who—"</p> + +<p>"He is in the library, miss," replied Adam, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> +admitted her into the house. When Sybil found herself +alone with Leo she had a qualm. What would +her father say should he ever come to know that she +had paid such a visit?</p> + +<p>Leo was seated at the desk, his face hidden in his +arms, looking most dejected. He lifted his head as +she entered, and, at the sight of his face, Sybil forgot +all about her father and the impropriety of the visit. +At once she ran to her lover, and drew his head down +on to her breast with a look of almost divine pity. +"My darling Leo," she said, "I knew that you were +miserable, and I have come to comfort you."</p> + +<p>"How good of you, dear!" replied Haverleigh, +stroking her hair; "but your father? I did not think +he would let you come to me."</p> + +<p>"My father does not know that I am here," said +Sybil, blushing, as he placed a chair for her; "but I +knew you had been to see him, and I could not rest +until I heard all about the interview. Was he very +angry?"</p> + +<p>"No; I think he is inclined to believe in my innocence +in spite of Mrs Jeal's story. And Heaven knows +she has painted me black enough!"</p> + +<p>"I wondered what Mrs Jeal was doing at the Vicarage, +Leo; I don't like that woman. She looks sly +and wicked. But what story can she have to tell about +you, dear?"</p> + +<p>"Sybil, she says that she saw me pawning the cup in +London," and while Sybil, filled with surprise, sat looking +at his agitated face, Leo told all that Mrs Jeal had +said. "So you see, dear," he continued, "that there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +is some sort of conspiracy against me. I believe Hale +is in it too."</p> + +<p>"It is a strange story," she said musingly. "I wonder +who it was could have impersonated you? Did +the man give your name?"</p> + +<p>"By Jove!" cried Leo, starting up, "I never +thought of asking. Yet the rascal must have given it +for the pawn-ticket. Sybil, I can't help thinking that +Hale knows something about this. He saw me in the +chapel an hour ago and said that he would make a +statement to the effect that he had paid me the money +if I would give you up and marry his sister."</p> + +<p>Sybil's eyes flashed. "How dare he?" she cried. +"He wants to drive you into a corner, Leo. What +did you say?"</p> + +<p>"I refused to have anything to do with him, dear. +He can join with your father in having me arrested +for all I care. I would rather that than give up my +Sybil! But you see the position. What is to be +done?"</p> + +<p>"Can't you go to London and see this man +Penny?"</p> + +<p>"No. I dare not leave the place. Your father and +the others would think that I was seeking safety in +flight. I might be arrested before I got as far as +Portfront. I don't say that your father would go so +far but there is always the chance. I am sure Mrs +Gabriel would not counsel mercy. For some unaccountable +reason she hates me thoroughly."</p> + +<p>"My poor Leo!" Sybil stroked his cheek. "Fate +is very cruel to you. But never mind. In spite of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +everything I will be true to you. And what is more, +Leo, I'll help you to prove your innocence."</p> + +<p>"How can you do that, my love?"</p> + +<p>She pursed up her pretty mouth, and, crossing her +slender feet, looked on the ground with an air of portentous +gravity. "I don't believe this story of Mrs +Jeal's," she said; "there is something behind it. As +you cannot go to London—and I see it would be foolish +of you to go away from Colester at present—we +must do the best we can through the newspapers."</p> + +<p>Leo looked at her in surprise, and knelt beside her. +"What can we do with the newspapers, darling?"</p> + +<p>"Put an advertisement in every London daily paper +saying that the cup has been lost, giving a description, +and offering a reward if any information is given +to <i>me</i>."</p> + +<p>"To <i>you</i>, Sybil! What would your father say?"</p> + +<p>"He won't know. Besides, Leo, darling, you are +more to me even than my father, and I am angry at +the unjust way in which you are being treated. I +will write out a number of these advertisements, and +send them up with post-office orders. The replies to +be sent to 'S. T. Colester Post-office.'"</p> + +<p>"But what good will that do?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you stupid darling! I have to think for two, +I see. Why, this pawnbroker—what is his name?—Penny. +Well, if Penny sees the advertisement, he +will recognise the cup from the description, and know +that it has been stolen. He will be afraid of getting +into trouble with the police, and he no doubt will +write saying that the cup was pawned with him and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> +that he will be willing to sell it back for the price paid. +Then we'll get it back, Leo. When I am certain, I'll +tell my father, and he will arrange about buying it +again."</p> + +<p>"Yes. But how does all this benefit me?"</p> + +<p>"This Penny creature will explain who pawned it, +and he will give the name of the person Mrs Jeal said +resembled you. He might do that if the matter were +made public by advertisement. If we approach him +privately he will very likely deny everything. We +can't be too careful, Leo."</p> + +<p>"But the reward," said Haverleigh, puzzled. "I +have no money; you have no money. What will you +do?"</p> + +<p>"When the cup is back, or if information is given +likely to recover it, I am sure my father can arrange +about the money with Mrs Gabriel. Now do not say +a word, Leo. She has nothing to do with you now. +And, after all," added Sybil, naïvely, "I don't see why +any money need pass. This is a trap I am laying for +that pawnbroker. That is if Mrs Jeal's story is true, +which I am inclined to doubt. I'll put the advertisement +in on chance, Leo, and see what comes of it."</p> + +<p>"But it is such a mad idea," remonstrated the +young man, who could not follow all these feminine +arguments. "Let me tell Pratt about your suggestion. +He will be able to advise us."</p> + +<p>Sybil rose to her feet and shook her head obstinately. +"If you say a word to Mr Pratt I'll never +forgive you. Let me try this experiment all alone,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> +Leo, dear. It can do no harm, and it might do a lot +of good. We must not tell anyone about it."</p> + +<p>"Sybil, I kept the fact of my borrowing that money +from Hale a secret, and I have regretted it ever since. +Let us ask Pratt's advice."</p> + +<p>"No, Leo." Sybil was still obstinate. "I want +to try this myself. If it fails it can do no harm, and +if it succeeds I shall have the joy of knowing that it +was I who got you out of this trouble. Now promise +not to tell!"</p> + +<p>At first Leo refused. He did not want Sybil to +mix herself up in this disagreeable case even for his +sake. But she used such endearments, and kept to +her point with such pertinacity, that he gave in. It +was useless to contend against Sybil when she set her +heart on getting anything. She never would give in, +however discouraged. Therefore, before she left the +library, she had drawn out an advertisement with the +assistance of Leo, in which the appearance of the cup +and its Latin inscription were carefully set down. A +reward of fifty pounds was offered, and the answers +were to be sent to S. T., at the Colester Post-office.</p> + +<p>"There!" said Sybil, when this document was completed, +"I have set my trap. Now we shall see who +will fall into it. I'll make a dozen copies at once, and +have them sent off by to-morrow. Not a word, Leo, +about this."</p> + +<p>"I will be silent, as I have promised. All the same, +I do not feel comfortable about your experiment. To +tell you the truth, Sybil, I can't see the sense of it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +Now, don't look angry, dear. I know it is all done out +of love for me."</p> + +<p>"I am not sure that you deserve my love," pouted +Sybil as he escorted her to the door. "You place all +kinds of obstacles in my way!"</p> + +<p>She was rather angry, for her heart was fully taken +up with the magnificence of her scheme. However, +Leo managed to calm her, and gain her forgiveness. +He was quite unaware of what he had done wrong. +But Sybil said that he had behaved disgracefully, so he +apologised. Then she said that she was a wicked +girl, and after kissing him ran away. All this was +very foolish, but very sweet. Leo often recalled that +interview to her in after days, and they both agreed +that they behaved like two most sensible people. But +at present Leo was too sad to enjoy the stolen meeting +as a true and loyal lover should have done.</p> + +<p>That same night the sea-fog rolled up thick and +white. Mr Pratt did not return home, at which non-arrival +Adam was not surprised. Mr Pratt was too +fond of his creature comforts to drive twenty miles +through a damp and clinging mist. Leo had the whole +house to himself, and Adam, who thought a good deal +of him, did his best to make him comfortable. He +consulted with the cook and gave Leo a capital little +dinner, together with a bottle of superfine Burgundy. +Then he supplied him with cigars of the best and +coffee of the finest, and left him comfortably seated +before the drawing-room fire. Under these circumstances +Leo felt happier than he had expected, seeing +at what a low ebb his fortunes were.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> + +<p>The position of the unfortunate young man was +undeniably hard. Here he was, deserted by his aunt, +Mrs Gabriel. She had taken him up, brought him up +to expect a large fortune, and then, for no cause at all, +had suddenly cast him out on the world to earn his +own living as best he could. And in addition to this, +although it was hardship enough, poor Leo's character +was gone. He was accused of a sordid crime, +and might have to answer for it to the law. He did +not see what defence he could make. Certainly, if he +acceded to Hale's terms, he could vindicate his position +in some measure by accounting for the sum of +money he had used to pay his debts. But in this case +Sybil would be lost to him. And what would life be +without Sybil? Altogether, Leo was in low spirits, +in spite of the fire and the Burgundy, and the memory +of that charming interview. But it was no use +lamenting, as he very truly observed to himself, so +he tried to shake off the feeling of depression and went +to bed. He was young, the world was large, and he +hoped in some way or another to sail out of these +troubled waters into a peaceful haven. Hope was the +silver lining to his cloud of black despair.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Raston had written to his friend Marton +a full account of the loss of the cup, of the accusation +by Mrs Jeal of Leo, and of the suspicions entertained +by the villagers concerning the probity of the +young man. For some days he heard nothing. Then +one evening Marton himself arrived unexpectedly at +Colester. He went at once to the curate's lodgings +and was received with great surprise.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My dear Marton, this is an unexpected pleasure," +said Raston, assisting his distinguished visitor to pull +off his coat. "I thought you would have written to +me about your visit to Penny."</p> + +<p>"I didn't go there," replied Marton, with a laugh. +"The fact is, Harold, I cannot quite understand this +case. You have not explained matters clearly enough +in your letter. I have set a detective to watch Penny +and Penny's shop, and I have come down to hear all +details from your own worshipful lips. But what a +foggy sort of place you have here! I have been driving +in your mail-coach through a kind of cotton-wool. +The guard thought we would never reach Colester. +I felt like a character of Dickens in that coach. You +are a primitive people here. Do you know I rather +like it!"</p> + +<p>Marton was a tall, slim, black-haired man, neatly +dressed in a tweed suit. He constantly smoked cigarettes, +and maintained a perfectly calm demeanour. +No one ever saw Marton excited. His face was +clean-shaven, and his grey eyes were sharp and piercing. +He looked what he was, a thorough gentleman, +and a remarkably shrewd, clever man. His fame as +a detective is so well known that it need hardly be +mentioned.</p> + +<p>"I must get you something to eat," said Raston.</p> + +<p>"No. I dined at Portfront before I left. Give me +a glass of port, and I can smoke a cigarette. This fire +is comfortable after the fog."</p> + +<p>"I have some excellent port, Marton. My dear +mother is under the impression that I am delicate, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +keeps me well supplied from my father's cellar. I +don't know what he says to it."</p> + +<p>"Being a clergyman, you had better not know," said +Marton, dryly. "Your father had a vocabulary of—There, +there, I'll say nothing more. I want my port, +my cigarette, and a full account of this case. It seems +to be an interesting one. I shouldn't have come +down otherwise, even for your sake, my dear Harold. +I have just twice as much business on hand as I can +do with. The detective life is not a happy one."</p> + +<p>Raston poured out a glass of port and placed it at +Marton's elbow. He watched his friend light a cigarette, +and himself filled his well-worn briar. Then, +when they were comfortably established, he related +all that he knew about the case. Marton listened with +his eyes on the fire, but made no observation until the +recital was finished. Indeed, even then he did not +seem inclined to talk.</p> + +<p>"Well?" said Raston, rather impatiently. "What +do you think?"</p> + +<p>"Wait a bit, my friend. It is a difficult case. I +am not prepared to give you an opinion straight away. +I must ask something about the people concerned in +it first. This Leo Haverleigh? What about him?"</p> + +<p>"He is a good man, and perfectly honest. I should +as soon have suspected myself of stealing the cup as +Leo. And I have known him for some time."</p> + +<p>"Well, if anyone ought to know the truth about a +man's character I should think a clergyman was the +person," said Marton. "Is it not Balzac who says +the clergy are all in black because they see the worst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +side of human nature? Humph! Have you had to +put on mourning for this Haverleigh?"</p> + +<p>"No. He has been a trifle wild, and has got into +debt; but otherwise there is nothing wrong about him. +Besides," added the curate, "Miss Tempest is in love +with him, and they are engaged. She is a noble girl, +and would not love a scoundrel."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Marton, cynically, "I have seen a remark +of that sort in novels, my good man. In real +life—But that is neither here nor there. I should +like to meet this young man."</p> + +<p>"I can take you with me to-night. He is staying +with Mr Pratt at The Nun's House. It is no very +great distance away."</p> + +<p>"I can wait till to-morrow, Harold. I have no +very great desire to go out into this dense fog. By the +way, who is this Mr Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"A newcomer to Colester. He has been here off +and on for the last few months, and has decided to +settle here. He is well off, and has travelled a great +deal. His house is beautifully furnished."</p> + +<p>"Quite an acquisition to the neighbourhood!" said +Marton, drowsily. "I must make the acquaintance of +your people here to-morrow. Just now I feel inclined +to go to bed."</p> + +<p>"But tell me your opinion of this case?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said Marton, thoughtfully, "from all the +evidence you give me it seems that Haverleigh is +guilty."</p> + +<p>"No, Marton," replied the curate, "I'll never believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +that. And you forget that he claims to have +obtained the money from Sir Frank Hale."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, his possession of three hundred pounds +is easily proved. I shall see Sir Frank Hale and question +him. With regard to this Mrs Jeal, her story +seems credible enough. I don't suppose she has any +enmity against Haverleigh?"</p> + +<p>"No. But she is a woman I neither like nor trust. +A demure, cat-like creature, with a pair of wicked +eyes."</p> + +<p>"You make me long to see her," said Marton, waking +up. "That is just the sort of person I like to meet. +Do you think she may have stolen this cup herself, +and have invented this wild story to account for the +loss? I have heard of stranger and even more daring +things."</p> + +<p>"No. That is out of the question, Marton. On +the night the cup was stolen Mrs Jeal was watching +beside this sick girl—the mad creature I have told you +about. She is innocent."</p> + +<p>"Then I can only say that young Haverleigh seems +to be the most likely person. Only, the evidence +against him is so plain that I believe him to be guiltless. +I always mistrust too plain evidence, Raston. +It shows signs of having been prepared. Well, I'll +see this young man to-morrow, and have a chat. I +go by the face a great deal. Have you a photograph +of him?"</p> + +<p>"No," said the curate on the spur of the moment. +"Oh, yes, by the way! I took a group of our people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> +at a picnic. It is not a bad picture, although +small. You can see the whole lot at a glance."</p> + +<p>Raston got out the photograph, and Marton went +to the lamp to see it the more plainly. He glanced at +first carelessly at it, then his eyes grew large, his attention +became fixed. At that moment there was a +ring at the door. Marton looked at the clock. "You +have a late visitor," he said.</p> + +<p>"A call to see some sick woman probably. Why do +you look so closely at that picture, Marton?"</p> + +<p>"There is a face here I know. Who is that?"</p> + +<p>Raston looked. "That is the man with whom Haverleigh +is staying. Pratt!"</p> + +<p>"Pratt?" repeated Marton in a thoughtful tone. +"Has he a tattooed star on his cheek just under the +cheek bone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. And he is tattooed on the arm also—the +right arm. I expect he had it done while he was a +sailor."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" said Marton, dryly, "he says he was a +sailor."</p> + +<p>"Not to my knowledge; but he has mentioned something +of being an amateur one. Do you know him, +Marton?"</p> + +<p>"If he is the man I think he is, I know him better +than you do, Raston!"</p> + +<p>"Then who is—" Raston had just got thus far, +when the landlady opened the door to announce Mr +Pratt. "Here is the man himself, Marton."</p> + +<p>"Marton!" echoed Pratt, who was standing in the +doorway.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr—Angel," said Marton, looking straight +at him.</p> + +<p>Pratt stood for just half a moment as though +turned into stone. Then he turned on his heel, and +went out of the door and down the stairs as swiftly as +he was able. Without a word Marton darted after +him. By the time he reached the street door Pratt had +disappeared in the fog.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XII</h3> + +<h5>A SURPRISE</h5> + + +<p>Raston was astonished when Pratt disappeared so +suddenly, and Marton rushed out after him. He went +to the door, but his friend was not to be seen. It was +little use following, for he did not know which direction +the man had taken, and the fog was so thick +that he could hardly see the length of his hand before +him. The whole of the spur upon which Colester +was built was wrapped in a thick white mist, and those +who were abroad in the streets ran every chance of +being lost. The village was small, but the alleys +and streets were tortuous, so there would be no great +difficulty in mistaking the way.</p> + +<p>For over an hour the curate waited, yet Marton did +not return. He could only suppose that the detective +had followed Pratt, for what purpose he could not +divine. Evidently Marton knew something not altogether +to Pratt's advantage, and Pratt was aware of +this, else he would hardly have disappeared so expeditiously. +Moreover, Marton had addressed Pratt +as "Angel," which hinted that the American was +masquerading under a false name. Still wondering +at what was likely to be the outcome of this adventure, +Raston placed himself at the door and waited for the +return of his friend. But, as time passed, he made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +sure that the detective, a stranger in the village, had +lost his way.</p> + +<p>"I can't leave him out of doors all night," soliloquised +Raston, peering into the fog; "yet I do not +know where to look for him. However, his own good +sense must have told him not to go too far."</p> + +<p>It was now after ten o'clock, and most of the villagers +were in bed. Mr Raston then ventured upon +a course of which he would have thought twice had +the situation been less desperate. He placed his hands +to his mouth and sent an Australian "cooe" through +the night. This accomplishment had been taught to +him by an Australian cousin. As this especial cry +carried further than most shouts, Raston congratulated +himself that he knew how to give it. It was +the only way of getting into communication with +Marton.</p> + +<p>After shouting once or twice, Raston heard a faint +cry in response. It came from the right. So the +curate, feeling his way along the houses, started in +that direction, shouting at intervals. Shortly the answering +cry sounded close at hand, and after some +difficulty and inarticulate conversation the two men +met. With an ejaculation Marton grasped the hand +of his friend. "Thank Heaven you have found me," +said the detective. "I have been going round in a +circle."</p> + +<p>"Did you catch up with Pratt?" asked Raston.</p> + +<p>"No; the rascal disappeared into the fog, and I +lost myself in pursuit of him in about three minutes."</p> + +<p>"Why do you call him a rascal?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Because he is one; I know all about him. But I +never thought I should have stumbled on 'Mr Angel' +in this locality. I feel like Saul, who went out to look +for his asses and stumbled on a kingdom."</p> + +<p>"Is his name Angel?"</p> + +<p>"That is <i>one</i> of his names; he has at least a dozen. +Why he should have chosen one that fitted him so +badly I cannot say."</p> + +<p>By this time Raston, holding on to Marton's coat +sleeve, had guided the detective back to his lodgings. +The man was shivering with cold, for he had gone +out without coat or hat. He hastily swallowed a glass +of port, and began getting his things to go out. +"You're not going into that fog again!" protested +Raston. "You'll only get lost."</p> + +<p>"Not under your capable guidance," laughed the +detective. "You must guide me to the house of this +Mr Pratt. I intend to arrest him."</p> + +<p>"Arrest him!" echoed the curate, staring. "Dear +me, what has he done?"</p> + +<p>"Ask me what he hasn't done," said Marton, with +a curl of his lip, "and I'll be better able to tell you. +It's a long story, Raston, and time is passing; I want +to go to the man's house. Is it far from here?"</p> + +<p>"Some little distance," replied the curate, wondering +at this haste. "I can find my way to it by guiding +myself along the walls. But you can't arrest him, Marton, +whatever he has done, unless you have a warrant."</p> + +<p>"I accept all responsibility on that score," replied +Marton, grimly. "The police have wanted Mr Angel, +<i>alias</i> Pratt, for many a long day. Now the rascal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +knows that I am here, he will clear out of Colester in +double quick time. I want to act promptly and take +him by surprise. Now don't ask questions, my dear +fellow, but take me to the house. I'll tell you all about +this man later on. By the way, he is the individual +who gave your church this celebrated cup?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I really hope there is nothing wrong."</p> + +<p>"<i>Everything</i> is wrong. I expect the cup was +stolen—"</p> + +<p>"It <i>is</i> stolen—"</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! I don't mean this time. Pratt stole it +himself. I wonder he dare present his spoils to the +Church. The fellow must have very little religion to +think such an ill-gotten gift could be acceptable."</p> + +<p>"Stolen!" murmured Raston, putting on his coat. +"But why—who is Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"Simply the cleverest thief in the three kingdoms. +Come along!"</p> + +<p>Raston gasped, but he had no time to ask further +questions. The detective had him by the arm and +was hurrying him to the door. When outside he made +the curate lead, and followed close on his heels. Raston, +rather dazed by this experience, turned in the +direction of The Nun's House, and, guiding himself +along the walls and houses, managed to get into the +street in which it stood—that is, he and Marton found +themselves on the highroad which led down to King's-meadows. +It was fully an hour before they got as +far as this, for the fog grew denser every moment. +Finally, Raston stumbled on the gate, drew his friend +inside with an ejaculation of satisfaction, and walked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> +swiftly up the path that led to the house. On the +ground floor all was dark, but in the centre window of +the second storey a light was burning. Marton did +not wait for the curate, but ran up the steps and +knocked at the door; he also rang, and he did both +violently. For a time there was no response, then the +light disappeared from the window above.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes the noise of the bolts being withdrawn +was heard, and the rattle of the chain. The +door opened to show Leo in his dressing-gown standing +on the threshold with a lighted candle in his hand. +He looked bewildered and angry, as though he had +just been aroused from his first sleep, which indeed +was the case. "What the devil is the matter?" he +asked crossly, peering out into the night. "You make +enough noise to wake the dead! Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"It is I, and a friend, Haverleigh," said the curate, +pushed forward by the detective. "Is Mr Pratt +within?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose so," replied Leo, much astonished at +this nocturnal visitation; "he is no doubt in bed. I +can't understand why he did not hear the noise you +made. Has he left anything at your place, Raston?"</p> + +<p>"Ah! You knew he was going to see Mr Raston?" +put in Marton, sharply.</p> + +<p>"He left here over two hours ago, and I went to +bed. Then I heard him come back just as I was falling +asleep, but he did not come up to my room. If +you will tell me what is the matter, I'll rouse him.</p> + +<p>"Let us enter, Haverleigh," said the curate, who +was shivering. "We have much to tell you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p> + +<p>Still much puzzled, Leo led the way to the library +after shutting the door, and the two men followed him. +He lighted the gas—Colester was not sufficiently civilised +for electric light—and then turned to ask once +more what was the matter. Raston thought the best +way to bring about an explanation was to introduce +his friend, who was already looking keenly round the +well-furnished room. "This is Mr Marton," he said. +"He is a London detective."</p> + +<p>With a bitter laugh Leo set down the candle on the +table. "What," he said, "are you the man with the +bow-string, Raston? Scarcely worthy of your cloth! +If you wanted to arrest me, you might have waited +until morning!"</p> + +<p>"Who is this young gentleman?" asked Marton, +suddenly.</p> + +<p>"I am Leo Haverleigh, Mr Detective," replied the +young man, sharply; "and I suppose you have come +here at the instance of Mr Tempest to arrest me!"</p> + +<p>Marton snatched up the candle, and held it close to +Leo's face. He was apparently quite satisfied, for he +spoke in a more friendly tone.</p> + +<p>"You need not be afraid, Mr Haverleigh," he said +soothingly. "I have not come to arrest you—but to +investigate the case. I don't think there is any chance +of your being arrested. Your face is enough for me. +But this is all very well," he added impatiently; "I +want Pratt!"</p> + +<p>"I will go and wake him," said Leo, who could +make neither top nor tail of all this, but who was relieved +to find that he was not in danger of arrest. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +retired from the room, while Marton darted about here +there, and everywhere. He was like a bloodhound +nosing a trail. Suddenly he stopped before a cabinet, +a drawer of which was open.</p> + +<p>"Too late!" said Marton in a tone of disgust. +"He's bolted."</p> + +<p>"How could he bolt in this fog?" asked Raston, +dubiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he'll find his way somehow. Tony Angel is +the cleverest of men for getting out of a difficulty. +He has evaded the police for years. See, my dear +chap, this drawer is open. That means he has taken +money or valuables from it, and is now on his way to +Heaven knows what hiding-place.</p> + +<p>"Can you be sure of that? The open drawer may +be an accident. Besides, he would not think you +would act so promptly."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, that is just why he has bolted so expeditiously," +said Marton, with something of admiration +in his tones. "Angel has experienced my promptitude +before, and several times I have been on the point of +capturing him. He has taken French leave within the +last two hours. But for that infernal fog I should +have stuck to him till I ran him down. Or, at all +events, I might have disabled him with a shot."</p> + +<p>The curate looked at his friend aghast. "A shot!" +he stammered.</p> + +<p>Marton produced a neat little revolver. "I should +have used that had I been able," he said quietly. "It +does not do to adopt half measures with our mutual +friend. Besides, if hard pressed he would have returned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> +the compliment. Your Haverleigh fellow is a +long time!"</p> + +<p>"He'll be back soon. You can trust Leo. Surely, +Marton, you do not think he knew anything of Pratt's +doings?"</p> + +<p>"With such a face as that he knows precious little," +retorted Marton; "he is a good fellow, but not sharp. +He did not steal that cup, nor did he help Pratt to get +away. No, Raston. Our criminal friend came back +here while I was blundering in the fog, and after +taking some money cleared out without loss of time. +I sha'n't catch him now. I suppose the telegraph-office +is closed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. It closes here at nine o'clock. And even if +you sent a wire, it would not be delivered at Portfront +to-night."</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not. You are all so slow in these +country places! It is clever of you to mention Portfront, +Raston. You think that Tony Angel will go +there?"</p> + +<p>"How else can he get away?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. You know the country better than +I do. But I tell you what, our friend will not go to +Portfront or anywhere near it."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" asked the curate, bewildered.</p> + +<p>"Because you expect him to go there. Angel always +does the thing that is not expected. I wish I had +caught him! I've been years trying to hunt him down. +And the beast has made himself comfortable here!" +said Marton, with a glance round. "I bet you, Raston,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +that the greater part of these things have been +stolen."</p> + +<p>"Stolen, Marton! How terrible. And the cup?"</p> + +<p>"He stole that also," replied Marton, promptly, +lighting one of his cigarettes. "Oh, he is a clever man, +is Angel. Ah! here is our young and enterprising +friend. Well, Mr Haverleigh, so Pratt has gone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Leo, looking puzzled. "I went to his +room and found that his bed had not been slept in. +The back door is open, although closed—that is, it has +not been locked. How do you know Pratt has gone?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you later. Throw a few logs on that fire, +Raston. It will soon burn up. Here is a bottle of +whisky, too, and some soda."</p> + +<p>"I left that for Pratt," said Leo, somewhat surprised +at the cool way in which this man was behaving.</p> + +<p>"And Pratt was too clever to muddle his head when +he needed all his wits about him. By the way, has his +jackall gone also?"</p> + +<p>"Adam is not in, if that is what you—"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr Haverleigh, that is exactly what I do +mean. Ha! Clever man Pratt! He came back here +straight, and, warning his pal, walked off, leaving the +empty house to me and to you, Mr Haverleigh. Did +you hear him leave?"</p> + +<p>"I heard nothing until you knocked at the door. +Then I wondered why Adam did not hear you. The +other servants are asleep at the back of the house, and +I suppose they also expected Adam to answer the bell."</p> + +<p>"That is extremely probable. Well, let us hope the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> +remaining servants will sleep well. To-morrow they +must leave this house!"</p> + +<p>"Why, in Heaven's name?" asked Leo, starting +up.</p> + +<p>"For the very simple reason that the police will be +put into possession here by me to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"What? Did Pratt steal the—I don't understand. +Raston, what does this man mean? Who is he? +What are—"</p> + +<p>"Wait a bit, Mr Haverleigh," interrupted Marton, +motioning the curate to hold his tongue, "all in good +time. I am Horace Marton, a detective. I was asked +by Mr Raston to investigate this robbery, and he was +telling me about it at his lodgings. Your friend Mr +Pratt arrived, and when he saw me he bolted out into +the fog. I followed and lost him. Then I got back +to Raston here, and we have been over two hours +looking for this confounded place. During that time +Pratt and Adam have made themselves scarce."</p> + +<p>"But why should they do that?" asked Leo, still +puzzled.</p> + +<p>"Because this man who calls himself Pratt, and +poses as a giver of gifts to the Church, is a well-known +London thief, and his man Adam is what he +would call a pal. 'Tony Angel,' that is the real name +of Mr Pratt, but he had half-a-dozen others beside. I +congratulate you on your friend, Mr Haverleigh!"</p> + +<p>"I never knew anything of this," cried Leo, utterly +taken aback.</p> + +<p>"I am quite sure of that, Haverleigh," said the +curate, heartily.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> + +<p>Marton chuckled. "Wait a bit, Harold," he said; +"do not be in such a hurry. How do we know that +Mr Haverleigh has not been working together with +Tony Angel? He may know all about him and may +have been employed by him to steal the very cup which +was given by Pratt as an evidence of his respectability."</p> + +<p>Leo jumped up and would have flung himself on +Marton; but Raston held him back. "How dare +you make such an accusation against me?" cried the +young man, furiously. "Let me go, Raston; don't +you hear what he says?"</p> + +<p>"Wait a bit, Haverleigh," urged the curate. "Marton +does nothing without a motive. He can explain if +you will remain quiet."</p> + +<p>Thus advised, Leo sat down again, but in rather a +sulky humour. "I am a trifle tired of being called a +blackguard," he said, frowning at Marton, who regarded +him with a friendly smile. "I know absolutely +nothing about Mr Pratt, save that he was a friend of +Mrs Gabriel's, and that he has been very good to me. +I always thought he was what he represented himself +to be."</p> + +<p>"Small wonder you did," said Marton, coolly. +"Angel would deceive a much cleverer man than you +appear to be, Mr Haverleigh! And look here, I may +as well tell you at once that I am certain you knew +nothing about him. Also I am equally certain that +you have had nothing to do with this robbery. I cannot +say yet whether Pratt—as I may continue to call +him for clearness' sake—stole the cup. But you are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +innocent, Mr Haverleigh; and I intend to do my best +to get you out of your trouble. Shake hands."</p> + +<p>At first Leo hesitated, for he was still sore about +the accusation. But the detective regarded him in a +friendly manner, and his smile was so irresistible, that +in the end he shook hands heartily. He felt that the +man who spoke thus would be a good friend. "You +know all about the case?"</p> + +<p>"All that Mr Raston could tell me," said the detective, +"even to the fact that you borrowed the +money for which you are accused of stealing the cup +from Sir Frank Hale."</p> + +<p>"Then I wish you would make him acknowledge +the loan," said Leo, petulantly.</p> + +<p>Marton started and looked at the young man. +"Does he not do so?"</p> + +<p>"No. He is in love with Miss Tempest, who is +engaged to me, and he says he will deny the loan if +I do not give her up."</p> + +<p>"And marry his sister, I suppose!" interposed the +curate, whereat Leo nodded.</p> + +<p>"Humph!" said Marton, thoughtfully, caressing +his chin. "It seems to me, Mr Haverleigh, that you +have been made a tool of by unscrupulous people. But +I'll give my attention to this to-morrow. I'll get the +truth out of this Hale! He don't dare to palter with +me. Leave yourself and your reputation in my hands, +Haverleigh."</p> + +<p>"Very gladly," said Leo, heartily; "but what +about Pratt?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> + +<p>Marton reflected, and took a sip of whisky and +water. "He's gone. I do not think he will appear +again in Colester."</p> + +<p>"But he has left his house and all these beautiful +things behind him," put in Raston, with a glance +around.</p> + +<p>"I see he has made himself comfortable," said Marton, +with a shrug; "it was always his way! This is +not the first time he has furnished a house, settled +down. He has been driven out of every burrow, however. +This time I discovered his hiding-place by accident. +Colester was about the best place in the whole +of England he could have chosen. No one would have +thought of looking for him here. I daresay he expected +to settle down and die in the odour of sanctity, +surrounded by his ill-gotten gains. But he has not +gone empty-handed, Haverleigh. He is too clever for +that, and is always prepared for an emergency."</p> + +<p>"But <i>who</i> is Pratt?"</p> + +<p>"Well; you are asking me a hard question. I +understand he is a workhouse brat of sorts. He himself +claims to be the illegitimate son of a nobleman. +Certainly, he has a very gentlemanly appearance. He +has been working for at least thirty years, and has +always contrived to evade the English police. I +believe he was laid by the heels in America."</p> + +<p>"He has travelled a great deal."</p> + +<p>"I believe you! He knows the whole world and all +the scoundrels in it. A king of crime! That is what +Pratt is. The generality of thieves adore him, for he +has his good points, and he is generous. Well, we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> +have talked enough for to-night. I'll sleep here, +Haverleigh. Raston?"</p> + +<p>"I'll return to my own place," said the curate, +rising to go.</p> + +<p>And this he did, but Marton, having found the burrow +of Pratt, <i>alias</i> Angel, did not intend to leave it. +He was quite as clever as the man he was hunting.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XIII</h3> + +<h5>AN INTERESTING DOCUMENT</h5> + + +<p>Marton did not wish the identity of Pratt to be concealed. +On the contrary, he gave it as wide a publicity +as possible, hoping that it might lead to the +man's capture. Everyone from Portfront to Colester +knew the would-be country gentleman, so it was not +unlikely that he might be caught. Considering that +only a night had elapsed, it was impossible that he +could have got far away, especially in a fog. And if +Pratt escaped there was always the off-chance that +Adam might be laid by the heels.</p> + +<p>An examination next morning showed Marton that +the two bicycles were missing, so he judged that both +men had gone off together. It was improbable in +Marton's opinion that they had gone to Portfront, as +they could not possibly leave before the steamer at +seven o'clock, and the police could be communicated +with by telegraph before they could get clear of the +place. At half-past six Marton routed a telegraph +operator out of his bed, and set him to work. He +wired to the inspector at Portfront to arrest Pratt and +his man forthwith, or, at all events, to detain them +until the London police could be communicated with +and a warrant for Pratt's manifold iniquities procured.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> + +<p>But, to Marton's surprise, no answer was returned +from Inspector German. Yet the inspector knew Pratt +well, and, if the man set foot in Portfront, could easily +seize him. Later on, somewhere about nine o'clock, +the reason that no answer had arrived became apparent. +A messenger came from Portfront to say that +the telegraph wire between that place and Portfront +had been cut midway. There was only one line, so all +communication had been broken off. The steamer had +started, and, without doubt, the two men were on +board. At once Marton started off to Portfront on the +curate's bicycle. On his arrival he went to see +German.</p> + +<p>The inspector was much astonished when he heard +the story. He had not received the wire, and therefore +had done nothing. In Marton's company he hurried +to the office of the steamer.</p> + +<p>"You see the kind of man we have to deal with, +German," said Marton, much vexed. "It was a +clever dodge to cut the wire, and yet he gave himself +away. I did not think he would go to Portfront, but +the cutting of the wire proves he did. We'll wire to +Worthing, and stop him there."</p> + +<p>An inquiry at the steamer office resulted in nothing. +It seemed that Mr Pratt had a season ticket, and therefore +had not purchased one. Nor had Adam, so it +might be that he was still in the town. The loafers +on the pier said they had not seen Pratt go aboard.</p> + +<p>"Humph!" said Marton, "he sneaked on in some +disguise."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is he clever at disguising himself?" asked +German.</p> + +<p>"I should think so. His own mother would not +know him. Still, he had no time to make-up before +he left Colester, so he may not be so carefully disguised. +I daresay we can catch him at Worthing."</p> + +<p>A wire was sent to Worthing forthwith, and another +to Scotland Yard, requesting that someone +might be sent down to take charge of Pratt's house, +and to identify the goods he had in it. There was a +list of the houses Pratt had broken into, and a list of +the stolen goods also, so it would be easy to have this +brought down and compared with the contents of The +Nun's House. Having thus done all that he could +under the circumstances, Marton returned to Colester, +where he found the curate and Leo waiting for him. +The latter had now taken up his quarters at the inn. +But he kept within doors, as now that the identity of +Pratt was known, Leo was credited with having been +his confederate.</p> + +<p>There was tremendous excitement in Colester over +the discovery that the village had entertained unawares +a well-known London thief. Many of the villagers +flattered themselves on the stern and non-committal +attitude they had adopted towards the too +fascinating stranger. Mr Pratt had never been very +popular, but now he was spoken ill of on every hand. +The whole village would have been delighted to have +seen him in the power of the law.</p> + +<p>But Pratt was too clever for them all. The wire to +Worthing produced no result. Neither Pratt nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +Adam were on board. It then appeared that the +steamer had put in at Bognor. Marton had omitted to +advise the police there of the fugitives, so it was presumed +that they had got off with the rest of the passengers. +The captain did not know Adam by sight, +and Pratt had evidently disguised himself well. At +all events, in the crowd the two had passed unnoticed. +Although the London stations were watched, no sight +could be caught of them.</p> + +<p>"A clever man Pratt!" said Marton, when informed +of his ill success. "I am perfectly certain of +the way in which he went about the matter. He and +his servant got off at Bognor, and alighted at some +station just outside the metropolis. They got to their +own haunts by some back way."</p> + +<p>"Do you know of their haunts?" asked Leo, who +was keenly interested in the matter, and could not help +feeling relieved that Pratt had escaped.</p> + +<p>"Oh! they change them every now and then. Besides, +Adam will keep out of sight, and Pratt will so +disguise himself that there will be no recognising him. +He's got clean away this time. And I believe, Mr +Haverleigh," added Marton, with a laugh, "that you +are rather pleased!"</p> + +<p>"Well," said Leo, with some hesitation, "in spite +of all you say, I can't bring myself to believe that +Pratt is a bad sort of chap. He was very kind to me."</p> + +<p>"He is kind to most people. He poses as a kind +of modern Robin Hood, who robs the rich to give to +the poor. I have known him to do many kind actions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> +But he is a scamp for all that, and if I could lay my +hands on him I'd get him!"</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel was much annoyed to find that Pratt +was so notorious a character. She determined to clear +herself of complicity in his sordid crimes, although no +one ever suspected that she had any knowledge of the +man's true character. She sent for Marton, and had +a long talk with him about Pratt; incidentally a +reference was made to Leo.</p> + +<p>"I have asked you to see me, Mr Marton," she +said, "because it was I who introduced Mr Pratt to +Colester. I have known him ten years, and he always +appeared to me to be a most respectable American."</p> + +<p>"He is not an American at all," said Marton. +"But he could assume any nationality that suited him +for the moment. He is a brilliantly-clever man, Mrs +Gabriel, and I do not wonder he took you in."</p> + +<p>"He got no money out of me, at all events," said +the lady, grimly.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Then you escaped easily. The wonder is +he did not try and marry you! A rich widow is +exactly the kind of victim he would like."</p> + +<p>"I am not the sort of woman to be anyone's victim, +Mr Marton."</p> + +<p>Marton, looking at her stern, strong face, quite +agreed, but he was too polite to give vent to his feelings. +He merely inquired how Mrs Gabriel had become +acquainted with this Prince of Swindlers. She +had no hesitation in giving him full details.</p> + +<p>"I met him at a Swiss hotel many years ago," she +said. "He was then called Pratt, and he posed as a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> +rich American. I met with an accident while out +walking on the hill above Montreux, and lay out till +nightfall. Mr Pratt rescued me from this very unpleasant +position, and took me back to the hotel. A +friendship sprang up between us, and when he returned +to England he called on me. As he was +always the same for ten years, and I saw much of +him, I never suspected that he was other than he represented +himself to be. Besides, Mr Marton, you must +admit he is a most fascinating man."</p> + +<p>"Much too fascinating, Mrs Gabriel, as many have +found to their cost."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel reflected a moment. "Do you think +he will be put in prison?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, if we catch him," replied Marton, +quietly; "he is a man dangerous to society. All his +life he has been a rogue and a criminal. All his +money comes to him in the wrong way. That house +below—I believe you let it to him, Mrs Gabriel—is +filled with the proceeds of his robberies. He bought +the furniture, but the objects of art—even the pictures—have +all been stolen. In a few days I shall +have some people down from Scotland Yard to identify +the things and restore them to their owners. But as +to Mr Pratt, I fear he has escaped out of the clutches +of the law—as usual."</p> + +<p>"I cannot say I regret it," said Mrs Gabriel, +boldly. "Bad as he is, there are worse people in the +world, Mr Marton. But tell me, sir. You are investigating +this robbery. My adopted son, Mr Haverleigh +is suspected."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He is perfectly innocent, Mrs Gabriel. The money +he was said to have obtained from the sale of the cup +was given to him by Sir Frank Hale."</p> + +<p>"Sir Frank denies it."</p> + +<p>"So Mr Haverleigh says. But I'll see Sir Frank +myself, and see what I can make of him. I would +rather believe Mr Haverleigh than anyone else. He +has an absolutely open nature."</p> + +<p>"He is a fool, if that is what you mean."</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, I do not think so! A man can be +straightforward and honourable, as Mr Haverleigh is, +without being a fool. As yet I have not investigated +this case, as my attention has been taken up with +Pratt. But in a day or so I hope to go to work +and then I am prepared to say that the crime will not +be brought home to your nephew."</p> + +<p>"Have you any suspicions?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet. I have not searched out the evidence +sufficiently."</p> + +<p>"Mrs Jeal saw my nephew pawn the cup."</p> + +<p>"Ah! That is a mystery which I must fathom, +Mrs Gabriel. A person resembling Mr Haverleigh +pawned the cup, but I am sure it was not your nephew. +There is a conspiracy against him, on whose part I am +not prepared to say yet. But I shall find it out, clear +his character, and punish those who have been concerned +in it. And now, Mrs Gabriel, I must bid you +good-day, as my time is fully occupied. Let me, however, +inform you that there is no need to excuse your +association with Mr Pratt. I quite understand how<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> +he wriggled himself into your acquaintance, and you +are in no way to blame. Once more, good-day!"</p> + +<p>Marton bowed himself out. But he had seen enough +of Mrs Gabriel to note the strong hatred she bore +towards Leo, and he wondered what could be the +reason. Also, he saw that for a moment she had +flinched at the mention of conspiracy, which set him +on the alert as to whether her detestation of her +nephew had carried her so far as to plot against his +good name.</p> + +<p>"If there is anything the matter, Hale is the man +to know," murmured the detective; "he lent the +money, and now declines to acknowledge the loan. I +believe there is something bad at the back of all this. +Poor Haverleigh seems to be the most harmless of +men, yet he is being ruined in some underhand way. +Well, I'll settle Pratt's matter, and then clear his +name."</p> + +<p>But before Marton could do this, Providence took +the task out of his hand. For the next ten days he +was busy consulting with those sent down from Scotland +Yard about the numerous stolen articles found +in The Nun's House. The cabinet of antique coins +was restored to a famous collector, who had lost them +five years before. Many pictures were replaced in the +galleries of country houses, and, in one way and another, +by the time The Nun's House was denuded of +what belonged to other people, there remained very +little but the furniture. And even some choice articles +of furniture were found to be the property of other +people. It was really wonderful the amount of stolen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +goods that Pratt had collected. He must have thieved +for years to have got together such a collection.</p> + +<p>"But he will start no more burrows," said Marton, +when all was at an end. "He never expected that I +should find him here, and therefore collected all his +treasures. His life is not long enough to enable him +to bring together such a collection of things again. +Besides, he has not the same wide field for his +knaveries. The police are one too many for him +now."</p> + +<p>Marton said this to the vicar, who was deeply +shocked to hear of the wickedness of the man from +whom he had accepted the cup. "Do you think that +sacred vessel was stolen also, Mr Marton?" asked the +good man.</p> + +<p>"I am perfectly sure of it," replied the detective, +promptly; "but we have not got the cup down on our +list, and no one has come forward to claim it."</p> + +<p>"It has not been advertised, Mr Marton."</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, sir, it has been advertised, and by +someone in this place. I saw this notice in the <i>Daily +Telegraph</i>, also in the <i>Times</i>. Can you tell me who +'S.T.' is, Mr Tempest?"</p> + +<p>The vicar took the newspaper handed to him and +looked at it in a bewildered manner. He read the +notice carefully, but it never struck him that the +initials were those of his own daughter. "I really do +not know who can have inserted this, Mr Marton," he +said. "It seems to be carefully worded, too, and a +reward of fifty pounds has been offered. Dear me!"</p> + +<p>"I have a rival who is investigating the case," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +Marton, with a smile. "Is the description accurate, +vicar?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly; even the inscription. If you will permit +me to take this away, Mr Marton, I will see if I +can discover who has put it in. I am annoyed that the +thing should have been taken out of your hands. But, +Mr Marton, before I leave you, let me state to you my +conviction that my young friend Leo Haverleigh did +not steal the cup."</p> + +<p>"Ah, indeed, Mr Tempest," said Marton, eyeing +the old man keenly. "And what has led you to such +a happy conclusion?"</p> + +<p>"I have no grounds for it save my inward +conviction."</p> + +<p>"There is the story of Mrs Jeal, you know."</p> + +<p>Mr Tempest looked troubled. "Most remarkable +story," he said. "But we have heard of many cases +of accidental resemblances, Mr Marton. I fear I have +been unjust to Leo, and I wish to withdraw any +charge I may have made against him. I heard his +defence, and saw his face while he was making it. +Unless the face is not the index of the mind, I cannot +bring myself to believe that he lied. No, Mr Marton, +I cannot give you my reasons, but I am convinced that +I misjudged Leo."</p> + +<p>"Were you prejudiced against him by Mrs Gabriel?" +asked Marton, for Leo had told him his +suspicions on this point.</p> + +<p>Mr Tempest hesitated. "I admit that I was," he +said at length. "She said something to me which I +am not at liberty to repeat."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Does it make Mr Haverleigh out a villain?"</p> + +<p>"By no means," said the vicar, hastily. "What she +told me is sad, but not wicked. More his misfortune +than his fault. I can say no more. I can keep this +paper, Mr Marton? Thank you, sir. Good-day, good-day!" +and the vicar walked away, leaving Marton +pondering.</p> + +<p>It was three days after this, and when Marton was +about to begin his investigation of the case, that he +received a letter from London. He was more surprised +than he chose to say when he found that it came +from Mr Pratt. That gentleman gave no address—he +had posted the letter at the General Post-office, so +that even the district where he was hidden should not +be traced. The letter—as Marton said afterwards—was +one of consummate impudence, and it took him +all his time to read it with patience. As a human document +it possessed a certain value. The letter ran as +follows, and Marton swore as he read:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Marton</span>,—So you have let me slip through +your fingers again. Is it not about time that you +stopped setting your wits against mine? Several times +you have tried; but always you have been beaten. +Really, you must take lessons in the art of thief-catching, +if you want to deserve the reputation you +possess.</p> + +<p>"I am bound to say that but for the fog I should +have been caught. But, thanks to its friendly shelter, +I ran back to my house, while you were blundering +about like a lost sheep, and warned Adam. I knew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> +you would have to get Raston to show you the way, +and would be some time. Still, I knew your infernal +pertinacity, and made myself as scarce as possible in +a very short space of time. I should like to have seen +your face when you came to my house and found your +prey had escaped.</p> + +<p>"I packed up my jewels, which I always keep prepared +for such an emergency as this, and, dressing +myself warmly, I mounted my bicycle. Adam, who +had likewise made his preparations, mounted another, +and we both went down the main road. In spite of +the mist there was no difficulty. The highway runs +in a straight line to Portfront, and there was no vehicle +abroad to make our travelling dangerous. We did not +hurry, but took our time, as I did not wish to get to +Portfront before the steamer went. As a matter of +fact we did, but hung about the outskirts of the town +until it was time to be aboard. Of course I do not +need to tell you how I stopped you from communicating +with the Portfront police. I suggested the idea, +and Adam climbed the pole to cut the telegraph wire.</p> + +<p>"We had a very pleasant trip as far as Bognor, +where we got on the train, and stopped at some station, +the name of which I need not tell you. We +are now in London in very comfortable circumstances. +If you are clever enough to find me—which I don't +think you are—I promise to give myself up as soon +as you appear. But there is no chance of my seeing +you. Better remain in Colester, my dear Marton, and +turn farmer. It is all you are fit for. Upon my +honour it is.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"One thing I should like to know. How the devil +did you manage to find out my retreat? I never +thought you had it in you. I went to see Raston on +some business likely to enhance my popularity in the +parish, and I dropped across you! For the first time +in my life I was taken aback. Was it design or accident +that I found you there? I do not wish to compliment +you undeservedly.</p> + +<p>"Well, you have driven me away, and I must find +a new place in which to pass my old age. It is too bad +of you, Marton! On my soul, too bad! I was getting +so popular in Colester. Now, I suppose, everyone of +the honest men are swearing at me. Yet I never +robbed them.</p> + +<p>"One other thing. If you came down to investigate +that robbery of the cup I presented to the church, +you can spare yourself the trouble. I stole it myself. +It went to my heart to lose so valuable an object, and +I was sorry when I had given it. I could not ask for +it back, so I resolved to steal it. I went to the church, +and, as I am a small man, I climbed in through the +lepers' window. I got the cup, climbed out again, and +went back to my house. Then I was afraid lest the +cup would be seen by chance, and all my popularity +would go. I therefore resolved to pawn it. That is +a way I have kept safe many a piece of jewellery. I +could not go myself, but I sent Adam. He is rather +like Leo Haverleigh, and so that fool of a Mrs Jeal +made the mistake. You need not look for the cup in +Battersea now, as I have redeemed it. I took the +ticket from Adam, and went myself. It is now in my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +possession, again, and I do not intend to part with it +any more. You know how fond I am of beautiful +things, dear Marton.</p> + +<p>"Well, I daresay you guessed that I stole the cup. +Here is my confession, and you can tell all those fools +at Colester, including the vicar, that Leo Haverleigh +is perfectly innocent. He has not enough brains to +steal anything. I only took back my own, and I am +proud of it, as I have bamboozled the lot of you—clever +Mr Marton included!</p> + +<p>"Leo got the money with which he paid his debts +from Sir Frank Hale. You can ask him—Hale, I +mean. If he denies it, I leave him to you, as you are +clever enough to get the truth out of him. He wants +to marry Sybil Tempest, and desires Leo to marry his +sister Edith. All this was a plot to get Leo into his +power, and force him to do what was wanted. I hope +you will punish the young man Hale. He is a cripple, +and has all the spite of one. I should have punished +him myself, but you have deprived me of that pleasure. +I therefore call upon you to do your best.</p> + +<p>"And now, my dear Marton, good-bye. Give my +love to all the mourning population of Colester, and +especially to Mrs Gabriel, my dear and life-long friend. +I am afraid she will not get her rent. Also I had the +house re-decorated at her expense. The bills will be +sent in to her. Let her pay them with my blessing. I +will write to Leo myself, and give him my blessing. +I have much to say to him that will be of no interest to +you. He is a good fellow, and I wish to see him married<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +to Sybil. He will be some day. I can manage her +fool of a father even at a distance.</p> + +<p>"Now, I hope you will look after yourself, for my +sake, Marton. So long as the Scotland Yard idiots +keep you on my track, I am safe. If you died, they +might perhaps pick a clever man, dangerous to me, my +friend. So, with all kind regards and best wishes +until we meet.—Believe me, my dear failure, yours +never—in the flesh,</p> + +<p class="right"> +"<span class="smcap">Richard Pratt</span>."</p> +</div> + + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XIV</h3> + +<h5>AN UNEXPECTED MEETING</h5> + + +<p>"I have been much to blame," said the vicar. "I +set myself up as a judge when I had no right to do +so. Leo, you must forgive me."</p> + +<p>"I forgive you freely," replied the young man, +grasping the hand held out by Mr Tempest. "Appearances +were against me, so it was little wonder that +you did not entirely trust me. Still, Mr Tempest, you +should have known me better than to think me guilty +of such a crime."</p> + +<p>"I know—I know I have been wrong."</p> + +<p>"Well, let us drop the subject. My character is +now clear, and I have no wish to recall a very disagreeable +past."</p> + +<p>This conversation took place in the study of Mr +Tempest, and in the presence of Sybil and Marton. +The detective had shown the vicar the insolent but +welcome letter he had received from Pratt. The confession +therein entirely exonerated Leo, and he could +again hold up his head. He and Mr Tempest were +quite reconciled. Sybil, with her hand in Leo's, +looked thoroughly happy.</p> + +<p>"<i>I</i> never lost faith in you, Leo!" she said. +"Sooner or later I knew that all would be well."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have to thank Marton for the clearing of my +character, Sybil."</p> + +<p>"Faith, you are wrong there!" said Marton, +smiling. "I thought you were innocent; but as I +had not looked into the case, I saw no means of proving +it. Had not Pratt sent this confession I should +still be in the dark. He is a scoundrel, but he is a +good friend to you, Haverleigh!"</p> + +<p>"I don't agree with you," said Tempest, sharply, +for he was still sore on the subject of the cup. "Pratt +knew that Leo was suspected, and he should have +come forward long ere this to put the matter right."</p> + +<p>"You ask too much from a man of Pratt's nature," +said Marton, dryly. "It is wonderful that he should +have confessed his guilt even at the eleventh hour. +However, this closes the case, and I can go back to +London. We know now who stole the cup, and we +know also that it cannot be recovered. Pratt will +stick to it this time. It was only his vanity and desire +for popularity that made him give it away in the +first instance."</p> + +<p>"If it came back to me I should never accept it," +said the vicar, emphatically. "A stolen cup should +never have been put to sacred uses. I wonder at the +daring of the man!"</p> + +<p>"Oh! a man like Pratt is capable of anything," +said Marton, with a shrug. "But you will never +see him again, Mr Tempest. And now, Mr Haverleigh, +I think you should see Sir Frank Hale and make +him confess that he lent you the money."</p> + +<p>"There will be no difficulty about that," replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> +Leo. "Hale told only two people that he repudiated +all knowledge of the loan. One was my aunt, the +other myself. He is too cunning to tell the world +the untruth he told us. Besides, my character being +cleared, he can have no further hold over me. I fear +he will be angry."</p> + +<p>"I am certain he will. Let us see him together."</p> + +<p>Leo was quite willing to do this, so after taking a +fond leave of Sybil, and a cordial one of her father, +he set out with the detective to bring Sir Frank Hale +to his bearings. On the way Marton asked Leo's permission +to touch upon a delicate subject. Haverleigh +told him to speak freely. "I owe you too much to +take offence at anything you may say," he observed. +"You have been my very good friend, Marton."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," replied the detective, +brightly; "and I really do not deserve your thanks. +Any help I have given you has been purely accidental. +If Pratt had held his tongue, you would still have +been in the same position as before. But I am bound +to say, Haverleigh, that even before the arrival of +this letter Mr Tempest expressed his belief in your +innocence."</p> + +<p>"I am glad of that," said Leo. "He treated me +badly, and it is a pleasure to me to hear that his own +good sense told him I was innocent before he had the +actual proof. I am anxious to stand well with him, +Marton."</p> + +<p>"Ah! That is the matter I wish to discuss. I see +that you and Miss Tempest are much attached to one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> +another. Do you think the vicar will consent to the +marriage?"</p> + +<p>"I really can't say. Even before this scandal he +seemed to be displeased with me, and kept me away +from his house as much as possible. He did not want +to see me, and he would not let me see Sybil. We had +to meet by stealth. Now he may have changed his +mind."</p> + +<p>"And if he has? What, then?"</p> + +<p>"Then I can announce my engagement to Sybil," +said Leo. "But, you see, I am not in a position to +marry, and may not be for a long time. I have to +make my way in the world, and to make money also. +I thought of enlisting for this war, and of fighting my +way through the ranks to a commission."</p> + +<p>"Even then I do not see how you could marry. You +might gain a commission, but not money. Until your +worldly prospects are more secure, I do not think you +should engage yourself to Miss Tempest."</p> + +<p>"That is straight speaking, Marton."</p> + +<p>"You gave me permission to speak out. I like +you, Haverleigh, and after the trouble you have come +through I think you should be rewarded by getting +your heart's desire. But if you love Miss Temple, you +will not marry her until you can give her a comfortable +home. Even if you are successful in South Africa, +a baggage waggon is not the place for a delicate girl. +You can offer her nothing better than that."</p> + +<p>"True enough. I admit that what you say is correct. +But what am I to do?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said the detective, after a pause, "it seems<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +to me that you have some claim upon your aunt. She +took charge of you and brought you up. I understand +she intimated that you would be her heir, and +you received an education to fit you for the position. +If she intended to send you adrift as she <i>has</i> done, +she should at least have had you taught some profession +or trade whereby you could earn your bread and +butter. Yes; I think you have a right to demand +some assistance from her."</p> + +<p>Leo shook his head and flushed. "I can't bring +myself to do that," he said in a low voice. "She has +insulted me so deeply that it goes against my nature +to eat humble pie. I would rather make my own way +in the world. As to Sybil, I shall not ask her to engage +herself to me until—as you say—I can offer her +a home."</p> + +<p>"You can do nothing but enlist, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"No. Soldiering is all I am fit for. Now that my +name has been cleared I will bid farewell to Sybil and +enlist straight away. She will wait for me, I am certain. +I get my commission I can perhaps see my +way to make her my wife. If I am shot—well," Leo +shrugged his shoulders, "there is an end to all things."</p> + +<p>"Haverleigh!" said Marton, after a pause. "Will +you tell me what reason your aunt has for disliking +you so much?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. She has always been stern and hard +with me. Lately she has openly hated me. That is +why I left her."</p> + +<p>"There is something connected with you that is +wrong?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not to my knowledge. I have been foolish, but +not wilfully wicked."</p> + +<p>"I know that. But Mrs Gabriel knows something—it +may be about your parents—that has prejudiced +the vicar against you. It was her influence that made +him turn against you. He admitted as much to me. +But he refused to say what she had told him."</p> + +<p>"I guessed all this," said Leo, quietly; "but what +can I do?"</p> + +<p>"Insist upon knowing what has been said. You +have a right to. If the vicar will not speak out—and +he has given his word not to—Mrs Gabriel may be +forced to do so. Were I you, Haverleigh, I should +see her and insist upon an explanation."</p> + +<p>"She won't give it."</p> + +<p>"I should force it out of her," said Marton, determinedly. +"Oh! I know she is a hard woman, but +if you persevere she must give way."</p> + +<p>Leo thought for a few moments. "Well, Marton," +he said at length, "I will see the vicar first and speak +to him on the subject of Sybil. From what he says +I may see the reason of his attitude towards me. Then +I can call upon Mrs Gabriel. You may be sure I shall +do my best."</p> + +<p>Marton nodded, but said no more for the present, as +by this time they were at the door of Hale's house. +A demure servant opened the door and took in their +names. Shortly she ushered them into a room where +Sir Frank was seated in a chair by the window reading +to his sister. Edith Hale looked pale and ill. She +lay on a sofa, but started up and blushed rosy red when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> +she saw Leo. There was no doubt that the poor girl +was deeply in love with the young man. Leo, in the +kindness of his heart, felt a pang. It seemed to him +that he was treating her cruelly, although the position +was none of his making.</p> + +<p>"Good-day!" said Hale, without rising, and including +Leo and Marton in one swift glance. "I +am surprised to see you, Haverleigh. I thought you +did not care about keeping up my acquaintance."</p> + +<p>Leo would have replied sharply, but as Edith was +present he cast a meaning glance in her direction. "I +should like to speak with you alone," he said, "that +is, in the presence of Mr Marton."</p> + +<p>Before Hale could reply Marton interposed. "Wait +a bit," he said in his smooth voice, and with a glance +at the girl. "There is something to be said first in +the presence of Miss Hale."</p> + +<p>"In my presence!" she exclaimed turning red, +while her brother scowled.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Something you will be pleased to hear. +You both know that Mr Haverleigh has been accused +of stealing this chapel cup."</p> + +<p>"I never believed it, never!" cried Edith, eagerly, +and Leo gave her a look of gratitude, which made +her turn pale with emotion.</p> + +<p>"And you, Sir Frank?"</p> + +<p>Hale shrugged his shoulders. "I never thought +much about the subject," he said, the lie coming at +once to his practised lips. "The evidence was against +Haverleigh, I admit; but I tried to think the best of +him."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Your speech is rather contradictory, Sir Frank," +was the dry response of Marton. "But I think you +must have thought well of Haverleigh or you would +not have helped him out of his difficulty by lending +him money."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Frank, did you do that?" cried Edith, taking +her brother's hand. "I love you for it. How good +you are!"</p> + +<p>Hale's face grew blacker and blacker. Had he been +alone he would have lied, but in the presence of the +sister he loved so deeply he could not bring himself to +deny the truth. Moreover, he had a kind of instinctive +feeling that Marton had come to proclaim the +innocence of Leo, else why should he come at all? +His plot of getting Leo into his power had failed—he +was clever enough to see that—so it only remained for +him to retreat with as much dignity as possible.</p> + +<p>"I was only too glad to help Haverleigh," he said +quietly, and with marked courtesy. "He was in debt, +and the three hundred pounds I gave him was of some +use, I believe. I beg that he will say no more on the +subject."</p> + +<p>"How good you are—how good you are!" gasped +Edith, caressing her brother. Leo and Marton glanced +at one another. Hale's masterly retreat took them +both by surprise. When Leo remembered the conversation +in the chapel he could hardly believe his +ears. The only thing to be done was to beat the man +with his own weapons.</p> + +<p>"I will say no more, Hale, save that when I am able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> +the money shall be repaid. I thank you heartily for +your kindness."</p> + +<p>Sir Frank bit his lip, but summoned up sufficient +dignity to be gracious. He and Leo were both wearing +masks for the benefit of Edith. "Pay the money +when you like," he said, sitting up. "I am shortly +going abroad with my sister, and I do not think we +shall see one another for a long time. However, my +solicitor at Portfront will attend to the matter of the +loan."</p> + +<p>"Then there really <i>was</i> a loan," said Marton, determined +to get the plain truth out of Hale in the +presence of witnesses.</p> + +<p>"Certainly. I gave Leo three hundred pounds in +gold. I have already said so."</p> + +<p>"And it was with that loan he paid his debts?" +pursued Marion.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Leo, seeing his drift, "I paid them +with that money. But the good people here declared +that I sold the cup to pay them!"</p> + +<p>"How could they! How could they!" muttered +Edith.</p> + +<p>"Because they are fools," cried Sir Frank, seeing +that he was completely beaten. "For my part, I never +believed that Haverleigh did such a thing!"</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Leo, inwardly smiling at the +lie.</p> + +<p>"Then you will be delighted to hear that the thief +has been found."</p> + +<p>As Marton spoke Hale suddenly turned pale, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> +rose with an effort. "The thief has been—found!" +he stammered.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Marton, with a swift glance, thinking +at once of his theory of a conspiracy. "It seems +that this man Angel—I beg your pardon, you know +him as Pratt—stole the cup."</p> + +<p>"But it was Mr Pratt who gave it!" cried Edith.</p> + +<p>"Quite so, Miss Hale. Afterwards he was sorry +that his generosity had led him to make so great a sacrifice. +Therefore he stole what he had bestowed."</p> + +<p>"And what about this story of Mrs Jeal?" asked +Hale, trying to be amiable.</p> + +<p>"Oh! that was part of the business, Sir Frank. +Pratt thought the cup would be seen here, even if he +kept it in his house. So he sent it up to London to +be pawned for safe keeping. You do not understand +why this should be done. But then you have never +come into contact with a man like Pratt. However, +for reasons I need not explain, he pawned the cup. +His servant Adam is rather like Mr Haverleigh, and +it was thus that Mrs Jeal, not having a clear view, +made a mistake. You understand, Sir Frank?"</p> + +<p>"Quite," replied Hale in a strangled voice. He +was pale and anxious-looking. Leo thought that this +was anger at his escape. But Marton took another +and a more serious view.</p> + +<p>"I am sure you are pleased that Haverleigh's character +has been cleared."</p> + +<p>"I am pleased—very—very pleased," said Edith, +joyfully, "and so is Frank. Are you not, Frank?"</p> + +<p>"Yes! very pleased." Hale forced himself to say<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> +so much; then he walked to the door. "I am not +well," he said, turning for a moment; "you will excuse +me, gentlemen. My sister will see you out. If +you—" He paused, and darting a look of hatred at +Leo, left the room. Haverleigh was more surprised +than Marton, who had captured a fresh idea, and was +already building up a theory.</p> + +<p>Leo remained only a short time. He was most embarrassed +by the looks of Edith, and escaped as speedily +as courtesy permitted. When they left the house +and were some distance on the road, Marton spoke. +"I think there is insanity in that family," he said.</p> + +<p>"Why do you think so?"</p> + +<p>"The girl is queer. No woman in her sane senses +would give herself away as she does. The brother is +a cripple, and queer too. Never you marry into that +lot, Haverleigh! They have some hereditary taint."</p> + +<p>"I have no intention of marrying anyone but Sybil," +said Leo, dryly; "but did you see how Hale backed +out of his false position?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and I believe he has more to do with this +matter than you think. I should not be at all surprised +to find that he and Mrs Gabriel for some reason +had been working together against you. Oh! +there has been—there may be yet some conspiracy +against you."</p> + +<p>"I can understand Hale conspiring," said Leo; "he +wants to marry Sybil, and wishes Edith to become +my wife. But Mrs Gabriel, why should she?"</p> + +<p>"We have yet to find that out," interrupted Marton. +"Go and see what the vicar says. I must be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> +alone for a time. I want to think the matter out. At +all events, Hale has acknowledged that he lent you the +money, in the presence of witnesses. You are all right +in that quarter. I daresay he'll make another attempt +to best you, though."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense. Did you not hear him say that he was +going abroad with his sister? I think he will leave +me alone now."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," replied Marton, thoughtfully. "We'll +see. I'll believe he is going abroad when he is across +the Channel. I'm off for a long walk," and the detective +set off at a brisk pace.</p> + +<p>Leo thought no more about this especial matter, +leaving it entirely to Marton. Forthwith he returned +to the Vicarage, saw Mr Tempest, and then and +there asked him if he objected to him as a suitor for +Sybil. At this very direct question Mr Tempest +wriggled and looked uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>"You put a very painful question to me, Leo," he +said, after a pause. "I am ashamed of myself for +having thought so ill of you, and I should like to +make amends, if possible. I know that you are attached +to Sybil, but now that you are at variance with +your aunt, I do not see that you are justified in asking +me to consent to this engagement."</p> + +<p>"I know what you mean," said Leo, proudly, "and +I do not intend to engage myself until I am in a better +position. All I ask is that you will not force +Sybil to marry Hale when I am away."</p> + +<p>"I should not let her marry Hale in any case!" +cried the vicar, angrily. "I would never give my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +child to a cripple. Moreover, the Hales are not so +sane as they might be. And, Leo, I shall not force +Sybil's inclinations in any way. She can remain unmarried +all her life if she pleases."</p> + +<p>"That is all I want," said Leo, gladly. "I am going +to enlist, Mr Tempest, and if I get a commission +there may be some chance of my asking Sybil to be +my wife. She will be true to me while I am away; +I know she will."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" said the vicar, doubtfully. "A commission, +eh?"</p> + +<p>Leo interpreted his objection. "Then you have +something against me personally," he said, "and for +this reason you do not want me to think of Sybil in +any way. What is the matter, Mr Tempest?"</p> + +<p>"I can't tell you, Leo." The vicar looked directly +at him. "So far as you are concerned, I do not wish +for a better husband for my daughter, but Mrs Gabriel +has informed me of something which makes me unwilling +to countenance the marriage. Don't ask me +what it is. I cannot tell you."</p> + +<p>"I do not ask you to tell me, Mr Tempest. This +very night I shall ask Mrs Gabriel herself what she +has been saying."</p> + +<p>"Better not," advised the vicar. "It will only +cause you much distress."</p> + +<p>Leo looked at him in astonishment. What could +his aunt have been saying about him or his parents +likely to make the vicar take so strong a view of the +matter? "If there is anything wrong I have a right +to know," he said at length. "I shall insist upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> +an explanation, Mr Tempest. If I discover any valid +reason why I should give Sybil up, I am quite ready +to yield. When you next see me, Mr Tempest, I shall +either have given up the idea of marrying your daughter, +or I shall insist upon marrying her in spite of you +and Mrs Gabriel! You cannot say that I am treating +you unfairly. I go now."</p> + +<p>"But, my dear boy—" called out Mr Tempest, much +distressed. He spoke to the empty air. Leo had already +left the room and was out of the gate.</p> + +<p>After leaving The Nun's House, Leo had taken up +his residence at the Colester Arms. Marton was there +also, and Leo expected to see him at dinner. He was +anxious to tell him what the vicar had said. But the +detective did not return from his walk, and after +waiting for him till close upon nine o'clock, Leo left +the hotel and walked towards the castle to have it out +with Mrs Gabriel.</p> + +<p>The night was moonless, but there were many stars. +Here and there a swathe of mist lay on the plains below; +but up on the hills all was comparatively clear. +Leo, who knew every inch of Colester, walked slowly +out of the town gate and crossed to the other hill. +He took a narrow private path which he knew of, +wishing to get unobserved to the castle. Just at the +foot of this path he met Marton. The recognition +was mutual.</p> + +<p>"You are going to see Mrs Gabriel?" said the +detective.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Where have you been, Marton?"</p> + +<p>"I have been trying to see her, but she is ill—at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +least so the butler says. I suspect, however, this is +a lie. She doesn't want to see me!"</p> + +<p>"Shall I—"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you go up. I must return to the hotel and +get some dinner. I have been walking and thinking +until I am worn out. I'll wait your return, and we +can talk over the matter."</p> + +<p>"What matter?"</p> + +<p>"The conspiracy of Mrs Gabriel and Hale," said +Marton, promptly. "Get on with you, Haverleigh. +I'm off to dinner." And he went away at a quick +pace, leaving Leo much astonished.</p> + +<p>However, there was no use in standing and wondering, +so he pursued his way. As Mrs Gabriel was +said to be ill, and had denied herself to Marton, it was +not unlikely that he would be treated in the same way. +Therefore, instead of going to the front door, Leo +went round the castle on to the terrace. This was shut +off from the rest of the ground by a high fence with a +gate in it. Leo had retained the key of this gate and +had no difficulty in getting in. The room which looked +on to the terrace was lighted, but the blinds were +down. Leo peered in. He saw Mrs Gabriel seated in +a chair. Standing near her was Mr Richard Pratt.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XV</h3> + +<h5>A NEW COMPLICATION</h5> + + +<p>Leo was so surprised by this unexpected sight that +for the moment he stood still. Then he made up his +mind to interview the pair. Mrs Gabriel and Pratt +evidently understood one another, and the two of +them together might probably tell him more about +himself than one would do. Moreover, Leo was angry +at the way in which Pratt had let him lie under +the imputation of being a thief when he could have +lifted the disgrace from off his shoulders. Certainly +Pratt could have done so only at the risk of incriminating +himself, but at the time Leo was too much +annoyed to think of this. He saw that there was +some mystery, and thinking it might have to do with +Mrs Gabriel's enmity towards himself, he interrupted +what seemed to be a furious conversation by knocking +at the window.</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel and Pratt turned in the direction +where the sound came, she with a pale face, and +Pratt with a levelled revolver which he took from his +breast pocket. Leo might have been in danger of his +life, but that he chanced to remember a peculiar tune +which Pratt had taught him, in order to announce his +coming while he was staying at The Nun's House. At +the time Leo had thought this was only a freak of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> +old man's, but now that he knew who Pratt was, he +saw that there was use in it, to Pratt if not to himself. +At all events, he began to whistle.</p> + +<p>Hardly had he got through the first few bars before +Pratt's watchful attitude relaxed, and he tossed +the revolver on to the table. Mrs Gabriel still continued +to look agitated, but Pratt stepped towards the +window and opened it coolly.</p> + +<p>"I knew it was you," he said, pulling Leo into the +room and shutting the window. "It is a lucky thing +you remembered my signal, else I might have drilled +a hole in you. You come at a happy moment." Here +he stopped and looked suspiciously at the young man. +"Have you that infernal Marton with you?" he asked, +with a glance at the window and a movement towards +the revolver.</p> + +<p>"No, no," replied Leo, hastily. "I am all alone."</p> + +<p>"That's a good thing," said Pratt, grimly. "I won't +be taken alive, I promise you. But I knew you would +not give me away. I said so to Mrs Gabriel. She +said you would—speaking the worst of you as usual."</p> + +<p>Leo was too much taken aback by the discovery that +Pratt was in the castle to reply immediately. Moreover, +the man was so cool and composed that he felt +as though he were in the wrong. He tried to collect +his scattered thoughts, but before he could open his +mouth Mrs Gabriel spoke in her usual domineering +tones.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing here, Leo?" she asked. +"How did you get on to the terrace? No one can +get on without the key of the gate."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I happen to have the key," said Leo, showing it. +"You gave it to me yourself some years ago. When +I left you I took it with me by mistake. It has come +in useful to-night. You may thank your stars, both +of you, that I did not bring Marton back with me. +He left me at the foot of the hill with a story that +you were ill, Mrs Gabriel."</p> + +<p>"Leo," said Pratt in an agitated tone, "surely you +would not have brought the man here to get me into +trouble?"</p> + +<p>"I did not know you were here," said Haverleigh, +carelessly, for he was still angered at the man.</p> + +<p>"I have been here ever since the night I fled from +Raston's house. It was Adam who went on to London +and cut the wire."</p> + +<p>"And the letter in which you said you had stolen +the cup?"</p> + +<p>"I wrote that here and posted it to Adam that he +might send it from London. Mrs Gabriel helped me +to hide. No one knows that I am in this house save +herself, and now you are a sharer in our secret."</p> + +<p>"It must be difficult to keep your presence here +a secret from the servants," said Leo, wondering how +the man had forced Mrs Gabriel to help.</p> + +<p>Here the lady herself interfered. "It is not difficult +at all," she said in her most offensive tones. +"You know nothing of what you are talking about. +Pratt is up in the tower room, and I take him food +myself from my own meals. It is impossible that anyone +can guess."</p> + +<p>"Well, my dear aunt," said Haverleigh, emphatically,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +"I know that Pratt is here. I think, therefore, +you had better behave towards me in a more civil +manner."</p> + +<p>"Ha!" scoffed Mrs Gabriel, folding her arms and +looking defiant. "You would not dare to state the +truth."</p> + +<p>"How do you know that?" said Leo, dryly. "Pratt +is wanted by the law. He committed a theft here +and allowed me to lie under suspicion. Why should +I not give him up and accuse you of being an accessory +to his concealment?"</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel frowned and her black eyes flashed, +but Pratt, who had taken a seat, did not move. He +merely laughed. "I don't think you will give away, +Leo," he said. "I admit that Mrs Gabriel is enough +to irritate a saint; but if you punish her you punish +me also."</p> + +<p>"And you deserve punishment," retorted Leo.</p> + +<p>"Probably I do; but I have my own opinion of the +matter. All I ask you to do is to hold your tongue +until such a time as I can get away."</p> + +<p>"When are you going away?"</p> + +<p>"Soon, I hope," cried Mrs Gabriel, spitefully. "I +am rather tired of having a jail-bird in my house."</p> + +<p>"Oh! you refer to that American affair," said +Pratt, airily. "I had quite forgotten it. Well, my +dear lady, I do not intend to burden you with my +presence after to-morrow. By this time no one will +be watching for me hereabouts, as I am supposed to be +in London. I shall go to-morrow night and return +to my London quarters, where Adam awaits me. By<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> +the way, Haverleigh, has that fool of a detective +gone?"</p> + +<p>"He is going to-morrow," said Leo in a surly +tone.</p> + +<p>"All the better. We can travel to London together. +Ah, you smile, my dear Leo, but I assure you that if +I chose to travel with Marton I should do so. I can +disguise myself so effectively that even <i>he</i> would not +know me. It is not the first time I have baffled him."</p> + +<p>"Look here, Mr Pratt, or whatever you choose to +call yourself," said the young man, calmly, "you have +been kind to me in your own way, and I do not want +to take advantage of your present unfortunate position. +At the same time, you are a thief and a criminal, +and I want to have nothing to do with you. Mrs +Gabriel may approve of your company, but I do not +wish to have you for a friend. I shall hold my +tongue, but I recommend you to leave this place as +soon as possible."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel glared at Leo, as she could ill brook +his references to herself. She half rose as though +she would have flown at him, but a glance from Pratt +quelled her, and she sat down with more meekness +than could have been expected from such a redoubtable +termagant. Pratt, still keeping his temper, turned +to Leo. "It is very good of you to interest yourself +in my movements," he said in silky tones, "but I can +look after myself. It is a grief, my dear fellow, a +great grief, that I should be compelled to leave this +neighbourhood. I like the place, and the people are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> +fairly agreeable. I was nicely settled in The Nun's +House, and—"</p> + +<p>"Surrounded with stolen goods," interrupted Leo, +wrathfully.</p> + +<p>Pratt sighed. "I had some charming things," he +said; "how I shall miss them! I am too old to make +another such collection. I suppose they have all returned +to the people I took them from, I fear the +stupid creatures will not appreciate them as I have +done."</p> + +<p>Pratt's impudence was so consummate that Leo +could not help laughing, but Mrs Gabriel rose in a +black fury and shook her fist in the man's face. "How +dare you boast of your iniquities in my house?" she +cried.</p> + +<p>"In your house, my dear lady?" queried Pratt, +blandly. Mrs Gabriel got very white and sat down +again. Apparently Pratt had some power over her, +which she was afraid he might use. Leo had never +seen the woman so cowed.</p> + +<p>"Well, well," continued Pratt, stretching his legs; +"I have to go, thanks to that wretched man Marton. +How was it he appeared so unexpectedly?"</p> + +<p>"Raston sent for him to London to find out who +committed the robbery."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" Pratt laughed. "I hope Mr Marton is +satisfied now. My letter should have pleased him."</p> + +<p>"It pleased me more," said Leo, bluntly; "my +name is now clear! And you will be glad to hear," +he added, turning to Mrs Gabriel, "that Hale, in the +presence of Marton and his sister, confessed that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +lent me the money. I am afraid your plot against me +has failed, my dear aunt."</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongue!" said Mrs Gabriel, angrily.</p> + +<p>"No. The time has passed for that. I am no +longer in your power. I intend to make my own way +in the world."</p> + +<p>"With assistance from Mrs Gabriel," said Pratt, +quietly. "She will start you with a thousand +pounds, my dear Leo."</p> + +<p>"I won't give one penny," said Mrs Gabriel, glaring. +"You can do your very worst, Pratt. I have +been your milch cow long enough."</p> + +<p>"I would not take anything from her," said Leo, +interposing; "and I'll thank you, Mr Pratt, to leave +my affairs alone. If you will persist in meddling with +them, I shall not keep my promise of silence."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you will!" chimed in Pratt, fixing him +with his eye. "You dare not betray me, Leo."</p> + +<p>"<i>Dare</i> not!" echoed the young man, angrily.</p> + +<p>"Not unless you want to be called an unnatural +son, my boy!" Leo stared, not taking in the meaning +of this speech. "For you are my son, Leo," +added Pratt in low tones, his eyes never leaving Haverleigh's +face.</p> + +<p>"Your—your—Great Heavens!"</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel burst into a taunting laugh. "Ah, +you know it at last!" she cried triumphantly. "And +he has told you after threatening me with all sorts +of things to keep me silent."</p> + +<p>"It's—it's not true!" gasped Leo.</p> + +<p>"It is perfectly true," said the woman, jeeringly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +"You are the son of the cleverest thief in the three +kingdoms."</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongue, you hag!" shouted Pratt, angrily, +for Leo was as white as ashes and his face wore +an expression of terrible agony.</p> + +<p>"I won't be quiet. You told him yourself, and now +he shall know all—as the vicar does," finished Mrs +Gabriel, laughing fiercely.</p> + +<p>Leo started to his feet. "Sybil!" he cried out, +staring at his enemy. "I know now why the vicar +will not let me marry her. You—you—"</p> + +<p>"Told him you were an illegitimate son," said +Mrs Gabriel, rapidly. "I did not say who was your +father, but now that Pratt's true character is known +I shall tell Tempest everything. Then we shall see +if he will let you speak to Sybil again."</p> + +<p>"You dare say a word, Mrs Gabriel, and I—"</p> + +<p>But the woman was not to be stopped. She turned +like a fury on Pratt, who had risen angrily. "Hold +your tongue," she said savagely; "I have had about +enough of you and your precious son. You made me +take him to my home and tell everyone that he was +the son of my dead brother. A lie, as you well know. +And you," she added, turning on Haverleigh, "you +know now why I have hated you all these years. That +man knows a secret of mine and he forced me to do +his bidding. I took you here. I brought you up, I +gave you money, and I let you take a position to which +you were not entitled. Position!" Mrs Gabriel laughed +scornfully. "Your position should be in the gutter,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> +where you were born. You are no kith or kin of +mine, thank God!"</p> + +<p>"And I do thank God," said Leo, vehemently. +"You are a bad, evil-minded woman. Although my +father is a thief, I would rather be his son than connected +with you in any way. For years you have +made my life a hell on earth with your vile temper. +Terrible as is what you have told me, I prefer the +thief to the righteous woman."</p> + +<p>The mistress of the castle recoiled aghast before +this outbreak of anger. Never had the usually good-tempered +young man spoken so fiercely to her. As +he advanced towards her she believed that he was +going to strike her, and put up her arm with a look +of terror in her eyes. For once the bully was cowed.</p> + +<p>"Bravo, my boy!" cried Pratt, laughing at her +discomfiture, and clapping Leo on the back. The +young man started away.</p> + +<p>"Don't touch me," he said harshly. "Is it not +enough that I should have the shame of being your +son, but that you should approve of any action I do? +But I do not believe that you are my father. Where +is the proof?"</p> + +<p>"In London," said Pratt, very quietly, and wincing +at the tone of Leo's speech. "If you come with +me to London I can show you sufficient proof to make +you believe."</p> + +<p>"My mother?" Leo, with a sudden thought, cast +a look at Mrs Gabriel.</p> + +<p>"<i>I</i> am not your mother," she said scornfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +"Didn't I say there was no blood of mine in your +veins?"</p> + +<p>"Your mother is dead, Leo," said Pratt in a low +voice.</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel laughed insultingly. "And I daresay +she was some—"</p> + +<p>"If you dare to say another word," growled Pratt, +casting a bitter look at her, "I'll give your secret to +the world."</p> + +<p>"I don't care if you do," retorted Mrs Gabriel; but +Leo saw that she quailed. What could she have done +to give a man like Pratt—he could not call him father—a +power over her?</p> + +<p>"You <i>do</i> care," said Pratt, quietly; "but if you +don't I'll begin by telling Leo. Here goes. Leo, my +son—"</p> + +<p>In a moment Mrs Gabriel's defiant attitude became +one of supplication. She sprang forward and caught +Pratt by the arm. "Don't! don't," she said faintly. +"I'll do whatever you wish."</p> + +<p>"Will you dare to speak again as you have +done?"</p> + +<p>"No, no; I know you are the stronger. I could +kill you," she muttered, with a flash of her old temper. +"But I have to give in—I have to!"</p> + +<p>"Well," drawled Pratt, taking a pleasure in bringing +her to her knees, a position to which she was quite +unaccustomed. "You have persecuted my poor son +so that I think he should have something to hold over +your head. It would serve you right."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to know your wicked secrets," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +Leo, very pale, but otherwise calm. "It seems to me +that you are an evil couple. And I—Heaven help +me!—have a father who is a thief."</p> + +<p>"What of that!" said Mrs Gabriel, getting angry +again. "You are a thief as well, are you not? The +cup—"</p> + +<p>"I did not steal it," said Leo, proudly. "You know +as well as I do that this—this"—he winced—"father +of mine took it away from the chapel."</p> + +<p>"That is just where you are wrong. He did +not—"</p> + +<p>"Mrs Gabriel!" Pratt's voice sounded dangerous. +She was quiet at once, and looked at him in a frightened +way. But Leo had heard enough to arouse his +suspicions. He turned on Pratt and seized him by the +arm.</p> + +<p>"Have you been telling a lie?" muttered the unhappy +young man.</p> + +<p>His father shook him off. "It's no use telling another +one," he said in a dogged way; "now you know +so much you may as well know all. I know nothing +about the cup; but, to clear you, I took the blame +on myself. You see, Leo," he said calmly, "my +character is already so bad that a robbery more or less +does not matter. I did it for you, my boy, as I have +done everything else. I wanted you to be a gentleman +and marry the girl of your heart. Sybil loves +you, and I thought when the vicar knew you were +innocent that he would let you marry her."</p> + +<p>"He might have done so," said Leo, sitting down +in absolute despair; "but since Mrs Gabriel told him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> +that I was illegitimate, he has never been the same. +He is a proud man."</p> + +<p>"Too proud to let the son of a thief marry his +child!" taunted the woman.</p> + +<p>"He doesn't know that Leo is my son," said Pratt, +fiercely.</p> + +<p>"I intend to tell him as soon as you are away," she +said.</p> + +<p>"You will do nothing of the sort," said Pratt in a +slow, venomous way which made her shrink back. +"By speaking to the vicar and telling a lie you have +caused trouble enough. He must know no more."</p> + +<p>"I did <i>not</i> tell a lie."</p> + +<p>"You did. My son was born in lawful wedlock."</p> + +<p>"Then why didn't you bring him up yourself?" said +Mrs Gabriel, with a sneer. "You gave him to me in +London, and made me adopt him. I had to say that +he was my nephew. Oh, how you have used me!"</p> + +<p>"And I have not done using you. Hold your +tongue, or it will be the worse for you. You know the +power I have. I will not scruple to use it if you dare +to do anything against my orders. Now, you can +go. I want to speak to my son alone."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel seemed inclined to dispute this order, +but a look from her tyrant cowed her. With a defiant +flinging up of the head she walked out of the +room, and closed the door.</p> + +<p>"She will tell the servants," said Leo.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, she won't," said Pratt coolly. "You don't +know the power I have over her. She will not dare."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to know anything," said Leo, looking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +down on the ground, with folded arms. "I know +quite enough. Are you speaking truly?"</p> + +<p>Pratt met his gaze in a perfectly composed manner. +"I am speaking the truth," he said; "you are +my son, and your mother died two years after you +were born. I was then in some danger from a—Well, +no matter. To make a long story short, I +wanted to procure a home for you where you would +be brought up like a gentleman. Having a certain +power over Mrs Gabriel, I fixed upon her, and made +her tell the story of your being her nephew. She did +all I wished, but had I known how she treated you," +he muttered, clenching his fist, "I should soon have +brought her to her bearings."</p> + +<p>"And it was this power that made her introduce +you into Colester society?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I can do what I like with the woman. I +know it is a terrible thing for you to find out what +I am. But I took to bad courses early, Leo, and I +went from bad to worse. It is a second nature for +me to steal—"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" Leo rose with a sickening sensation of disgust. +"Don't tell me any of your evil doings. I +know that you are my father; that you are a thief; I +want to know no more. You have ruined my life."</p> + +<p>"I have not," said Pratt. "How can you say such +a thing! What you have heard to-night need go no +further. I shall say nothing, and Mrs Gabriel will +be forced to hold her tongue. Your name is cleared +of this theft."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did you not steal the cup?" broke in Leo, looking +at his father.</p> + +<p>"No; I did not. If I had stolen it I should say +so. But I do not know who took it. I am going to +London to find out. Old Penny, the pawnbroker, is +a friend of mine. I know enough to get him into +trouble as a receiver of stolen goods, so he will have +to tell me who it was impersonated you."</p> + +<p>"You said in your letter that Adam—"</p> + +<p>Pratt interrupted impatiently. "Adam had nothing +to do with it," he said. "I invented all that to +throw dust in Marton's eyes. I suspect that Hale has +something to do with the stealing of the cup. He may +have taken it himself, for all I know. But Old Penny +will tell me. I'll get to the bottom of this, you may +be sure. As to you, Leo, hold your tongue about being +my son and come back to Mrs Gabriel. She will +be quite willing to receive you, and I can force her +to make you her heir. Then you can marry Sybil. +When you are rich and have an assured position, the +vicar will overlook the stain on your birth. It is a +lie, certainly," added Pratt, with a shrug, "but to tell +the truth would be to make matters worse, so we must +leave things as they are. For once Mrs Gabriel has +got the better of me. But it won't occur again. You +stay with her, and I promise you she will be as polite +as possible to you. You will be master here."</p> + +<p>Leo listened to this long speech with his aching +head between his hands. When Pratt had finished, +he looked up quietly. "It is good of you to take all +this trouble," he said, "but I cannot come back to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +Mrs Gabriel. Even if she loved, instead of hating +me, I could not come back on those terms. I can never +marry Sybil either. Do you think that I would let +her become my wife, knowing who I am? Your sins +must be visited on me, Pratt—I can't call you father. +You say you are my father, and you declare that you +can prove it. When you are in London I expect you +to do so. Let me know your address, and I'll come +up. But for the moment I assume that you are +speaking the truth. In that case there is nothing for +me to do but to go to South Africa and seek a soldier's +death. I would rather die than marry Sybil now."</p> + +<p>"Don't talk like that, Leo," said Pratt, much moved, +and wincing at the contempt of the young man. "I +am not so bad as you think. I have done many a kind +action. I can—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't defend yourself," said Leo, rising to go. +"I must get away by the same way I came. I shall +say nothing, but I hope you will be out of Colester by +to-morrow night. Marton leaves in the morning, so +the coast will be clear. I'm going now, and I hope +to hear from you, so that you may give me proof of the +truth of this story."</p> + +<p>"You don't believe me?"</p> + +<p>"I do—in a way. It seems to be true. You say +so, and Mrs Gabriel also. I suppose I am your son. +But I am hoping against hope that you may not be +able to prove the truth."</p> + +<p>"Leo," said Pratt, following him to the window, +"I am your father, and if you intend to leave Sybil +you may as well come with me. I can go with you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> +to South America, and there I can lead a new life. +I am rich in spite of losing The Nun's House. I +have a belt of jewels!—thousands of pounds of the +most valuable—"</p> + +<p>"And all stolen," cried Leo, thrusting him back in +disgust. "For God's sake don't speak to me any +more, or I shall forget that you are my father! If +you only knew how I loathe myself for being your +son! I never thought it would come to this. Let me +go—let me go!" and Leo, pulling his arm from the +grasp of Pratt, rushed out on to the terrace.</p> + +<p>In another ten minutes Mrs Gabriel re-entered. She +found Pratt with his head buried in his arms, sobbing +like a child. At the sight she burst out laughing. +Then she locked the window Leo had left open.</p> + +<p>"Get to bed, Pratt," she said, contemptuously, "and +pleasant dreams to you!"</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XVI</h3> + +<h5>SYBIL'S VISITOR</h5> + + +<p>Leo had never felt so wretched in his life as he did +the next day. Seeing that he was greatly disturbed, +Marton wished to learn the reason. As Haverleigh +had promised to keep secret the presence of his father +at the castle, he was obliged to evade a direct answer.</p> + +<p>"I saw Mrs Gabriel," he said quietly. "We had a +long conversation, and she told me what she had said +to the vicar."</p> + +<p>"Is it a serious matter?" asked the detective.</p> + +<p>"Serious enough to prevent my marriage," replied +Leo; "but what it is I do not feel called upon to +explain. It concerns myself and no one else. If you +could help me, Marton, I should tell you, but you cannot—no +one can. I don't think there is any more to +be said."</p> + +<p>Seeing the young man thus determined, Marton +said no more, as he did not wish to force Leo's confidence. +The next morning he took his departure, assuring +Haverleigh that he was always at his disposal +when wanted. "Depend upon it," he said, as he took +leave, "you are not yet done with Mrs Gabriel. She +will get you into more trouble. When she does, write +to that address."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thank you, Marton; should I require your assistance +I will write."</p> + +<p>The two men parted, Marton to London, and Leo +back to the inn. He was very miserable, the more +so as he had to avoid the society of Sybil. Knowing +what he did, it was impossible for him to talk of love +to her. He felt that he had no right to do so—that +he was gaining her affections wrongly. Sooner or +later he would have to leave her, but he did not wish +to break away abruptly. Little by little he hoped to +withdraw himself from her presence, and thus the +final separation would be more easy. All the next +day he wandered alone on the moor, where there was +no chance of meeting with Sybil. The morning afterwards +he received a note from Mrs Gabriel stating that +a certain person had taken his departure, Leo was +then in a fever of anxiety lest the person should be +captured.</p> + +<p>However, he learned within twenty-four hours that +there was no need to worry. An unsigned telegram +came from London, intimating that the sender was in +safety, and would communicate with him when the +time was ripe. Leo took this to mean that Pratt could +not easily get at the papers verifying his story, owing +to the vigilance exercised by the police, who were on +the look-out for him. Leo therefore possessed his +soul in patience until such time as all should be made +clear.</p> + +<p>Meantime, as he told Pratt, he was hoping against +hope that the story was not true. Certainly Pratt had +spoken in what appeared to be a most truthful way, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> +had exhibited an emotion he would scarcely have given +way to had he been telling a falsehood. But Haverleigh +knew what an actor the man was, and, until +proof was forthcoming, still cherished a hope that a +comedy had been acted for some reason best known +to Pratt himself. That is, it was a comedy to Pratt; +but to Leo Haverleigh it approached perilously near +to tragedy. Afterwards, looking back on the agony +of those few days, he wondered that he had not killed +himself in sheer despair.</p> + +<p>But he could not remain in the same place with Sybil +without feeling an overwhelming desire to tell her the +whole story, and thus put an end to an impossible situation. +Once she knew the truth, that he was the son +of a criminal, she would see that a marriage was out +of the question. Leo was quite certain that she would +still love him, and, after all, he was not responsible +for the sins of his father. But for the sake of Mr +Tempest, she could not marry him, nor—as he assured +himself—would he ask her to do so. Two or three +times he was on the point of seeking her out and revealing +all; but a feeling of the grief he would cause +her made him change his determination. He resolved +finally to leave her in a fool's paradise until he had +proof from Pratt of the supposed paternity. But to +be near her and not speak to her was unbearable. So +he sent a note saying he was called away for a few +days on business, and went to Portfront. Here he +remained waiting to hear from Pratt. And no man +could have been more miserable, a mood scarcely to +be wondered at considering the provocation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> + +<p>Meantime, Colester society had been much exercised +over the discovery of Leo's innocence and the +supposed delinquency of Pratt. Certainly, as Haverleigh +and Mrs Gabriel knew, Pratt had generously +taken on his own shoulders the blame which had +wrongfully rested on those of the young man. But +no one else knew this, and even if Pratt had come forward +and told the truth, no one would have believed +him. He had been so clearly proved to be a thief, +and the scandal concerning the stolen goods in The +Nun's House was so great, that there was no ill deed +with which the villagers and gentry of Colester were +not prepared to credit him. Mrs Bathurst was particularly +virulent in her denunciations of the rascal.</p> + +<p>"But I always knew that he was a bad lot," said +Mrs Bathurst. "Did I not say it was incredible that +a wealthy man should come down to pass his days in +a dull place like Colester? How lucky it is that we +found out his wickedness, thanks to that dear Mr +Marton, who is, I am sure, a perfect gentleman, in +spite of his being a police officer. I shall always look +upon him as having saved Peggy. The creature," so +she always called her former favourite, "wanted to +marry Peggy. I saw it in his eye. Perhaps I might +have yielded, and then what would have happened? +I should have had a Jack the Ripper in the family!"</p> + +<p>"Oh! scarcely as bad as that, Mrs Bathurst," said +Raston, to whom she was speaking. "Pratt was +never a murderer."</p> + +<p>"How do you know that, Mr Raston? For my +part, I believe he was capable of the most terrible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +crimes. If he had married Peggy! The very idea +makes me shudder. But the dear child has escaped +the snares of evil, and I hope to see her shortly the +wife of a good man," here Mrs Bathurst cast a look +on her companion.</p> + +<p>Raston smiled. He knew perfectly well what she +meant. Failing the wealthy Pratt, who had been +proved a scoundrel, the humble curate had a chance +of becoming Mrs Bathurst's son-in-law. And Raston +was not unwilling. He loved Peggy and she loved +him. They understood one another, and had done +so for some time. Never would Peggy have married +Pratt had he asked her a dozen times. But, as she +had told Raston, the man had never intended to propose. +Knowing this, Raston was glad to see that +Mrs Bathurst was not disinclined to accept him as a +suitor for her daughter. He then and there struck +the iron while it was hot.</p> + +<p>"I do not know if I am a very good man, Mrs +Bathurst," he said, still smiling, "but if you think me +good enough for Peggy, I shall be more than satisfied. +I have the curacy and three hundred a year. My +family you know all about, and I suppose you have +formed your own conclusions as to the merits of my +personality. I am not likely to turn out a criminal +like Pratt, you know."</p> + +<p>"Really, Mr Raston, you take my breath away," +said Mrs Bathurst, quite equal to the occasion. "I +never suspected that you loved Peggy. Still, if such +is the case, and she loves you, and you are prepared to +insure your life in case you die unexpectedly, I do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +not mind your marrying her. She is a dear girl and +will make you an excellent wife."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mrs Bathurst. Then I may see +Peggy now."</p> + +<p>"She is in the garden, Harold." Mrs Bathurst +had long since informed herself of the curate's Christian +name, so as to be prepared for an emergency of +this sort. "Go to her and take with you a mother's +blessing."</p> + +<p>Thus burdened, Raston sought out Peggy, and then +and there told her that all was well. They could love +one another without let or hindrance. The engagement +had been sanctioned officially by Mrs Bathurst. +Peggy laughed consumedly when Raston related the +pretty little comedy played by her mother. "She must +think you a donkey, Harold," she said. "Mother +thinks everyone is as blind as herself."</p> + +<p>"Mrs Bathurst fancies herself very wide awake, +my dear."</p> + +<p>"Those who are particularly blind always do, +Harold."</p> + +<p>Then they began to talk of their future, of the +probability of Sybil becoming the wife of Leo, and +the chances of Mrs Gabriel taking the young man +again to her castle. From one subject to another they +passed on until Peggy made an observation about +Pearl. "She is out and about, I see," said Peggy, +"but she still looks thin."</p> + +<p>"And no wonder. Her illness has been a severe +one. But she will soon put on flesh and regain her +colour. She is always wandering on the moor, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> +the winds there will do more to restore her to health +than all the drugs in the pharmacopœia of James."</p> + +<p>"Why does she go on the moor?" said Peggy. +"I thought it was the chapel she was fond of sitting +in."</p> + +<p>"Ah! She has changed all that," said Raston, sadly. +"It seems—I think I told you this before—that Mrs +Jeal told her some horrible Calvinistic doctrine, and +poor Pearl thinks she is lost eternally. It was her +idea that the cup was given into her charge, and now +she believes that the Master has taken it from her +because she is not good enough to be the custodian."</p> + +<p>"Poor girl!" said Peggy, sympathetically. "But +I thought, Harold, that she believed the cup had been +taken up to Heaven for the Supper of the Master?"</p> + +<p>"She did believe that till Mrs Jeal upset her mind +anew. Now she thinks she is lost, and I can't get the +terrible idea out of her head. She is like a lost thing +wandering about the moor. Only one cure is possible."</p> + +<p>"What is that, Harold?"</p> + +<p>"The cup must be restored to the altar she has +built."</p> + +<p>"An altar! Has she built one?"</p> + +<p>"I followed her on to the moor the other day, wishing +to calm her mind. Some distance away, in the +centre of the heather, she has erected an altar of turf, +and she told me that if the Master forgave her He +would replace the cup which He had taken from her +on that altar. She goes there every day to see if the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> +cup has returned. If it did, I believe she would again +be her old happy self."</p> + +<p>"But there is no chance of the cup being returned."</p> + +<p>"No," said Raston, a trifle grimly; "Pratt has got +it again in his possession, and he will not let it go. +Save for Pearl, I do not think it matters much. We +could never again use it for the service of the chapel. +A cup that has been stolen cannot be put to sacred +uses."</p> + +<p>"Do you think it was stolen?"</p> + +<p>"I am certain of it. Everything belonging to that +man was stolen. What a pity, Peggy, that such a +clever fellow should use his talents for such a bad +purpose."</p> + +<p>"A great pity. I liked Mr Pratt, and even now, +although he is such a wretch, I can't help feeling sorry +for him."</p> + +<p>"So do I, Peggy. There was good in Pratt. Let +us hope he will repent. But now, darling, don't let +us talk more of him. He has gone, and will never +come back. What about the wedding-day?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Harold!" began Peggy, and blushed. After +this the conversation became too personal to be reported. +It is sufficient to say that the wedding-day +was fixed for two months later.</p> + +<p>While all these discoveries in connections with Pratt +were being made in Colester, events which had to do +with Sybil's advertisement had happened which prevented +her keeping it any longer a secret from her +father. She put off telling him till the very last moment, +but when one day a London visitor arrived she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> +was forced to speak out. A card inscribed with the +name "Lord Kilspindie" was brought to her, and on +the back of it was a pencilled note hinting that the +gentleman had called about the advertisement. Sybil +ordered that he should be shown into the drawing-room, +and went to her father's study. The vicar was +preparing his sermon, and looked up ill-pleased at +the interruption.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Sybil?" he asked. "I am busy."</p> + +<p>"Please forgive me for interrupting you, father," +she replied, coming to the desk and putting her arm +round his neck, "but I have something to tell you, +something to confess."</p> + +<p>"You have been doing nothing wrong, I hope," +said Tempest, suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"I don't think it is wrong, save in one particular. +That advertisement! It was I who put it into the +papers."</p> + +<p>"Sybil! And you never told me!" The vicar +was annoyed. At the same time he felt relieved that +it was nothing worse. He fancied that she might +be about to confess that she had married Leo.</p> + +<p>"It was no use telling you until something came of +it, father," replied Sybil, calmly, "so do not be angry. +Now that the whole mystery has been cleared +up, the advertisement is useless. But I received one +answer to it. A gentleman called Lord Kilspindie +wrote to me at the post-office as 'S. T.,' asking to see +me about the cup. He had something serious to say +about it. I was curious—I think you would have +been curious yourself, father—so I wrote, and, giving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> +my real name and address, asked him to come down +here. He is now in the drawing-room."</p> + +<p>Tempest rose to his feet, looking vexed. "Lord +Kilspindie in the drawing-room, and I only know of +the matter now. Really, Sybil, you have behaved very +badly. What does he want?"</p> + +<p>"To tell us something about the cup, I suppose," +said Sybil. "Do you know Lord Kilspindie, father?"</p> + +<p>"No more than that he is a border lord and a +wealthy man. I believe he has a splendid and famous +castle near the Tweed. Sybil, you should have +told me."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, but I didn't think it was worth while +until he came. You are not angry, father. I have +done nothing so very bad, and it was my eagerness +about Leo that made me take up the matter."</p> + +<p>"You offered a reward of fifty pounds! How is +that to be paid?"</p> + +<p>Sybil laughed. "I don't think there will be any +question of reward with Lord Kilspindie," she said. +"Besides, he has not brought the cup. You know that +Mr Pratt has it, and is likely to keep it. Come, father, +forgive me, and let us see Lord Kilspindie. I am +filled with curiosity."</p> + +<p>"You are a wicked girl," said the vicar, indulgently, +and gave her a kiss. "If you do this again—"</p> + +<p>"I never will, father—unless Leo is again in +danger."</p> + +<p>The vicar sighed. His conscience pricked him +about Leo, and he did not know how to act towards +making amendment. Certainly if he gave his consent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +to the marriage Leo would be more than repaid +for the ill thoughts entertained about him. But Tempest +was filled with pride of race, and could not bring +himself to give his beautiful daughter to a nameless +man. However, he could not consider the matter now, +since his illustrious visitor was waiting in the drawing +room, so with Sybil he went to greet him.</p> + +<p>"Miss Tempest?" said Lord Kilspindie, coming +forward, with a look of admiration at the beautiful +girl before him, "and you, sir?"</p> + +<p>Sybil allowed her father to speak, as was right +and proper. "I am the vicar of this place, Lord Kilspindie," +said Tempest, politely, "and this is my +daughter. It was she who put the advertisement in +the paper. I presume that it is to that we owe the +pleasure of your company."</p> + +<p>"That and nothing else," said Lord Kilspindie, taking +the seat pointed out to him by the vicar. "I have +been looking for that cup for over twenty years. It +is not in your possession?"</p> + +<p>"It was for a few weeks," replied the vicar, who +was very curious. "I had better tell you the whole +story, and then you can judge for yourself."</p> + +<p>"If you will be so kind," replied Lord Kilspindie, +courteously.</p> + +<p>He listened attentively while Mr Tempest narrated +all the events in connection with the cup from +the time Pratt had arrived in Colester. The story was +a strange one, and the visitor was much interested. +However, he did not offer one interruption. Sybil +watched him the meanwhile.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>He was a tall, grey-haired man of over sixty, but still +vigorous and straight. His face was lined, however, +as though he had undergone much trouble. He had +a soldierly look about him, and all the time the vicar +was speaking tugged at a long grey moustache, the +only hair he wore on his face. Sybil thought of the +line in the "Ancient Mariner" about long and lean +and brown as the seashore sand (she could not quite +recall the quotation), but to her it described Kilspindie +perfectly. He was rather sad-looking, and his quiet +grey eyes looked as though he had known bitter +trouble. And indeed he had. Sybil learned that +later.</p> + +<p>"A very interesting story," he said politely when +Mr Tempest had finished, "but disappointing in its +ending. You say this man Pratt has now the cup in +his possession?"</p> + +<p>"He confessed as much, my lord, in a letter to the +detective in charge of the case. It is a pity he has +escaped with it."</p> + +<p>"A great pity," responded the other. "I suppose +there is no chance of his being captured?"</p> + +<p>"From what Mr Marton said I should think not," +put in Sybil. "He says that Pratt has baffled all the +cleverest detectives in England for a great number of +years."</p> + +<p>Kilspindie sighed. "No chance of getting it +back," he murmured; "and the luck will still be +bad."</p> + +<p>"The luck!" echoed Sybil, catching the word.</p> + +<p>"You will think me superstitious," he said, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> +a smile; "but the fact is that the cup is said to be +a fairy gift, and has been in our family for generations. +The luck of the family goes with the cup."</p> + +<p>"Like the luck of Edenhall!" said Sybil, remembering +Longfellow's poem.</p> + +<p>"Precisely," responded Kilspindie. "The legend +is a curious one. I must tell it to you some time. Of +course my opinion is that the cup is of Roman manufacture. +I recognised it from its description, and especially +from the Latin motto you set down in the +advertisement. I think that goblet was dedicated to +Bacchus, and was probably lost by some Roman general +when Scotland was invaded by the Cæsars."</p> + +<p>All this time Mr Tempest was trying to recover +from the horror of his thoughts. "A pagan cup!" +he gasped, "and a stolen cup! Oh, my lord, and it +was used as a communion cup. Pratt said that he +had brought it from Italy, where it was so used by the +Romish Church. I thought it was sanctified by such +a use, and did not hesitate to put it again on the altar. +I really don't know what to say. It is like +sacrilege."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, Mr Tempest. But the cup has been +at Kilspindie Castle for five hundred years. It never +was used in the service of the Church. Over twenty +years ago it was stolen by a woman."</p> + +<p>"By a woman," echoed Sybil. She had quite expected +to hear Pratt's name.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XVII</h3> + +<h5>LORD KILSPINDIE EXPLAINS</h5> + + +<p>"Before you begin your story, my lord," said the +vicar, "will you please inform me how you came to +know of the loss of the cup?"</p> + +<p>"I have already done so, Mr Tempest. I saw the +advertisement offering a reward for its recovery. The +description and the quotation of the Latin motto were +sufficient to show me that it was my heirloom. I +wrote to the office of the paper, and afterwards received +a letter from Miss Tempest, here, asking me to +call. I have taken up my abode at the inn, as I may +stay here for a few days. I want to know all I can +about the matter. If I can only trace and recover the +cup through your agency I shall be eternally your +debtor."</p> + +<p>"I cannot tell you more than I have related," replied +the vicar. "This man Pratt took back the cup, +and is now in London—where, no one knows. I fear +the cup is as lost as though it had been swallowed up +by the ocean!"</p> + +<p>"It is enough that I know in whose possession it +is," said Kilspindie, with determination. "In some +way or another I shall find this man. For I may tell +you, Mr Tempest, that, besides the recovery of a family<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> +treasure, I have another and more important object +in view—the recovery of my son, who was stolen +from me at the time the cup disappeared."</p> + +<p>Tempest expressed much astonishment at this information, +and Sybil opened her eyes wide. She had +never thought that her attempt to clear the character +of her lover would lead to such a result. Neither +she nor her father knew what to say, and, seeing them +silent, Lord Kilspindie continued to speak.</p> + +<p>"How the cup came into the possession of this man +I cannot say. It was taken from the castle by a nurse +called Janet Grant, who also carried away the child."</p> + +<p>"Why did she do that?" asked Sybil, horrified.</p> + +<p>"Out of revenge for a fancied slight she received +from my wife," replied Kilspindie, with a sigh; "but +it is best I should tell you all from the beginning. +First, you must know the legend of the cup, that you +may understand the value we Grants attach to its +possession."</p> + +<p>"I am fond of folk-lore," murmured the vicar, settling +himself down for a pleasant half-hour. "Your +family name is Grant, then, my lord?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Our title is Kilspindie, an earldom. My +son who was stolen—my only son and only child, +alas!—is Lord Morven, if he be still alive. But who +knows if I shall ever see him again?"</p> + +<p>"Hope for the best," said the vicar, gently. "God +is over all!"</p> + +<p>"You are right, Mr Tempest. But how many weary +years have I waited, and have had to comfort myself +in that fashion. Now, when I had lost all hope, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> +advertisement roused it again. If I find the cup I +may discover my boy, or, at all events, I may find out +if he is alive or dead."</p> + +<p>"I am sure he is alive," said Sybil, impulsively. +"Dear Lord Kilspindie, if there was no chance of +your finding him I should not have been guided to +put in that advertisement. It was entirely my own +doing, and had I consulted with my father it would +never have appeared."</p> + +<p>"It certainly would not," said the vicar, promptly. +"I had placed the matter in the hands of Mr Marton, +and I was angry when I saw the advertisement—very +angry, indeed."</p> + +<p>"You must not be angry any more, Mr Tempest," +said Kilspindie, with a smile, "seeing that it may lead +to the discovery of my son. I owe much to Miss Tempest's +indiscretion, as you no doubt call it."</p> + +<p>"No," said Sybil, resolutely; "I am sure papa does +not call it that. I did it to help Leo, and I would do +it again. But tell us the legend, Lord Kilspindie."</p> + +<p>The old man laughed. "If you have not the imagination +of the Celt you will think it but a poor +thing," he said. "In the days of Bruce, and on the +Border, Nigel Grant, the head of the clan—my ancestor, +Mr Tempest—was riding home from a foray +against the English. He had been successful, and had +collected a large mob of cattle, which were being +driven to the castle by his followers. He was anxious +to get home, for when he had left, two weeks previously, +his wife was expected to give birth to a +child. The chief eagerly desired that it might be a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +boy, for he had few relatives, and those he had were +his bitterest enemies."</p> + +<p>"What!" said Tempest, "and the Scotch so +clannish?"</p> + +<p>"They are more clannish in the Highlands than +on the Border," replied the old lord. "Many of the +Border families fought with one another. My clan +did also for many a long day, although they are +friendly enough now. However, you know the reason +that Nigel Grant was so eager for an heir."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't a girl have done?" asked Sybil mischievously.</p> + +<p>"By no means. The chief wanted a brave boy, to +bestride a horse and wield a sword, and govern the +unruly Grant clan with a strong hand. He had +prayed to the Virgin to give him his heart's desire—they +were all Roman Catholics in those days, remember. +So you may guess he rode home at top speed, +and as he neared the castle he was far in advance of +his followers and alone. And then came the fairies."</p> + +<p>"The fairies!" echoed Sybil. "This is interesting," +and she laughed.</p> + +<p>"We call them the Good Neighbours in Scotland, +you know, because the fairies don't like to be talked +about with disrespect. But to go on with my story. +Nigel Grant was on a wide moor all alone, although +the lances of his men-at-arms glittered on the verge +of the horizon. Suddenly—from the viewless air, apparently, +since there was no rock or tree or shelter of +any kind—there appeared a small woman dressed in +green, with a golden crown. At the sight of her the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +chief's horse stopped all at once, as though stricken +into stone. The fairy queen—for it was she, the +same, I suppose, who appeared to Thomas the +Rhymer."</p> + +<p>"Ah! <i>she</i> was mounted on a horse!" said Sybil, +half to herself.</p> + +<p>"Indeed? Well, this queen was on foot, and in +her arms she carried a child. Stopping before Nigel, +she placed the child on his saddle-bow, and told him +to take it home for a year and a day. 'If it returns +to us safe and sound,' she continued, 'great good fortune +will befall the Grants. But if anything wrong is +done to it, then will sorrow come.' So speaking she +vanished, and the horse, suddenly regaining motion, +galloped home to the castle, bearing the amazed chief +with his child in his arms."</p> + +<p>"His child, my lord?" asked the vicar, smiling.</p> + +<p>"It had to be his child for a year and a day. He +found that during his absence his wife had given birth +to a fine boy, but that a day or so after it was born +the cradle was found empty. Lady Grant was in a +great state of terror, as you may imagine. When the +chief told his story she declared that her child had +been carried off by the Good Neighbours. It was her +wish to kill the changeling. But this the chief, mindful +of the prophecy, would not permit. It was supposed +that the fairy child required to be nursed by a +mortal woman, and this was why the chief's boy had +been carried away."</p> + +<p>"I never heard that version of the old story before," +said Tempest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No? It is usually said that the fairies want the +child for themselves. But in this story what I have +told you was believed. Lady Grant, hoping to get +back her own child in a year and a day, nursed the +changeling. It was a peevish, cross, whimpering creature, +and marvellously ugly. But when she fed it +with her milk it grew fat and strong, and became +good-tempered.</p> + +<p>"On the night when the year and a day were up, there +was heard the sound of galloping horses round the +castle. A wind swept into the rooms and down the +corridors. Everyone in the castle fell into a magic +sleep. But in the morning the true child was found +smiling in his cradle and the fairy changeling was +gone. In the cradle also was the cup I am seeking, +and a scroll saying that while it was kept in the family +no ill would befall, but that if lost the line would be +in danger of extinction."</p> + +<p>"And did the prophecy ever come true?" asked +Sybil.</p> + +<p>"Twice," replied Kilspindie, with the most profound +conviction. "In the reign of the first James of +Scotland the cup was stolen, and three brothers of the +chief were slain in battle. Only the child of one of +them lived, for the chief had no family. Then the cup +was brought back—I could tell you how, but the story +is too long—and the child was spared to become the +father of a large family."</p> + +<p>"And the second time?" asked Tempest, wondering +how much of this wild tale the old lord believed.</p> + +<p>"The second time was in the reign of Henry VIII.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> +The castle was sacked and the cup taken. All the +family were killed, but the nurse managed to save one +child, with whom she fled. After a series of adventures +the cup was restored and the child regained +his inheritance."</p> + +<p>"How strange!" said Sybil. "And now that the +cup is lost again?"</p> + +<p>Kilspindie smiled. "Well, you see, Miss Tempest, +I have but one son and he is lost. If I do not +find him the title and estates must go to a distant +cousin, and the prophecy of the fairies will be fulfilled. +That is why I am so anxious to get the cup. +If I can find it and bring it back to Kilspindie Castle, +I am certain that I shall find my boy."</p> + +<p>"A wild story," said the vicar, after a pause. +"There is oftentimes a grain of truth in these folktales. +But tell me, how came it that the cup was +stolen the third time?"</p> + +<p>"I am about to tell you," replied the visitor. "There +was a woman called Janet Grant, the daughter of one +of my tenants. She was in service at my place, but +after some years she became weary of the dull life. +We are not very lively up in the north," said Kilspindie, +with a laugh. "However, this woman got +tired and went up to London. There, I believe, she +obtained a situation, but what her life was while absent +I do not know. She was always reticent on the +point. After six years she returned. In the interval +I had married, and at the time Janet returned, or a +year before, my wife became a mother. I was the +father of a splendid boy, my son and heir, Lord Morven.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +Janet was taken back into my service as an +under nurse, for she was a very capable woman."</p> + +<p>"Had she a good temper?" asked Sybil, guessing +what was coming.</p> + +<p>"One of the worst tempers in the world. Also +she was evil in her disposition. Had I known then +what was told to me afterwards by the other servants, +she should never have re-entered my service. +But they were all afraid of Janet and her wicked +ways, and therefore remained silent when it was their +duty to speak out. When the boy was two years of +age, or it may be a trifle over, the head nurse died. +Janet expected to succeed, but my wife appointed another +woman."</p> + +<p>"She did not trust Janet," hinted the vicar.</p> + +<p>"No. By this time Janet was not so careful in her +behaviour, and my wife began to suspect her true +character. Janet was very angry at the slight—as +she called it—and swore she would be revenged. Of +course, she knew the legend of the cup, so it struck +her, no doubt, that if she stole the cup the usual +disaster would follow."</p> + +<p>"What superstition!" murmured Mr Tempest.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know, sir," said Kilspindie, quietly. +"You see, Mr Tempest, we had chapter and verse +for what might happen. However, Janet, out of revenge, +took away the child and stole the cup. She +had no difficulty in doing either. The cup was placed +in the picture gallery under a glass shade, for no one +ever expected that it would be stolen. It was not +guarded so carefully as it should have been. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +who would have thought that any one of my faithful +servants would steal? As to the child, Janet was +one day sent out with him. The head nurse remained +at home. I believe she then took the cup with her. +At all events she never returned, and when a search +was made both the child and the cup were missing." +Here Lord Kilspindie stopped and shook his head.</p> + +<p>"What happened after that?" asked Sybil, +curiously.</p> + +<p>"There is no more to tell, Miss Tempest. The woman +vanished utterly with the child and the cup. My +wife, poor soul, died of grief. I employed all manner +of means to find the woman, but without result. I +even offered a reward and a pardon if she would bring +back what she had taken. But she gave no sign of +her existence. Well"—Kilspindie sighed—"that is +all. I have been a lonely man for over twenty years, +and things have gone wrong with me in every way. +I am certain that prosperity will not return to me and +mine until the cup is brought back. Then I may hope +to recover my son. You can understand now how +anxious I am to find this man Pratt. I would willingly +pardon him all if he would give back the cup."</p> + +<p>"I wonder how he became possessed of it?" said +Tempest.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Kilspindie, "that is what we must find +out. He seems to be an accomplished thief, so it may +be that he stole the cup. On the other hand, Janet, +finding herself hard up, may have pawned it, and +Pratt may have got it into his possession in that way. +You tell me that he has a love for beautiful things."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Such a love," said the vicar, sadly, "that he is +willing to be a thief to obtain them. Well, my lord, +at present I do not see how we can help you."</p> + +<p>"There is one way," said Kilspindie, after a pause. +"Give me a letter to this Mr Marton, and with his +aid I may succeed in tracing Pratt. In the meantime +I intend to wait here for a few days. At my age I +am not able to get about so rapidly as I once did."</p> + +<p>The man did indeed look old and worn-out. But he +was a fine, courtly gentleman of what is called the old +school, and Sybil was quite fascinated with him. After +some further conversation it was arranged that he +should remain at the inn until the end of the week—it +was now Wednesday—and that afterwards the vicar +should accompany him to London to introduce him +personally to Marton. Leaving her father and Kilspindie +together, Sybil went to her room to think +over the strange episode which was the outcome of her +advertisement.</p> + +<p>She was anxious to tell Leo all about it, but he was +at Portfront, and she had received no letter from him. +Sybil wondered at this, as it was not like Leo to neglect +her. For the moment she was inclined to drive to +Portfront and see him. He had given her no reason +for his departure, and she was becoming anxious about +him. Mrs Gabriel still remained in seclusion, and, +so far as Sybil knew, Leo had never been to see her. +It was therefore no use talking to Mrs Gabriel about +the man she had so cruelly cast off. Her father she +could not appeal to because, although he wished to +make amends to Leo for his unjust suspicions, he did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> +not wish him to marry her, and would therefore do +nothing likely to bring them together. In this dilemma +it struck Sybil that she might see Raston; he was a +kindly creature, and all through the dark day had believed +in Haverleigh's innocence. She thought that +Raston might be induced to bring Leo back from Portfront, +so Sybil put on her hat and sought out the +curate. He was at home and delighted to see her.</p> + +<p>"This is an unexpected pleasure, Miss Tempest," +he said, wheeling the armchair forward. "I hope +there is nothing wrong."</p> + +<p>"Why should there be anything wrong?" asked +Sybil, smiling.</p> + +<p>Raston passed his hand across his forehead with a +troubled air. "This fact is I do not feel well this +morning," he said. "I have received a letter from +Town which has worried me. But do not let me inflict +my troubles on you, Miss Tempest. What can I +do?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you, Mr Raston. But, first of all, you +must promise to keep all I tell you a secret. I don't +think I am breaking confidence in saying what is in +my mind, as I gave no promise of secrecy. But I must +tell you all, as you are the only person who can advise +me."</p> + +<p>"I promise to keep your secret, whatever it may +be, Miss Tempest."</p> + +<p>"Then listen to the latest information about the +cup," said Sybil, and forthwith related to Raston the +news of Lord Kilspindie's arrival, and how he had +been brought to Colester by means of the advertisement.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> +Having made this preliminary explanation, she +related the story which had been told to her father and +herself. As no promise of secrecy had been given, +Sybil did not think she was doing wrong; and, besides, +it was necessary for Raston to know all the details +before he could help her to bring Leo back. +Finally, she had the utmost confidence in the curate's +silence.</p> + +<p>"It is a most extraordinary story," he said, when +she had finished; "and more curious still—" here he +stopped short and considered. "I can tell you what +is in my mind later," he said; "at present you must +let me know in what way I can serve you."</p> + +<p>"I want you to help me with Leo," said Sybil, +promptly. "For some reason he has gone to Portfront +and is stopping there. I would go over myself +and bring him back, but I am afraid of offending my +father. I want Leo to be introduced to Lord +Kilspindie."</p> + +<p>"For what reason, Miss Tempest?"</p> + +<p>Sybil looked at the ground, and began to draw diagrams +with a dainty shoe. "Well, Mr Raston, you +know that I want to marry Leo," she said, with a +blush, "and at present there are so many obstacles +to our engagement. My father is not so just towards +Leo as he should be. I suppose this is because he is +poor and has no prospects. If he enlists and goes to +the war, I do not see how that will bring us together. +Even if he gets a commission I cannot marry him. +There will not be enough money. Now, I thought +that as I had done something to bring Lord Kilspindie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +a chance of getting back the cup, he might be induced +to do something for myself and Leo."</p> + +<p>"Something might come of it, certainly, Miss +Tempest."</p> + +<p>"I am sure Lord Kilspindie is very kind," she said +in a feminine way. "He looks kind. Leo has delightful +manners, as you know, Mr Raston. He is +clever in his own way and well educated. Lord Kilspindie +might take a fancy to him and make him a +secretary or something. At all events, he might put +him in the way of earning money, for I am sure that +Lord Kilspindie has power as well as wealth."</p> + +<p>"Then you want Leo to come back and meet him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. You must tell him all I have told you, and +say that if he loves me he must come back at once."</p> + +<p>"I shall do what you say, Miss Tempest, and if I +can induce Leo to return he certainly shall. I do not +know why he went to Portfront. His name was +cleared, and he need have had no hesitation in remaining +at Colester."</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I don't know what is the matter with +him," said Sybil, with a sigh; "he has been so strange +lately. I am sure he is keeping something from me. +But if I get him to myself I'll find out what it is. But +you <i>will</i> go to Portfront, Mr Raston?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. This afternoon. In fact, I was going that +way in any case, Miss Tempest, as I intend to journey +to London."</p> + +<p>"Why are you going to London?" asked Sybil in +surprise. She knew that Raston rarely went to the +great city.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> + +<p>The curate hesitated again and rubbed his hair in a +distracted way. "I would rather you did not ask me, +Miss Tempest," he said at length. "I am going to +London in answer to a letter. I hope to be back on +Saturday. I have to preach on Sunday, as you know. +The vicar said something about taking a service at +Portfront."</p> + +<p>"As Lord Kilspindie will be at church on Sunday," +said Sybil, "I think papa will stay. He looks upon +Lord Kilspindie as his guest."</p> + +<p>"Well, in any case I'll be back," said the curate, +with a nod; "then I shall be able to tell you the +reason I had to go. In the meantime, Miss Tempest, +I wish you would see Pearl Darry occasionally. She +goes wandering about the moor lamenting her lost +soul, poor creature. I have been with her a good deal, +but while I am away she may do something desperate. +You see her, Miss Tempest, and persuade her that she +is under the care of the Master."</p> + +<p>"I'll do my best," replied Sybil; "but I am afraid +I am not good enough to preach, Mr Raston. What +a shame of Mrs Jeal to put these ideas into the girl's +head! She knew that Pearl was not sane, and to make +her think such things was downright dangerous."</p> + +<p>"I know." Raston sighed. "If we could only get +back the cup, Pearl would be satisfied that the Master +is pleased with her and has taken her into favour +again. Then she would recover her old faith in the +goodness and love of God which Mrs Jeal, with the +best intentions, no doubt, has destroyed. I cannot +think Mrs Jeal is a good woman."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am sure she is a very bad one," said Sybil, emphatically. +"However, I'll do as you wish, Mr Raston. +Good-day. A pleasant journey," and she +departed.</p> + +<p>The curate took out a letter, glanced at it, shook his +head. He was puzzled by the communication, and +knew not what to make of it.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XVIII</h3> + +<h5>A MIRACLE</h5> + + +<p>That same afternoon Raston notified the vicar that +he was going for a few days to London. On the understanding +that the young man would be back for +morning service on Sunday, the vicar readily consented +that he should go. Raston forthwith packed his bag, +and driving to Portfront stayed there the night. But +for Sybil's message he would have waited until the +next day, and have gone directly to London without +pausing on the way. However, he wished to have a +talk with Leo, both on account of Sybil's message and +because he wanted to consult with the young man +about the letter which worried him. This entailed a +long conversation, so Raston put up at the hotel at +which Leo was staying, and sent a message that he +wanted to see Mr Haverleigh.</p> + +<p>Leo made his appearance, looking haggard and +worried, and very much unlike his usual self. He +seemed nervous on seeing Raston, and hurriedly approached +him as though he expected to hear bad news. +The events of the last few weeks had shaken Leo's +nerves, and he was prepared for any calamity—even +to hear that Pratt had been arrested. Something of +the sort he expected to hear now.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hullo, Raston!" he cried, with an affectation of +brightness. "What brings you here?"</p> + +<p>"I am on my way to London," said Raston, shaking +hands in a friendly fashion, "and I am staying here +for the night, as I want to have a long talk with you."</p> + +<p>"Very glad," replied Leo, mechanically. Then +after a pause he raised his head. "There is no bad +news, I trust?" he asked anxiously.</p> + +<p>"By no means. My news is good."</p> + +<p>"Then it cannot concern me," said Leo, bitterly. +"No good news ever comes my way now. What +is it?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you after dinner."</p> + +<p>"No; tell me now! I can't wait. I am so anxious +and worried that my mind cannot bear suspense."</p> + +<p>"You brood too much on things," said Raston. +"However, the matter is very simple. Miss Tempest +wants you to return at once to Colester."</p> + +<p>"What for? Has her father discovered anything +bad about me?"</p> + +<p>Raston laughed. "No. You are getting morbid +on the subject—the result, I suppose, of your late experience +of man's injustice. If you will sit down I +will tell you what she asked me to say. It is a long +story."</p> + +<p>"An agreeable one, I hope," muttered Leo, dropping +dejectedly into a chair. "I really cannot bear much +more worry without going to chuck myself into the +water."</p> + +<p>"Haverleigh," said the curate, severely, "that is +an ungrateful way to speak, after the mercy God has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +shown you. Has he not brought you through much +tribulation, and set your feet on a rock of safety!"</p> + +<p>"Well, there are two answers to that, Raston. +However, I'll try and behave myself while you tell me +what Sybil said."</p> + +<p>Raston sighed. Not knowing Leo's worry, he was +beginning to think him wrong to behave as he did. +Still, this was not the time to preach, and, unlike most +clergymen, Raston knew where to stop. He sat down +near Leo and related the whole story of Lord Kilspindie +and his loss. Then he detailed Sybil's idea +that Kilspindie might do something for the young man. +"And if your future is arranged you can then be +married."</p> + +<p>"I shall never be married, Raston," said Leo, +gloomily. "If you knew—But I must keep my own +counsel. What takes you to London?" he asked suddenly. +"You are such a home bird that there must be +some strong reason."</p> + +<p>"The very strongest," replied the curate, drawing +a letter out of his pocket. "But first you must +promise to hold your tongue about what I am going to +tell you."</p> + +<p>Leo nodded. "I have too many unpleasant secrets +of my own not to keep those of others," he said. +"Well, what's up?"</p> + +<p>"Read this letter from Pratt."</p> + +<p>"Pratt!" Haverleigh took the letter hurriedly. +"Why, what is he writing to you about?" He cast +his eyes over the letter. It was to the effect that Pratt +would be glad to see Raston at a certain place in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> +London to speak with him about the cup which had +been lost. It asked the curate to keep the contents of +the letter a secret, or at all events to tell only Leo +Haverleigh. Also, it warned Raston that if he behaved +treacherously, and brought down the police on +Pratt, that there would be the devil to pay. These last +words were underlined and shocked the curate. The +time and place of the appointment were also underlined, +and from the way in which the meeting was arranged +Leo could see that his father had contrived to +see Raston without running the risk of arrest.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what he wants to see you about!" said +Leo, handing back the letter and speaking uneasily. +He fancied that Pratt might be going to reveal to +Raston the secret of his own paternity.</p> + +<p>"About the cup," said Raston, returning the letter +to his pocket. "I suppose he is about to give it back +to us again. Not that it will ever be used again for so +sacred a purpose. I shall take it and return it to Lord +Kilspindie. That is only right, as the cup was stolen +from him."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I forgot! You think that Pratt has the cup?" +said Leo.</p> + +<p>"He has. Do you not remember the letter he wrote +to Marton saying he had stolen the cup and again had +it in his possession?"</p> + +<p>"I remember; but that was one of Pratt's fairy +tales."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?" asked Raston, astonished. +"Has he written to you?"</p> + +<p>"No. I have seen him."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> + +<p>"In London?"</p> + +<p>"In Colester."</p> + +<p>Raston pushed back his chair and stared at his +friend. "When did you see him in Colester?" he +asked, open-mouthed.</p> + +<p>"A few days ago." Leo pondered for a moment +while Raston stared at him. He wondered if it would +not be as well to make a confidant of the curate, and +ask his advice. The secret was rapidly becoming too +much for him to bear alone. Raston was his friend, a +good fellow, and a wise young man. Certainly it +would be well to confide in him. Leo made up his +mind. "I have to tell you something that will astonish +you. I speak in confidence, Raston."</p> + +<p>"Anything you tell me will be sacred," replied the +curate, with dignity.</p> + +<p>Leo nodded, quite satisfied with this assurance. +Then he related all that had taken place in the castle +on that night when he had discovered Mrs Gabriel +and Pratt in company. Raston fairly gasped with +surprise as the recital proceeded, and when Leo confessed +that Pratt claimed him as a son he sprang from +his seat.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe a word of it!" he cried, bringing +his fist down on the table. "The man is a vile liar. +Whomsoever you may be, Leo, you are certainly not +the son of this wretch. Can a bad tree bear good +fruit? No."</p> + +<p>"But he can give me proofs."</p> + +<p>"He has not done so yet. Let me speak to him, +Leo. I may be able to get more out of him than you.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> +I am your friend, you know that! so if you will place +the matter in my hands, I promise to find out the +truth somehow."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Leo, with some hesitation, "I rather +thought of coming with you to London. Pratt expects +me."</p> + +<p>"He has not written to that effect," said Raston. +"I tell you, Leo, the man is dangerous and unscrupulous. +The fact that he claims you as his son will +prevent you dealing freely with him. I can manage +him better myself. You go back to Colester and Miss +Tempest. It is but right that you should do what she +wishes, as she has held by you in your time of trouble. +Besides, I quite approve of her wish to introduce you +to Lord Kilspindie. And if—oh!—" Raston stopped +short.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, Raston?"</p> + +<p>"Suppose you should be the long-lost son of Lord +Kilspindie?"</p> + +<p>"Ridiculous!" said Leo, shaking his head and +flushing.</p> + +<p>"It is no more ridiculous than that you should be +the son of a thief—or, rather, believe yourself to be +so. Why should you believe the bad and doubt the +good? See here, Leo"—Raston was much excited—"the +cup was lost along with the child. Pratt has the +cup, why should you not be the child? The woman +who stole both might have died and passed them on +to Pratt. For his own purposes he says that he is +your father."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I can't believe it, Raston," said Leo, shaking his +head.</p> + +<p>"Well; disbelieve it if you choose. If the thing is +so, what you think will not alter it. All I ask is that +you should let me represent you at this interview. I +have to see Pratt on my own account. Let me see +him on yours."</p> + +<p>"Very good, Raston. You can do what you like. +I am greatly obliged to you for the trouble you are +taking."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, it is only right, Leo," protested the curate. +"I begin to see that you have been wronged. +I may not be right in my surmise about your being the +son of Kilspindie. But I am sure that I am correct in +saying you are not the son of that scoundrel. Now, go +back to Colester, hold your tongue, and wait till I +come back on Saturday."</p> + +<p>"I'll do as you wish," said Leo, sadly; "but indeed +I have no hope."</p> + +<p>"I have," said the curate, emphatically, and the +conversation ended.</p> + +<p>The next day Raston departed by the steamer to +London, <i>via</i> Worthing, and Leo returned to his old +quarters at the Colester Arms. His meeting with the +curate had done him good, and although he did not +adhere to Raston's theory about his noble paternity, +yet he felt more cheerful and hopeful. He was particular +as to his toilet, which, in his despair, he had rather +neglected of late, and went to the Vicarage. Sybil was +away with Pearl on the moor, the servant said. Leo +would have followed, but Mr Tempest caught sight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> +of him, and insisted that he should enter and be introduced +to Lord Kilspindie. Leo willingly obeyed, +as he was anxious to see his supposed father according +to Raston. He could not help smiling when he was +presented.</p> + +<p>Kilspindie was taken by that smile. He saw before +him a singularly splendid young man, with a graceful, +slender figure and a handsome face, but best of all +was the kindly look in the eyes. Kilspindie shook +hands heartily with Leo, and sighed as he thought that +his lost son might be just such another. Had he +known of what Raston and the young man before him +had talked about on the previous night, he might have +been more particular in his inquiries, and might perchance +have been brought to think as Raston did. +However, he knew nothing, Leo said nothing, and the +conversation resolved itself into the common-place. +Tempest was kind to Leo, Kilspindie was friendly, and +the three got on very well.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Sybil and Pearl were walking across the +moor. After a time they stopped at the turf altar +erected by the mad girl, and she explained to her +companion the reason she had made such a place.</p> + +<p>"The Master is angry with poor Pearl now," she +said sadly, "and He has taken the sacred cup from +her. She is not good enough to keep it. But when +the Master is pleased, and will save Pearl from the +Pit"—she shuddered—"He will place the cup on this +altar, and Pearl will bring it back to the chapel. Then +she will be saved and happy."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But, Pearl, you must not think of God in this +way. He is your Father, and He loves you."</p> + +<p>"He <i>did</i> love Pearl, but He made her ill, and Mrs +Jeal told Pearl that she was wicked and in danger of +the Worm."</p> + +<p>"Pearl! Pearl! Do not believe that. Mrs Jeal is +wrong. God loves you!"</p> + +<p>"Why, then, did He make Pearl ill if He loved her? +And why did He take away the Holy Grail which +Pearl watched over so carefully?"</p> + +<p>"He did not take it away," said Sybil, hardly +knowing what reply to make.</p> + +<p>"Yes, He did," persisted the poor, mad creature. +"Pearl was not good enough to keep it. But when +she is good the cup will come down to earth again."</p> + +<p>"Do you think it is in heaven now, Pearl?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure it is. No roof here to stop the cup +from floating up to the New Jerusalem. In the chapel +it would have stayed, because the bad roof kept it +down, but here it went up and up and up to the sky."</p> + +<p>Sybil did not know what to make of this talk. She +soothed the girl as much as she could and tried to +bring her back to that old happy state of mind which +Mrs Jeal had destroyed with her gloomy Calvinistic +creed. But it was all of no use. Only the restoration +of the cup would make Pearl believe that she was good +again. However, Sybil induced her to talk of other +things, of birds and flowers, and the poor creature was +in a quieter state of mind when Sybil brought her back +to the cottage.</p> + +<p>"I go every morning to the altar," said Pearl, as she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> +went inside. "The cup will come back when the +Master is sorry for Pearl."</p> + +<p>At this moment Mrs Jeal pulled her into the house +and scolded her for being away. When she saw Sybil +she became more civil, but still behaved in a covertly +insolent manner. Sybil grew angry.</p> + +<p>"You have behaved very wickedly in putting these +ideas into Pearl's head, Mrs Jeal," she said severely. +"The poor creature is not responsible. She does not +understand."</p> + +<p>"She understands more than you give her credit +for, miss," retorted Mrs Jeal, coolly, "and she is +not fit to be left alone. But when I go away I shall +put her in an asylum."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, you will do nothing of the sort!" cried +Miss Tempest, indignantly. "The poor thing would +die. Liberty is all in all to her. When are you going +away?"</p> + +<p>"I go with Sir Frank Hale, miss. I am going to +be the maid of his sister."</p> + +<p>"I heard Sir Frank was leaving Colester," said +Sybil, coldly, "and I think it is the best thing he +can do. When does he go, Mrs Jeal?"</p> + +<p>"In a week, miss. I have got a good situation, miss, +and I do not want to be burdened with Pearl. She +must go to an asylum."</p> + +<p>"No, no! I shall take charge of her myself," said +Sybil. "You leave her to me, Mrs Jeal, and I'll +look after her."</p> + +<p>"Well, I might, miss; I'll see." Then, after a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> +pause, Mrs Jeal asked, "About that gentleman at your +place, miss—will he stay long?"</p> + +<p>"Only till the end of the week. I suppose you +mean Lord Kilspindie?"</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal's wicked eyes blazed. "Yes, I mean him," +she said, and gave an unpleasant laugh. "Oh! so +he goes at the end of the week! Well, miss, before I +take up my situation with Miss Hale, I'll come and see +you about Pearl. If you could take her I should be +glad, but you'll find her a nuisance."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," said Sybil, coldly. "When will +you call?"</p> + +<p>"After the departure of Lord Kilspindie," said Mrs +Jeal, with another wicked look, and went into the +house. Sybil departed, wondering why the woman had +asked about Lord Kilspindie, and why she seemed +afraid to meet him. Had she been clever enough, she +might have guessed the truth. As it was the matter +passed out of her mind.</p> + +<p>After this there were some very pleasant evenings +at the Vicarage. Leo felt almost happy, in spite of his +troubles. He could not as yet bring himself to tell +Sybil that he could never marry her. Besides, he was +hoping against hope that Raston would bring back +some good news from London. Not, indeed, that he +(Leo Haverleigh) was the lost son of Lord Kilspindie—that +such good fortune should be his never entered +Leo's head—but that Pratt was not his father. +Leo felt that he would rather be proved to be illegitimate, +as Mrs Gabriel had told the vicar he was, than +have such a father as the criminal, Pratt. Yet, at times<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> +he felt sorry for the man. It was certain that he had +in him some good qualities. But whenever Leo +thought of him as his father, he became enraged +against him. The thing was too horrible.</p> + +<p>Lord Kilspindie took wonderfully to Leo, and this +the vicar was pleased to see. Owing to Leo's want +of an honest name, he could not bring himself to consent +to the marriage, so he hoped that the Scotch lord +might take a fancy to the young man and carry him +off. Thus Sybil would be safe, and Leo would be provided +for. Mr Tempest had evidently forgotten his +own youth, or he would have remembered that loving +hearts are not so easily severed. Leo and Sybil loved +one another too well for aught to come between them.</p> + +<p>On Saturday night Raston returned. It was so late +that Leo had not expected him, so they did not meet +until the next morning. Then it was on the way to +church.</p> + +<p>"Well," Leo asked eagerly, "and what does my—what +does Pratt say?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you after service," said Raston, hastily. +"At present I can't think of these things."</p> + +<p>"But one word, Raston," urged Leo. "Is Pratt my +father?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied the curate, emphatically, "he is not." +And before Leo could ask another question he ran off. +Filled with joy at the intelligence, but much bewildered, +Leo went to church to offer up thanks.</p> + +<p>Kilspindie was also in church, and with Sybil, in +the vicar's pew. Mr Tempest allowed Raston to +preach, as had been arranged, and took a very minor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> +part in the service. Indeed, he did little else but read +the lessons. The church was filled, as everyone was +anxious to see Lord Kilspindie. Mrs Bathurst was +there, wondering if his lordship could be induced to +marry Peggy. She quite forgot that she had promised +her daughter's hand to the curate, and was already +scheming to get at the old nobleman. That he <i>was</i> old +did not matter to Mrs Bathurst. She would have sold +her daughter to anyone, provided the match was a +good one. And, curious to say, she would have considered +that she had done her duty as a mother. Her +moral nature was decidedly warped.</p> + +<p>The service was almost over, and the church-wardens +were handing round the bags for the collection +when a sweet voice was heard singing in the distance. +Everyone recognised the voice—it was +Pearl's—and the vicar, kneeling at the communion +table, looked rather disturbed. He knew the eccentric +ways of the girl, and he feared lest she might come in +and distract the attention of the congregation. And +his fears were fulfilled—Pearl, still singing, entered +the church. The scandalised church-wardens would +have kept her out, but that she bore something which +made them open their eyes. The congregation also +became aware of Pearl's burden, and a gasp of astonishment +went round. Still singing some wild, vague +melody, the mad girl walked slowly up the aisle, +bearing the sacred cup.</p> + +<p>Lord Kilspindie did not see her until she was almost +at the chancel steps. He then gave a cry of astonishment, +in spite of the building and the occasion. Surely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> +he might have been pardoned, for the fairy cup upon +which depended the fortunes of the Grants glittered +before his eyes. There was a dead silence. Everyone +was too astonished to speak or move. The vicar himself +was staring from the communion table at this +miracle. But Raston, who had come down to receive +the collection, stood quietly waiting till the girl reached +him. She came up singing, placed the great gold cup +in his hand and fell on her knees.</p> + +<p>"The Master has forgiven Pearl," she said in a +voice which could be heard all over the church. "<i>She</i> +is saved and the cup will be here to watch over for ever +and ever. Amen. Amen." And she bowed her face in +her hands.</p> + +<p>Raston paused for a moment in hesitation and +glanced at the vicar, then at Lord Kilspindie. Then +he made up his mind, and walking up to the altar, +placed the cup in its old position. And there it glittered, +all gold and gems, with the sunlight striking +down on it, until it became almost too glorious to look +upon. Lord Kilspindie stared, with tears in his eyes. +The cup would be his again and he would soon have +his son. He never doubted but that the restoration of +the one was the prelude to the discovery of the other.</p> + +<p>Raston pronounced the Benediction and the organ +broke forth into jubilant music. Shortly the congregation +streamed out. Everyone was much excited. +The old nobleman came out with Sybil, and they waited +at the porch for the vicar. Leo also was with them.</p> + +<p>Suddenly a woman broke through the crowd in the +churchyard. It was Mrs Jeal, and she was seeking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +Pearl. In her haste she never noticed Lord Kilspindie, +until she almost ran into his arms. Suddenly he +saw her face, started, and made one stride forward to +clutch her by the arm.</p> + +<p>"The cup and then the heir!" he said loudly, while +all looked on amazed. "Janet Grant, where is my son, +Lord Morven!"</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XIX</h3> + +<h5>A STORY OF THE PAST</h5> + + +<p>Half-an-hour later and Lord Kilspindie was +back in the Vicarage library with Janet Grant, or, as it +may be more convenient to call her, Mrs Jeal. Mr +Tempest was present, together with Leo and Mr Raston, +and they had assembled to force the truth out of +Mrs Jeal. This was no easy matter. All the evil in +the woman was uppermost, and with her shawl +wrapped round her tightly she sat there and defied +them all.</p> + +<p>"You may burn me, you may put me in prison," said +Mrs Jeal, savagely, "but I won't open my mouth."</p> + +<p>"I'll have you arrested unless you tell the truth," +said Lord Kilspindie.</p> + +<p>"Arrest me, then," snarled Mrs Jeal. "There's a +policeman handy, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Why are you behaving like this, woman?" asked +the vicar, sternly.</p> + +<p>"Why!" she retorted violently. "Because I was +badly treated by my lord there. I served him faithfully +for many years, yet, in place of giving me the +position to which I was entitled, he set another +woman—a woman I hated—over my head. But I +paid him out," she said revengefully. "Oh! many a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> +sad hour you have had, my lord! And many more +you will have. I know where your son is; but I won't +tell. You have got back the cup, but the son, my Lord +Morven," she sneered, "will remain in the humble +position in which I have placed him."</p> + +<p>"Something is gained," said Kilspindie. "You have +revealed that my son is alive and well. I'll get the +rest out of you."</p> + +<p>"Never!" Mrs Jeal shut her mouth with a snap +and shook herself. "I'll not speak another word!"</p> + +<p>"What a wicked woman you are," said the vicar, +sadly. Mrs Jeal's eyes flashed a wicked glance at +him, but, true to her determination, she held her peace. +It seemed impossible to do anything with so pronounced +a vixen.</p> + +<p>Hitherto Raston had been silent. Now he came forward. +"I am able to deal with this matter," he said +quietly, "and I have a way of making the woman +speak."</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal shook her head and glared. The vicar and +Kilspindie both looked at the curate. So did Leo. +He was beginning to have a faint hope that the scene +would end in the discovery that he was the rightful +son of Lord Kilspindie. With an anxious face he sat +in the corner and drank in eagerly every word which +fell from Raston's lips. Mrs Jeal maintained her self-imposed +silence.</p> + +<p>"Mr Tempest," said Raston, "when I asked you if +I might go to London, I did not tell you my errand. I +tell it to you now. It was to see the man known as +Pratt."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed the vicar. "You saw that +man!"</p> + +<p>"Two days ago. He wrote asking me to see him, +hinting that he had something to tell about the cup."</p> + +<p>"Which he stole," said Kilspindie.</p> + +<p>"No, my lord. Pratt did not steal the cup. He +took the blame upon himself, so as to clear the name +of my friend Haverleigh."</p> + +<p>Both the old men looked at Leo, who winced.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure of that?" asked the vicar. "Pratt +wrote to Marton, remember."</p> + +<p>"To take the blame upon himself. Quite so. But +he was not guilty for all that. His record was so +black when Marton unmasked him that he thought a +crime more or less would not matter."</p> + +<p>"But why should he shield Haverleigh?" asked +Mr Tempest.</p> + +<p>Leo started forward. He saw that the time had +come for him to speak out. "I can answer that," he +said. "Pratt told me that I was his son."</p> + +<p>Tempest uttered an exclamation. "You must be +mistaken," he said; "Mrs Gabriel informed me that +you were illegitimate."</p> + +<p>"That would not have made any difference," said +Leo, bitterly. "I might as well be the illegitimate son +of Pratt as of anyone else. As a matter of fact, however, +he told me that I was born in wedlock. His +wife—my mother—died, and he placed me with Mrs +Gabriel to bring up. She believed that I was a nameless +orphan, and what she told you, Mr Tempest, was +true so far as she knew. Her telling was none the less<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> +spiteful, however. It was that which made you unwilling +that I should marry Sybil."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the vicar, with a flush. "I did not like +to think that a daughter of mine should marry a nameless +man."</p> + +<p>"And you visit the sins of the parents on the head +of their innocent offspring," said Leo. "You have +not treated me well, Mr Tempest. You thought me +guilty of theft; scorned me because I was nameless! +Is this the conduct of a minister of the Gospel?"</p> + +<p>The grey head of the vicar drooped. "I admit that +I have been wrong, Leo," he said in a faltering tone. +"You have vindicated your character. I ask your +pardon. And more," said he, when Leo grasped his +hand, "even although there is a stain on your birth—"</p> + +<p>"No," said Leo, "I don't want you to bind yourself +to anything. Wait till this mystery is cleared up. +At present, so far as I know, I am the son of a criminal. +If that is true, I should refuse to marry Sybil."</p> + +<p>Here Mrs Jeal burst out into a taunting laugh. +Lord Kilspindie frowned upon her, and took Leo's disengaged +hand. The vicar held the other. "You are +a good man, Haverleigh," said his lordship, far from +suspecting the truth. "I wish I had you for a son," +and Mrs Jeal laughed again.</p> + +<p>When quiet was restored, Raston went on with his +story. "First," he said, "I must tell you how I recovered +the cup. I went up and met Pratt. As I +promised not to deliver him into the hands of the law, +much as he deserved punishment, he spoke to me freely +and I was with him three hours. I do not know if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> +I was right in letting such a dangerous criminal escape," +said the curate, looking round, "but if I had +given information to the police I should never have +heard the truth about Leo, nor should I have secured +the cup."</p> + +<p>"Then I am not his son?" cried Leo, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"No. Pratt gave me his word for that. Who you +are you shall hear presently." Here Raston gave a +glance at Mrs Jeal, who was moving her hands restlessly +and seemed to be ill at ease. "Meantime I +must go on with the story of the cup. It seemed that +Pratt knew the pawnbroker Penny, and having learnt +from Mrs Jeal's story that he had the cup, he went to +get it back and to learn who had pawned it."</p> + +<p>"And who did?" asked the vicar, sharply.</p> + +<p>Raston gave the answer he least expected. "Mrs +Jeal pawned it," said he.</p> + +<p>The woman sprang to her feet and found her tongue. +"It is a lie!" she shouted, furious with rage; then +she made a rush for the door. Lord Kilspindie put +his hand on her shoulder and forced her back into the +chair.</p> + +<p>"I am beginning to suspect the truth," he said +sternly. "Sit still or I will have you punished."</p> + +<p>She scowled and relapsed into a dogged silence. +Raston went on to tell how the cup had been stolen. +"It seems that when Pearl Darry was ill," he said, +"this woman watched by her bed. The poor, mad +creature was delirious and raved about the cup. Mrs +Jeal persuaded her that she would be eternally punished, +what for Heaven only knows—"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She is a child of sin," groaned Mrs Jeal.</p> + +<p>"She is as pure and good as an angel," cried the +curate, frowning. "It is you who are the evil doer, +Mrs Jeal! Well, Mr Tempest, the girl thought in her +half-delirious state that she would test the goodness +of God. She proposed to take the cup out of the +chapel and place it on an altar of turf which she had +prepared on the moor. It was her idea that if God +wished to save her, He would take the cup up to +Heaven, and then replace it at a later date on the altar. +She, therefore, while Mrs Jeal was absent, dressed +herself and ran out of the house. She went to the +house of old Barker the sexton. His door was not +locked—he told a lie about that to save himself—and +she knew where the key of the church hung. It was +in her hand in a moment, and she went to the church +sometime about ten o'clock. She entered and took +the cup. Then she replaced the key on its nail after +relocking the door."</p> + +<p>"One moment," interrupted Mr Tempest; "those +scratches on the lepers' window—we thought, if you +remember, that the robber had entered that way."</p> + +<p>"I shrewdly suspect that old Barker made those +scratches to save his own skin," said Raston. "You +had better ask him." And it may here be mentioned +that the vicar did, and learned that what Raston said +was true. The old sexton, finding the cup gone, feared +lest he might be accused of the robbery, and so conceived +the idea of making marks as though someone +had entered at a window which his fat body could not +possibly have squeezed through. It was a clever idea<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> +and misled all. But old Barker was punished by +being sent to Portfront after he had confessed.</p> + +<p>"It was when Pearl left Barker's cottage with the +cup that Mrs Jeal met her," went on the curate. "She +had missed her out of bed, and thinking that the mad +girl had gone to the chapel, followed. She met her +at the door of the cottage and saw that she had the +cup. It was then that the idea came into her wicked +head to steal the cup."</p> + +<p>"It's a lie!" cried Mrs Jeal again.</p> + +<p>"It is what you told Old Penny, anyhow, as he is +prepared to swear in court," said the curate, coolly. +"He would not give you what you asked for the cup +until you told him where you got it. For a wonder, +you told the truth. Yes, Mrs Jeal, you followed Pearl +on to the moor and saw her set the cup on the turf +altar. Waiting till she got back to your cottage, you +took the cup and concealed it under your shawl. You +took it home, and found the girl back again in bed, +very ill from the effects of exposure. For a time you +nursed her while the hue and cry was being made +about the cup. Then you made the excuse that your +father was ill and went to London. You have no +father, Mrs Jeal, and Old Penny, in answer to a letter +of yours, sent the wire. You told him you had something +for him, and so he aided you with your plot. +You took the cup to London, pawned it to Old Penny +after telling him the story, and got five hundred +pounds for it."</p> + +<p>"I did not—I did not!" Mrs Jeal tried again to +rise, and again had to remain; Lord Kilspindie kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> +his heavy grip on her shoulder. In his rage at her +duplicity he could have slain her, but he spared her +for the moment that he might learn the truth. After +many years of darkness dawn was breaking. Mrs +Jeal saw that the end was in sight and began to sob.</p> + +<p>"Then," continued Raston, "you banked the +money and came down to tell that wicked lie about +Leo Haverleigh. You know that he was never near +the place—that he was innocent and that you were +guilty. However, Pratt got all this out of Old Penny, +and then gave him the five hundred pounds for the +cup. He took it to his own place, and when I was +with him he handed it to me."</p> + +<p>"Come," said Kilspindie, "there is some good in +the man."</p> + +<p>"He has to make reparation to you, my lord," said +Raston, solemnly, "for he is this woman's husband, +and it was by his direction that your son was stolen. +Yes," here the curate pointed to Leo, "and there is +your son."</p> + +<p>Leo rose slowly, as pale as a corpse. He had expected +this, yet when it came the thing was too much +for him. He could only look at his newly-found father +in silence. Lord Kilspindie gasped and he too +turned pale. Then he made one stride forward, and +grasping Leo's hands stared into his face. "Yes," he +muttered, "I believe. You have her—her—" He +turned on Mrs Jeal. "Woman, is this true?" he demanded. +But Mrs Jeal, with a cruel smile on her fat, +puffy face, still sat silent. "I could strangle you,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> +muttered Lord Kilspindie, exasperated by her obstinacy.</p> + +<p>"I can make her speak," said Raston, taking an envelope +out of his pocket, "and here is the means of +doing so."</p> + +<p>Still holding Leo's hand, Lord Kilspindie looked at +the curate. Mrs Jeal remained quiet, a contemptuous +smile on her lips and her eyes on the floor. Tempest, +much interested in this strange scene, sat waiting +for the end. It would seem that the result was in +Raston's hands.</p> + +<p>"After I had received the cup and had heard its +story," the curate continued, "I began to question +Pratt about Leo. At Portfront Leo had already told +me of the claim Pratt had made to being his father. +I did not believe it, for I know Haverleigh's upright +nature and could not think that he was the child of +such a bad man. At first Pratt insisted that he was +the father. I then appealed to his better instincts and +told him how Leo had made up his mind to give up +Miss Tempest rather than make her the wife of a man +with such antecedents as his. I think Pratt really +loves you, Leo, for after a time he yielded to my entreaties +and told the truth."</p> + +<p>"I am sure he likes me," said Haverleigh, quietly; +"he was always very kind to me. Bad as he is, I at +least have no reason to complain of his treatment."</p> + +<p>"But what did he say?" asked Lord Kilspindie, +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I shall leave Mrs Jeal to tell. She can repeat to +you the story Pratt told me."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll not say a word," muttered the woman, +resolutely.</p> + +<p>"I can compel you!" replied Raston, sternly.</p> + +<p>"Try!" was Mrs Jeal's disdainful retort.</p> + +<p>The curate turned towards Kilspindie. "Pratt's +story had a great deal to do with his wife, my lord, and +on several points he referred me to her. I told him +that she would never speak, for I well know how obstinate +she is. Pratt then agreed to help me, 'for +Leo's sake,' he said. He wrote out something and +placed what he had written in this envelope. I did not +see what it was and I do not know now. The envelope +is sealed as you see. Now," added the curate, +looking at Mrs Jeal, who was beginning to show signs +of uneasiness, "if you tell the story of how you stole +the child and prove that Mr Haverleigh is really Lord +Morven, I will hand this letter to you with the seal +unbroken. If you refuse, I will open the envelope +now and act on the contents. Pratt assured me that +what is contained herein would cost you much more +than your liberty!"</p> + +<p>The three men looked at the woman. Her face +was livid, and the perspiration beaded her forehead. +Twice she tried to speak, but her mouth opened and +shut without a sound.</p> + +<p>"Will you speak?" asked Raston, quietly.</p> + +<p>"Give it to me," she muttered in a husky tone, and +stretching out her hand for the envelope Raston withdrew +it beyond her reach.</p> + +<p>"Not until you have told us the story," he said.</p> + +<p>"If I do, will you give me the letter?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes—with the seal unbroken. I do not know +what iniquity you have been guilty of; but we are all +willing not to know so long as you inform us of your +minor fault."</p> + +<p>"I have your promise to give me the letter as it +is?" asked Mrs Jeal.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Raston, and the other three men +echoed his response. Mrs Jeal nodded, well satisfied, +and wiped her pale face with the end of her shawl. +She then took a key out of her pocket.</p> + +<p>"Will one of you gentlemen go to my cottage," +she said, "and open the third drawer in the chest of +drawers in my bedroom standing opposite to the +door? There you will find a parcel wrapped up in +brown paper. I want it brought here immediately."</p> + +<p>"Shall I go?" said Leo, rising.</p> + +<p>"No," said Lord Kilspindie. "I have you and I +mean to keep you. Mr Tempest, no doubt, has a servant +whom he can trust."</p> + +<p>Tempest nodded and touched the bell. The old +butler, who had been with the vicar for over twenty +years, appeared. "Take this key," said his master, +handing it to him. "Mrs Jeal will give you directions +how to use it. Lose no time in coming back."</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal repeated her instructions and the servant +departed on his errand. Then the woman rose to her +feet and began to talk with an assumption of courage +which would have been ludicrous had it not been so +pitiful. Still, she fought well, and was game to the +last.</p> + +<p>"You have got the better of me," she said, "or,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> +rather, that brute of a Tony Angel has peached. If +he had held his tongue I could have defied the lot of +you. As it is—" She shrugged her fat shoulders and +paused. "Ask me what questions you like," she +said, "I am in your power. I <i>must</i> reply."</p> + +<p>"Is this my son?" asked Kilspindie, his hand on +Leo's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Yes. That is Lord Morven!"</p> + +<p>Leo uttered a cry and looked at his father with +moist eyes. The revulsion of feeling was too much for +Kilspindie, and he sank down into a chair. Leo held +his hand, and there was silence for a few moments. +"I am thankful to God that he has spared me to see +my son again!" said Kilspindie, solemnly, and the +vicar added a solemn "Amen."</p> + +<p>"And thank God that I have a father and an unsullied +name!" said Leo, almost too moved to speak. +Nor was this emotion unmanly on the part of father +and son. The least sentimental person must grant +this much.</p> + +<p>Kilspindie remained seated in his chair and holding +the hand of his newly-recovered son. Both men fixed +their eyes on Mrs Jeal, who in a cold and unemotional +way continued her confession.</p> + +<p>"I was brought up on your estate, my lord," she +said, "and there I met with Pratt—or, rather, with +Tony Angel. He came on a visit to the village to +get away from the police. He was a handsome and +fascinating man and I fell in love with him. Whether +he loved me or not I cannot say. At all events, he +pretended to. I left your service and married him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> +We went to London, and then I discovered that my +husband was a thief. At first I was horrified. In +those days, my lord, I was not the hardened sinner +you see me now. But after a time Pratt—as I may call +him—made me as bad as himself. He taught me to +love fine things and comfort, and as he always made +plenty of money by stealing I had a gay life. Oh! we +had fine times I can tell you! He—"</p> + +<p>"Go on with your story, Mrs Jeal," said the vicar, +sternly.</p> + +<p>She tossed her head, but obeyed. "After a time +things got bad. Pratt was so well known to the +police that he was not so successful as he had been. +I used to tell him about Kilspindie Castle and the cup. +Pratt, who loved beautiful things, wanted to get +the cup. He proposed that I should go back and steal +it. I was already known in the castle, so there would +be a better opportunity for me to get it than himself. +As I wanted money I agreed, and I came back to the +castle."</p> + +<p>"Did you re-enter my service in order to steal the +cup?" asked Lord Kilspindie.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Mrs Jeal, defiantly, "you had plenty +without it. I entered as an under-nursemaid, and as +I was comfortable I thought I would stay for a while. +Pratt came up and urged me to steal the cup at once. +I refused, as I did not wish to leave my good situation. +Then an idea came into his head that if I could +obtain the child of a nobleman he could hold it as a +hostage."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked Raston.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The meaning is not difficult," said Mrs Jeal, coolly. +"Pratt was always in danger of being taken by +the police, and his record was so bad that he would +have been shown no mercy. He thought if he had +Lord Kilspindie's son, that when he got into trouble +he could promise to restore the child on condition that +he was set free."</p> + +<p>"A clever idea," muttered the vicar.</p> + +<p>"And a very wild one," said his lordship. "What +influence could I bring to bear towards helping a +criminal?"</p> + +<p>"What, indeed?" sneered Mrs Jeal. "I assured +Pratt that your lordship had no power. But the idea +of getting the child as a hostage fascinated him, and +he commanded me to steal the boy. For a time I refused. +Then the head nurse died and another woman +was set over my head. My lady treated me badly—she +insulted me; she showed that she mistrusted me. I +was angry and I determined to be revenged. I was revenged +by obeying Pratt. I took the cup and the +child and went away. How I—"</p> + +<p>"I know how you stole both the child and the +cup," said Lord Kilspindie.</p> + +<p>"Very good, my lord. Well, I went to London with +Pratt. He pawned the cup, and on the money we +lived for a time. Then he insisted that, as he might +some day have to restore the child—we called him +Leo," said Mrs Jeal, with a glance at the young man, +"it was necessary that he should be brought up as +a gentleman. He knew Mrs Gabriel, whom he had +met abroad. He had some power over her—"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And what <i>is</i> the power?" asked Leo.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal shook her head. "That has nothing to do +with you or with the restoration of your rights, Lord +Morven," she said. "I keep that secret to myself. +Pratt had a power over her and used it. He brought +the child to her and said he was a natural child. He +insisted that she should bring him up as the son of +her brother who had just died abroad. How Pratt +knew this I do not know; but then he knew everything. +Well, it was done, and Leo was established at +the castle. Mrs Gabriel brought him up."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Leo, bitterly, "she brought me up." +And he looked back on the long life of petty worry +and contemptible tyranny that had been his. "I know +all this. But yourself, Mrs Jeal?"</p> + +<p>"I remained with Pratt. I was only too glad to +get rid of you. I hated you for your mother's sake—"</p> + +<p>"Stop that!" cried Lord Kilspindie, and Mrs Jeal +dropped a mocking curtsey.</p> + +<p>"At your lordship's service! However, I found +out that Pratt was treating me badly. He went about +with other women. He even struck me. I made up +my mind to leave him, and I did. I went from one +place to another, and finally I came to settle in +Colester."</p> + +<p>"Why did you come here?" asked the vicar.</p> + +<p>"Oh, your reverence can understand that I wanted +to keep an eye on the young lord!" said Mrs Jeal, +obsequiously. "He was my property as well as +Pratt's, and when the day came to give him up to +his father I wanted my share of the spoil."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You shall have nothing," said Lord Kilspindie, +sternly. "You ought to be glad that I do not hand +you over to the police!"</p> + +<p>She scowled and would have become vituperative, +but Raston moved the hand which held the envelope +significantly. At once a frightened look came over +her face, and she sat down. "I stayed here," she +continued feebly, all the strength having gone out of +her, "and saved Pearl Darry from her father. When +Pratt came I was afraid; I was always afraid of +Pratt. No one knows but myself what a devil he is. +He told me to hold my tongue, and I was too frightened +of him to disobey. Now I'll go away from here +with the Hales, since Miss Sybil has promised to +look after Pearl. I want to put the seas between +myself and that man. He terrifies me, and I am not +a woman easily terrified."</p> + +<p>"Why did you tell that lie about my having pawned +the cup?" asked Leo.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal shook her head. "I can say no more," +she said. Leo would have insisted, but at that moment +the servant entered with the parcel of which the +woman had spoken. When he went out Mrs Jeal +opened this, and spread out the contents on the table.</p> + +<p>"Here are the evidences your lordship wished for," +she said, glancing at Lord Kilspindie. "This is the +dress Lord Morven wore when I took him away, his +name is marked—the underclothing is also marked. +The coral necklace which your lordship may perhaps +recognise as an heirloom. And your lordship may +perhaps remember some mark by which Lord Morven<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> +can be recognised. There <i>is</i> a mark, if your lordship +remembers."</p> + +<p>Kilspindie drew his hand across his forehead and +thought. "My wife showed me the child one day +and pointed out the mark. Yes, three moles in a line +just above the elbow of the left arm."</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal nodded, and Leo, hastily stripping off his +coat, drew up his sleeve to show the three moles in +question. "But I don't need that to assure me that +you are my son," said the old nobleman; "you have +the eyes of your mother. Yes; you are my son and +Lord Morven!"</p> + +<p>"I congratulate you, Leo," said Raston, shaking +his friend's hand.</p> + +<p>"And I have to thank you with all my heart," said +the new Lord Morven, "for if it had not been for you +this would never have been discovered. I should like +to know, however, how it was that Pratt claimed me +as a son?"</p> + +<p>"That was Mrs Gabriel's fault," said Raston. "She +told him that you intended to denounce him to the +police. When you discovered him at the castle on +that night he was afraid lest you might do so, therefore +he said you were his son, so as to put such a +betrayal out of your power."</p> + +<p>"As if I would ever have betrayed him!" said Leo. +"There was good in Pratt."</p> + +<p>"There is <i>no</i> good in him," cried Mrs Jeal, fiercely. +"How dare you say so? He is a bad and wicked man. +I hate him with all my soul! But never will I set +eyes on him again. He might kill me as he has often<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> +threatened to do. But I have told all; I have proved +your identity, Lord Morven, and you have the cup, +my Lord Kilspindie. The—the—letter—" She hesitated. +Those present looked at one another. "Should +this dangerous woman go free to be a pest to society?" +said the vicar, sternly.</p> + +<p>"You promised," said Mrs Jeal, terrified and white +to the lips.</p> + +<p>Leo looked at her for a moment, then took the letter +from the hands of Raston, and gave it to her. +"We must keep our word," he said.</p> + +<p>"And you must leave this place at once," said Mr +Tempest, austerely.</p> + +<p>But Mrs Jeal was paying no attention to them. +She had torn open the letter, and was reading the few +lines it contained. "I thought so," she muttered, with +a black look. "I wish I could kill him." She crushed +up the paper and put it into her pocket again. Then +she walked to the door. "Good-day, my Lord Morven, +and good-bye, Lord Kilspindie. You are poor +creatures, both of you. Your reverence will now be +glad to sell your daughter for a title! As to you, Mr +Raston, the girl you love would have been sold to my +husband by her mother. I wish you joy, all you men +fools." And with a mocking curtsey Mrs Jeal walked +out of the room.</p> + +<p>"Let her go. We know the truth," said Lord Kilspindie. +"Leo!"</p> + +<p>But Leo, with a nod, was making for the door. "I +must tell Sybil," he said, and vanished.</p> + +<p>Half-an-hour later the vicar and his father went in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> +search of him. They found him sitting hand in hand +with Sybil in the drawing-room. "It's really wonderful, +wonderful!" she was saying.</p> + +<p>"And your father will let me marry you now, +darling," said Leo.</p> + +<p>"If you will grant him your pardon," said the voice +of Mr Tempest.</p> + +<p>Leo shook the vicar's hand, kissed Sybil, and Kilspindie +smiled, well-pleased.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span></p> +<h3>CHAPTER XX</h3> + +<h5>MRS GABRIEL'S SECRET</h5> + + +<p>Mrs Jeal was not pleased. She was a woman who +liked to make mischief, and preferred to leave sorrow +rather than joy behind her. In her time she had +caused a good deal of misery, and she had always rejoiced +over it. But now that she had been forced to +undo the evil she had committed, her heart ached. Bad +as Pratt was, his wife was worse, and if he had indeed +killed her, as he had threatened, he would have +been doing a service to mankind. Mrs Jeal was a +noxious snake who should have been killed without +pity.</p> + +<p>On leaving the Vicarage she went home at once and +found the cottage empty, as Pearl had not yet returned. +Mrs Jeal brought out the letter and again +read it. Then she turned white and shivered; finally +she put it into the fire, and watched it burn to black +ashes. Afterwards she filled herself a glass of brandy +and drank it neat. Yet she was an abstemious woman +as a rule. There must have been something very +terrible in that letter to make her take to strong drink. +And what was in it no one in Colester ever found out. +Having burned it, Mrs Jeal put it out of her mind as +well as she was able. Yet often afterwards she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> +shivered to think of what would have happened had it +been opened in the Vicarage library. "A narrow +shave that," muttered Mrs Jeal.</p> + +<p>Shortly, when she had recovered herself in some +measure, Pearl danced into the room. She was now +quite her old happy self. The restoration of the cup +made her believe that God had forgiven her, and +that the Master believed her worthy to be the guardian +of the Holy Grail. Raston had arranged the matter +in order to save her from further misery. Early on +Sunday morning he had taken the cup across the +moor and had placed it on the turf altar, knowing that +there Pearl, as was her custom, would come and seek +it. He had not anticipated such a dramatic scene as +had taken place in the chapel. Pearl believed in her +own weak mind that the Master had brought the cup +down again from Heaven. She was therefore glad +and merry, and her singing and dancing annoyed Mrs +Jeal.</p> + +<p>"Keep quiet, you minx!" she cried savagely, "or +I'll have you shut up. Where have you been after +making an exhibition of yourself?"</p> + +<p>"I have been looking at the cup," said Pearl, gaily. +"It is on the altar. I am pleased the Master has +given it again into my charge. He has forgiven me, +and some day I shall be with Him in Paradise."</p> + +<p>It was in Mrs Jeal's wicked mind to tell the truth to +the girl. But she knew that Pearl would not accept +the explanation. Besides, strange as it may seem, +even Mrs Jeal had some compunction in making the +girl miserable. The woman was evil to the core, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> +she must have had some good in her. Therefore she +held her tongue on the subject of the cup.</p> + +<p>"Where were you so early this morning?" she +asked. "I found your bed empty at six o'clock."</p> + +<p>"I went to the altar to find the cup brought down +by the dear Master," replied Pearl, "and I was watching +Sir Frank Hale and his sister going away. They +drove with two horses and many boxes. I did not—"</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal jumped up and seized Pearl's arm. "What +do you mean?" she asked. "Has Sir Frank Hale +gone?"</p> + +<p>"And his sister," said Pearl, twisting away with a +frightened face. "They have left Colester and gone +away—away, oh, far away! Oh! Oh! what are—"</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongue," said Mrs Jeal, thrusting her +into a chair, "and sit you there till I come back." +She hurriedly put on her bonnet and shawl. "If you +stir I'll kill you," and she hurried out of the house.</p> + +<p>Pearl's news was true. There was no one in the +Hale's house save an old woman who was to act as +caretaker. She explained that Sir Frank and his sister +had left early that morning, and by this time were +on their way to London, whence they departed in a +few days for the Continent.</p> + +<p>"Did they leave no message for me?" asked Mrs +Jeal, her face growing black as she clenched her hand.</p> + +<p>"No; why should they?" asked the crone, contemptuously. +"What have fine folks like them to do +with a woman like you?"</p> + +<p>"I'll slap your face if you talk to me like that," +raged Mrs Jeal, her worst nature coming uppermost.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have influence with your master. I can have you +turned away."</p> + +<p>"No, you can't," replied the other hag. "Why +I heard Sir Frank say how glad he was to get away +without seeing you. He called you a witch. He! +He!"</p> + +<p>"He did, did he?" muttered Mrs Jeal, furiously. +"Now just you—" She was going on to threaten the +caretaker when she found the door banged in her face +and heard the mocking laughter of the old woman +behind it.</p> + +<p>Treated thus scornfully, Mrs Jeal stamped and raged +like one possessed. "Not a penny," she muttered, +"and he promised—ugh, the miser—the beast! I'll +be even with him. There's the money for the cup. +I can follow. I can—but I want more. Now +that I have given up my secret"—her face grew dark +as she thought of the burnt letter—"I shall be poor. +Ha!" She stopped, and biting her finger looked towards +the castle. "I can make her pay. This evening, +then. It will be worth more than the cup. One +secret is of no use. But I have another—another."</p> + +<p>She shook her fist at the house of Sir Frank, said +something about him that was not exactly a blessing, +then returned home with her mind made up. She +wished to leave Colester, which was now too hot for +her. As Sybil would look after Pearl, there would be +no difficulty in that quarter. She had saved money, +and with what she had got from pawning the cup she +was fairly well off for her station in life. But Mrs +Jeal was greedy and wanted more. Mrs Gabriel was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> +to be the milch cow this time. Thus it came about +that Mrs Gabriel was informed that evening that Mrs +Jeal wished to see her at once on important business.</p> + +<p>The underlying insolence of the message annoyed +Mrs Gabriel, who always prided herself on keeping the +lower orders in what she called their proper place, +which was under her heel. And Mrs Gabriel was in +no mood to be merciful to insolence. Some kind friend +had informed her of the discovery of Leo's true position. +She was savagely angry. On account of Pratt +she had hated the young man, and later on, when he +came to defy her, she had disliked him on his own account. +That he should have a title, and that he should +marry Sybil Tempest! These things were all gall +and bitterness to the haughty woman. She wanted +Leo to be her slave, to punish him for Pratt's misdemeanours. +But her slave had escaped, and she could +do nothing save sit in the empty room, eating out her +heart in the bitterness of impotent anger. She could +do nothing. Leo was gone; Pratt was gone, and she +was left a lonely woman. She had not even the comfort +of feeling that she could revenge herself.</p> + +<p>Feeling in this mood, she was not unwilling to see +Mrs Jeal. Here, at least, was someone on whom +she could vent her rage. With an imperious gesture +she ordered the woman to be admitted, and received +her with a stormy brow. Mrs Jeal smiled. She knew +that she had the upper hand, and was not to be intimidated +by stormy looks. Waiting till the servant +had departed and the door was closed, she introduced +herself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have to speak to you on important business, my +lady," she said, with assumed meekness, and addressing +Mrs Gabriel by a title to which she laid no claim. +This was done to accentuate the later part of the interview. +Mrs Jeal was quite as well prepared as was +Mrs Gabriel to make herself disagreeable. She also +was out of tune.</p> + +<p>"What business can a woman like you have with +me?" demanded Mrs Gabriel, with scorn, and put up +a <i>lorgnette</i> to freeze Mrs Jeal with a look.</p> + +<p>But Mrs Jeal had borne the looks of even greater +ladies than Mrs Gabriel. "It is strange, is it not, +my lady?" she sniggered; "but I have something to +talk about which will interest your ladyship very +much."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" Mrs Gabriel looked more scornful than +ever. "And I believe you have to do with this +precious discovery?"</p> + +<p>"I have, my lady. Mr Haverleigh is now Lord +Morven. I proved his right to the title. You see, +my lady, I was a nurse at Kilspindie Castle, and I +stole his lordship when a child."</p> + +<p>"How dare you speak to me like this?" cried Mrs +Gabriel. "Do you not know that I can have you +arrested for such an admission?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; you cannot, my lady," retorted Mrs Jeal, +coolly; "only Lord Kilspindie can do that, and he has +let me go free."</p> + +<p>"Then you leave this place," said Mrs Gabriel, +haughtily. "I'll have no one in Colester likely to +corrupt the morals of the people."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah, you have great power here, my lady—great +power," mocked Mrs Jeal.</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel's blood grew cold as she saw the look +in the woman's eye. "I don't understand you. Leave +the room and the place," she said.</p> + +<p>"All in good time, my lady," replied Mrs Jeal, +calmly, and took a seat. As this was more than Mrs +Gabriel could bear, she rose.</p> + +<p>"You infamous creature!" she cried furiously. +"Out of my house, or I'll have you thrown out by +my servants."</p> + +<p>"<i>My</i> house, <i>my</i> servants, <i>my</i> estates!" sneered Mrs +Jeal, keeping an eye on her victim. "Are you sure +you can talk like that, my lady?"</p> + +<p>"I repeat I don't understand you," stammered Mrs +Gabriel, sitting down. She was beginning to be +afraid. Mrs Jeal would not dare to speak so unless +she possessed some information dangerous to the lady +of the castle.</p> + +<p>"I shall leave the parish to-morrow," went on Mrs +Jeal, coolly. "I have no wish to remain. Miss Tempest +will take charge of Pearl, and—"</p> + +<p>"What have I to do with all this?" said Mrs +Gabriel, sitting up.</p> + +<p>"This much: I want your ladyship to give me a +thousand pounds."</p> + +<p>"Ah! I thought so. Your mission here is one of +blackmail?"</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal shrugged her plump shoulders. "Some +people would call it that," she said, dropping the +courtesy title; "and as you have paid blackmail to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> +Pratt all these years, I don't see why you should not +give me a thousand pounds to get rid of me."</p> + +<p>"Pratt!" Mrs Gabriel could hardly speak. "What +do you know?—"</p> + +<p>"I know that Pratt was married to you in Switzerland +when you were Miss Haverleigh, and that you +afterwards married Mr Gabriel. The property was +left by Mr Gabriel to—'<i>my wife</i>.' Those were the +words used in the will. And you, Miss Haverleigh, +were never Mr Gabriel's wife."</p> + +<p>"It is not true," muttered Mrs Gabriel, her lips +quivering.</p> + +<p>"It is true; you know it is!" said the other woman. +"A word from Pratt, and you would have +been turned out of possession here. He held his +tongue so long as you took the child and brought him +up. I have held my tongue also, because I was +afraid of Pratt. But now he has told my secret about +Lord Morven, I want money on my own account, so +as to get away from him across the seas."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel drummed on the table. She saw that +this woman was too much for her. "What you say +is perfectly true," she said. "I met Pratt in Switzerland +when I was a young girl. We were married in +Geneva, and I afterwards found out what a brute he +was. We parted. Afterwards I heard that he was +dead, and regarded myself as free to marry Gabriel."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that was one of Pratt's jokes," said Mrs +Jeal, easily. "He was always a merry sort of brute. +But, you see, I can turn you out."</p> + +<p>"Not without Pratt's aid," said Mrs Gabriel, fiercely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> +"I won't give up the property to go to the Crown! +I love power, and I intend to keep what I have. Pratt +made me take that child, and lie about him. He made +me introduce him to Colester society, and for years +he has taken money from me. After doing all this, do +you think I'll give it up? No; I'll fight!"</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal laughed unpleasantly. "I can put a weapon +into your hand to fight with," she said; "that is, +if you give me a thousand pounds."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean" panted Mrs Gabriel, throwing +herself forward and seizing Mrs Jeal by the +shoulders. "Can you?—will you?—"</p> + +<p>"If you give me a thousand pounds," replied the +other woman, quite unmoved, and looking up with her +wicked eyes into Mrs Gabriel's agitated face.</p> + +<p>"What do you know? Quick—tell me!" Mrs +Gabriel shook her.</p> + +<p>"Don't shake me," said Mrs Jeal, tartly, twisting +herself free. "If you want to know my secret, I'll +tell it to you—I am Pratt's lawful wife."</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel put her hand to her forehead, and reeled +to the end of the room. "Wife—wife!" she muttered. +"Then I am not—"</p> + +<p>"You are <i>not</i> his wife," finished Mrs Jeal, coolly. +"You never were his wife, seeing he was married to +me before he met you. You are Mrs Gabriel, the +widow of John Gabriel, and the possessor of this +property."</p> + +<p>"Can you—can you prove this?" asked the other +woman, gasping.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you my marriage certificate for a thousand<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> +pounds," said Mrs Jeal. "I don't want it. I've +had enough of Pratt. Then you can see the church +where we were married, and search the register. Oh, +it's all right."</p> + +<p>"Give me the certificate," Mrs Gabriel stretched out +her hand eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Not without the thousand pounds," said Mrs Jeal, +resolutely.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you a cheque," said Mrs Gabriel, hurrying +to a writing-desk.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal shook her head. "Won't do!" she remarked. +"I've had to do with ladies before. You +might stop that cheque when I had given you what +you wanted. No. Come to the bank; give me the +money in notes, and I'll place the certificate in your +hands."</p> + +<p>"We can't go to the bank to-night," said Mrs +Gabriel, frowning.</p> + +<p>"Oh! I can wait till to-morrow," replied Mrs Jeal, +coolly.</p> + +<p>Mrs Gabriel lost her temper and stamped her foot. +"Give me that certificate, or I'll have you arrested."</p> + +<p>"Oh! So you want me to tell my story in court, +my lady."</p> + +<p>"You dare to!"</p> + +<p>"Then give me the thousand pounds." Mrs Jeal +was beginning to lose her temper. "Here's a coil +about a trifle," she said angrily; "instead of asking +you for blackmail, as I could have done, I offer to give +you freedom. And you won't pay for it."</p> + +<p>"I will. Here's a cheque. Come with me to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> +bank at Portfront to-morrow, and you can cash it in +my presence. The certificate—"</p> + +<p>"Will be given to you when the notes are in my +hand. You can take me to Portfront with my boxes, +as I then can catch the afternoon steamer to London. +I have given up my cottage, and sold my furniture, +and packed my things. To-morrow I'll take Pearl to +Miss Tempest, and then we can drive to the bank."</p> + +<p>"You insolent woman!" raged Mrs Gabriel, but +she was obliged to yield. For once in her life she +had met a person of her own sex who had as bad a +temper as herself. The two women had a royal battle, +but in the end victory declared itself on the side of +Mrs Jeal, and she departed in triumph.</p> + +<p>The next morning Sybil was informed that Mrs +Jeal and Pearl were waiting to see her. Guessing the +woman's errand, Miss Tempest descended. Mrs Jeal, +perfectly respectful, dropped a curtsey.</p> + +<p>"I've brought you Pearl, my lady," she said.</p> + +<p>"I am not 'my lady,'" said Sybil, coldly.</p> + +<p>"You soon will be," smirked Mrs Jeal, "Lady +Morven. Well, I don't grudge it to you. You're not +so bad as some. Here's Pearl."</p> + +<p>Sybil took the hand of the poor creature, who was +shedding tears at the thought of losing Mrs Jeal. +"Don't cry, Pearl, you will be quite happy with me. +Remember you have to look after the cup." Whereat +Pearl clapped her hands and was joyful again.</p> + +<p>"I shan't want you any more," said Pearl to Mrs +Jeal; "the Master has given me the cup to look after, +and you are too wicked to come near me."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal winced, and looked down. "Here's gratitude," +she sighed. "I've loved but one thing in my +life, and it turns against me. Well, Pearl, I hope you +will be happy. Good-bye." She paused, and then +went on. "And, my lady, I would like to tell you the +reason I told that lie about Lord Morven having +pawned the cup. It was Sir Frank Hale made me do +it."</p> + +<p>"Sir Frank!" echoed Sybil in amazement. "Why +should he?"</p> + +<p>"It was partly your fault, miss," said Mrs Jeal, +coolly; "he loved you, and he loved his sister. If +Lord Morven had married Miss Edith, and you had +married Sir Frank, all would have been well. But on +that night I brought back the cup he saw me, and got +the truth out of me. There he used me for his own +ends, so as to get the blame laid on Mr Haverleigh."</p> + +<p>"How wicked of him!" said Sybil, angrily.</p> + +<p>Mrs Jeal laughed. "It was his way, my lady. But +he has gone away, and will not trouble you again. +Neither shall I. Good-bye, my lady. Pearl?"</p> + +<p>But Pearl turned away like a cross child. Mrs Jeal +had to go without a farewell kiss, and her wicked nature +felt the slight. However, she controlled her emotion, +and went off to Portfront with Mrs Gabriel. +There the cheque was cashed, and Mrs Jeal became +possessed of a thousand pounds in Bank of England +notes—she would take no other.</p> + +<p>"And there's the certificate," she said to Mrs +Gabriel.</p> + +<p>"Thank God!" cried that lady, seizing it, "now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> +I'm free of that man. If he comes to Colester again +I'll put him in gaol. And you, hussey, I'll have you +ducked."</p> + +<p>"I said you would talk like that," jeered Mrs Jeal. +"A lucky thing I have the notes. Good-day, Miss +Haverleigh!" And with this last insulting speech, +which she knew was untrue, Mrs Jeal went away. +What became of her no one ever heard. But creatures +like Mrs Jeal always fall on their feet like cats, +perhaps because they have so much of the cat nature +in them. Mrs Gabriel, rejoicing in her freedom, returned +to Colester, and became more domineering than +ever. Whether Pratt guessed that his wife would +tell her the truth, it is impossible to say. But he never +came near Mrs Gabriel again, nor did he write to her. +If he had, she would have set to work to trace him out +and have him arrested. With the certificate of marriage +it was easy for Mrs Gabriel to prove that she +had been deceived by a villain, and she would have +had no hesitation in making the affair public. Pratt +knew this, and knew her savage nature. He therefore +kept away, and Mrs Gabriel, unrestrained by any +fear, became more of a tyrant than ever.</p> + +<p>She refused to come to Leo's wedding, or even to +see him, intimating to Sybil, who called upon her +to entreat her to be reconciled to the new Lord Morven, +that she hated both of them. Mrs Gabriel went +away to London for six months, and amused herself +by hunting for Pratt. In the meantime, Lord Morven +and Sybil were married. Also Raston was united +to his Peggy on the same day—Mrs Bathurst bore up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> +heroically. Only she regretted that she had not +known of Leo's true parentage. He might have married +Peggy. "She would grace a title," said Mrs +Bathurst.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Lord Kilspindie, when the wedding +was at an end, "we will go to our own place and +take the cup with us."</p> + +<p>So it came about that the Pagan Cup, which was the +luck of the Grants, was replaced in Kilspindie Castle. +There was a brave home-coming for the long-lost son +and his bride. And there Lord and Lady Morven lived +beloved by all. It was a happy ending to Leo's +troubles.</p> + +<p>After a time Mr Tempest found that he could not +live without his daughter, so he took up his residence +in Kilspindie Castle as a kind of chaplain. Pearl was +already established at the castle, and constituted herself +the guardian of the cup, which in her mad fancy +she still called the Holy Grail. No one tried to undeceive +her. But there is no danger of the cup being +lost again while Pearl looks after it. And that is a +good thing for the Grants, since their luck is wound +up in its possession. "And who would doubt the +truth of the tradition!" said Kilspindie, "seeing that +three times the legend has come true."</p> + +<p>Raston succeeded Mr Tempest as vicar of Colester, +as Mrs Gabriel rather approved of him. Thus it was +that Mrs Bathurst came to think herself entitled to +interfere in parish affairs as the mother-in-law of the +vicar. She and Mrs Gabriel fought bitterly, and still<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> +fight over the affairs of the kingdom. Raston and +Peggy take no notice. They are perfectly happy.</p> + +<p>Pratt wrote one letter to Lord Morven telling him +that he was going to lead a new and decent life in +South America, and asking the young man not to +think too badly of him. As he gave no address, Leo +could not answer the letter, so he burnt it and said +nothing about it save to his father. "There was some +good in Pratt," said Lord Morven.</p> + +<p>"Well, yes," assented Kilspindie; "he was a thief, +a liar, and a rogue in grain. Nevertheless, I believe +he had a sincere affection for you, my dear boy. He +certainly did a kind act when he restored to me my son +and my cup—"</p> + +<p>"And a daughter," said Sybil, who entered at the +moment.</p> + +<p>"Who is the light of my eyes," said Morven, kissing +her. "We are happy now, father. After the +storm comes the calm."</p> + +<p>"Therefore, remember to give thanks," said Mr +Tempest, pointing to the cup. "I think we can make +use of the line on that goblet," and he read out in English +the inscription, "'To the great God who maketh +the heart joyful.' The God of Israel," said Mr Tempest, +solemnly. "Amen, and Amen."</p> + + +<h4>THE END.</h4> + + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum">1</span></p> +<h2>ECCENTRICITIES OF GENIUS</h2> + +<h5>By Major J. B. Pond.</h5> + +<hr class="l2" /> +<h3>READ WHAT IS SAID OF IT.</h3> + +<p>"It is distinctly one of the most interesting +books of the year from any +point of view."—<i>Rochester Sunday +Herald.</i></p> + +<p>"It is many a day since I have read +so fascinating a book of reminiscences. +Many a day—or perhaps I should +have said a 'night'—for this volume +has given me delight during hours, +when, according to the laws of nature, +I should have been asleep."—<i>Newell +Dwight Hillis.</i></p> + +<p>"One of the most simple, naive and +straightforward books ever written. +It fairly reeks with personality.... +No man living has had such interesting +association with so many interesting +people."—<i>Home Journal.</i></p> + +<p>"Adorned by many pictures, never +before published."—<i>Detroit Journal.</i></p> + +<p>"Possesses unparalleled attractions."—<i>Boston +Journal.</i></p> + +<p>"Major Pond goes deep into his +subject, furnishing pen-portraits that +are admirably clear and graphic."—<i>The +Mail and Express.</i></p> + +<p>"The whole book, stuffed as it is +with anecdotes and extracts from +personal letters, is marvelously interesting."—<i>Boston +Transcript.</i></p> + +<p>"All the world loves a teller of +stories, and readers will surely take +approvingly to the man who gives +them so much of entertaining reading +as is found in Major Pond's 600 pages +of bright personal description."—<i>N. +Y. Times.</i></p> + +<p>"Shining by reflected light, its pages +literally teem with interesting anecdotes +of many sorts."—<i>Chicago Evening +Post.</i></p> + +<p>"Originality stamps the volume, +copiously illustrated with portraits."—<i>The +Boston Globe.</i></p> + +<p>"It has a thousand charms, and a +thousand points of interest. It is full +of striking gems of thought, rare descriptions +of men and places, biographical +bits that delight one by their +variety, and the distinction of those +alluded to. From a literary view it is +as interesting as Disraeli's famous +"Curiosities of Literature."—<i>Philadelphia +Item.</i></p> + +<p>"If any more charming and interesting +book has appeared this season, +it has not come to our notice. The +get-up is worthy of the matter of the +book."—<i>Philadelphia Evening Telegraph.</i></p> + +<hr class="l2" /> + +<p>It is a handsome octavo volume, 5¾ x 8¾ inches, of 620 pages, with nearly +100 half-tone portrait illustrations. Beautifully bound in English silk cloth, +with gold stamp on side, gilt top. At all Bookstores. $3.50.</p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum">2</span></p> +<h2>THE VOYAGE OF ITHOBAL</h2> + +<h5>BY</h5> + +<h4>SIR EDWIN ARNOLD</h4> + + +<p>Ithobal was the first African explorer we know +about. He was a sea captain of Tyre, who rescued +and married an African Princess, and then induced +the King of Egypt to put him in charge of a voyage +of exploration of the wonderful land of his wife's +birth.</p> + +<p>After a voyage of fifteen thousand miles around +Africa, he returns after numerous and exciting adventures, +which bring out almost every feature of +African life and scenery. Ithobal relates the story +of his enterprise in a discourse of seven days before +the throne of Pharaoh, who crowns him with honors.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Sir Henry M. Stanley</span>, in a letter to the author, +says of it:—"You have added greatly to the +happiness of many of your race by the production +of so unique a poem, so rich in the beauties of the +sweet English language."</p> + +<p>Other able critics who have read the blind poet's +new epic poem unite in calling it even better than +the old favorite, "The Light of Asia."</p> + +<hr class="l2" /> + +<p class="center"><i>12mo, Cloth, Gilt Top. Illustrated from 36 drawings by +Arthur Lumley. $1.50</i></p> + + + +<hr class="l1" /> +<p><span class="pagenum">3</span></p> +<p class="r2 caption">EQUAL PARTNERS</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Howard Fielding</span>. "This is a thoroughly enjoyable detective +story, written in good, crisp style, and with a decided +surprise in the last pages. It is adroitly contrived that almost +every character in the book shall be suspected of the crime of +attempted murder before the actual culprit is discovered. The +characters are excellently differentiated, and the story is +vastly diverting, nor are there any repulsive features about +the book. It is a stirring tale and will enliven a dull evening +successfully."—<i>Chicago Tribune.</i> Illustrated. Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.25</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">DORIS KINGSLEY, Child and Colonist.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Emma Rayner</span>, author of "Free to Serve," "In Castle and +Colony," etc. This story of the South in the first half of the +eighteenth century, opens with one of the strangest episodes +in the early history of South Carolina—the pursuit and capture +by the Governor of Carolina of a pirate vessel, full, not +of treasure, but of English men and women; and the selling +of those same unfortunate voyagers as bond servants in the +colony. Doris Kingsley, a child stolen from the streets of +London, is the youngest of the party, and is the heroine of the +story. Doris Kingsley is a novel of absorbing interest, +dramatic and historically true. Illustrated. Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">OLD JED PROUTY (A Narrative of the Penobscot).</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Richard Golden</span> and <span class="smcap">Mary C. Francis</span>. In "Old Jed +Prouty" the reading public is presented with a New England +character story of unusual interest and merit. The plot, although +not an involved one, hides enough mystery to lend +the spice of the unknown to the reader's zest, and the simple +and natural dénouement emphasizes the high moral ethics of +the story, and throws into strong relief the deep human sentiments +that dominate the tale. Standing out above all, infusing +into the fiber of every chapter the rugged sincerity, the +homely wit and the quaint philosophy of New England, is +the central character about which the pivot of the story turns, +"Old Jed Prouty," real in name and real in goodness, who +at the time of his life, some thirty years since, was a landmark +in the Valley of the Penobscot. Cloth bound <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum">4</span></p> + +<p class="r2 caption">A MASTER OF FORTUNE, being Further Adventures of "Captain +Kettle."</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Cutcliffe Hyne</span>. "It has the dash and tinge of reality that +makes you feel as if you were in the midst of it all."—<i>Detroit +Free Press.</i></p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"The many readers who followed with bated breath the wild +adventures of Captain Kettle in the book named for him, will +welcome Cutcliffe Hyne's new collection of tales dealing with +that remarkable sea dog. The volume is well called 'A Master +of Fortune.'"—<i>Philadelphia Press.</i></p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"Nobody who has followed the gallant sailor—diminutive, but +oh, my!—in his previous adventures around the earth, is +going to miss this red-hot volume of marvelous exploits."—<i>N. +Y. World.</i> Illustrated. Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN KETTLE.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Cutcliffe Hyne</span>. The best sea story since the days of +Marryat. Captain Kettle is a devil-may-care sea dog, half +pirate and half preacher. The author carries him through +many hairbreadth escapes and makes him a character that +will live long in the annals of fiction. The success of this +book is marvelous. Over 80,000 copies have been sold. Illustrated. +Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE MULLIGANS. A Novel.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Edward Harrigan</span>. The <i>New York World</i> says: "Mr. +Harrigan gave to his Mulligan dramas the most distinctly +typical character plays which have ever been seen on the +native stage. They were studied and displayed straight from +the life of New York and their popularity was unbounded.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">His book is one of the most generally interesting of the new +season's output."</p> + +<p class="hangingindent"><i>It is a marvelously entertaining novel, possessing a keenness +of wit and humor unsurpassed by any recent work. All +the characters stand out, as true to life, as natural and as +vivid as if portrayed by Dickens.</i> 12mo. Cloth bound. Illustrated. +Price, <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum">5</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">NORMAN HOLT, a Story of the Army of the Cumberland.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">General</span> (Capt.) <span class="smcap">Charles King</span>. "No more charming historic +war story has ever been written. It is Captain King's +best, and bearing, as it does, on the great battle of Mission +Ridge, although the story is woven in fiction, it adds an invaluable +record of that gigantic contest between the two +great armies."</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"The characters are real, their emotions natural, and the romance +that is interwoven is delightful. It is wholesome and +one of General King's best, if not his best book."—<i>N. Y. +Journal.</i></p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"From the first chapter to the last page the interest of the +reader never fags. General King has written no more brilliant +or stirring novel than 'Norman Holt.'"—<i>N. Y. Press.</i> +Illustrated, cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.25</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">JOHN HENRY, (25th Thousand.)</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Hugh McHugh</span>. "'John Henry' has just 'butted' its way +in between the literary bars and capered over the book counters +to the tune of twelve thousand copies before its publishers +could recover their breath.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"Every page is as catchy as a bar from a popular song.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"The slang is as correct, original and smart as the newest +handshake from London.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"In the lottery of humorous books 'John Henry' seems to approximate +the capital prize."—<i>N. Y. Journal.</i></p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"All who have laughed over 'Billy Baxter' will heartily enjoy +this book."—<i>The Bookseller, Newsdealer and Stationer.</i> +Cloth bound. <span class="right">$0.75</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE KING OF HONEY ISLAND, (45th Thousand.)</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Maurice Thompson</span>, author of "Alice of Old Vincennes," +etc. "'The King of Honey Island' bears quite as many marks +of the genius of the author as does 'Alice of Old Vincennes,' +with the additional charm, perhaps of more buoyancy and +beauty of thought and expression. In 'Alice' Mr. Thompson +plumed himself as a master word painter. In 'The King of +Honey Island' he developed into a veritable American Ouida, +for his descriptive powers are marvelous. Like the true +artist that he was, he paints Nature as it looks, not as it is, +so that the reader, in glimpsing the battle of New Orleans, +hears, almost, the cannon's roar."—<i>The Topeka Capital.</i> +Illustrated, cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span><span class="pagenum">6</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">JOHN WINSLOW.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Henry D. Northrop</span>. "'John Winslow' is one of those inviting +books of country life of which the best part of 'Eben +Holden' has come to be the accepted type. Plenty of shrewd +common sense in the chief character, a dash of love on the +side, an incidental and inevitable bit of human wickedness—but +everything in the picture and the framing attractive. This +is a book for a wide reach among readers."—<i>N. Y. World.</i></p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"Properly ranks with 'Eben Holden,' 'David Harum,' and +'Quincy Adams Sawyer.' The four may be put in a class by +themselves as distinctive types of homespun Americans."—<i>The +North American.</i></p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"Worthy to live with 'David Harum' and 'Eben Holden.'"—<i>Publishers' +Weekly.</i> 12mo, illustrated, cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">UNDER A LUCKY STAR, a New Book on Astrology.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Charlotte Abell Walker</span>. Tells what occupation to adopt, +and what line of life to follow, what associates and partners +to choose, how to recognize the possibilities and limitations +of our friends and ourselves, and of other important matters +to human life, including suggestions on marriage, being mainly +culled from the minds of ancient and modern philosophers. +Illustrated, cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE WAY OF A MAN WITH A MAID.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Frances Gorden Fane</span>. A clever, well-written story, full +of love and pathos, and thrilling with dramatic crises. Each +step of the domestic tragedy is skilfully portrayed, until the +final climax is reached.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"Its author has made it a powerful, telling story to read."—<i>N. +Y. World.</i> Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE CROSSROADS OF DESTINY, a Story of Chivalry in the Fifteenth +Century.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">John P. Ritter</span>. Author of "The Man Who Dared." This +is a wonderfully interesting story, and will find a welcome +with all who love to read of deeds of chivalry.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">"It is a clean, clear and clever story of chivalry at its best, +and will find a great many well-pleased readers."—<i>New York +World.</i> Cloth bound, illustrated. <span class="right">$1.25</span><span class="pagenum">7</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">A CHEQUE FOR THREE THOUSAND.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Arthur Henry Veysey</span>. (Tenth edition.) It's a jolly good +story, bright and clear. Dramatic, full of life and action and +a brilliant farce from end to end. You cannot put it down +until you finish it, and you will mention it many a time when +you want to relate something novel and odd among your +friends. Attractively bound in cloth. <span class="right">$1.00</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">A PEDIGREE IN PAWN.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Arthur Henry Veysey</span>. Author of "A Cheque for Three +Thousand," which has run into its <i>seventh edition</i>. Original, +bright, sparkling fun runs all through "A Pedigree in Pawn." +It will be talked about and laughed over more than any other +book of the year. Illustrated with 14 character drawings. +Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.25</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">HATS OFF.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Arthur Henry Veysey</span>. Author of "A Cheque for Three +Thousand," etc. A splendid story for summer reading. Are +you tired, blue? Read <span class="smcap">Hats Off</span>! Do you want a story +for the hammock? Read <span class="smcap">Hats Off</span>! Do you want a story +with "go," with an original plot? Read <span class="smcap">Hats Off</span>! Do you +want to laugh? Read <span class="smcap">Hats Off</span>! Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.25</span><br /> +Paper covers. <span class="right">50</span> +</p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE STATEROOM OPPOSITE.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Arthur Henry Veysey</span>. Author of "A Cheque for Three +Thousand," etc. Is a well balanced detective story. It is +not overdrawn as such books usually are, but full of mysterious +and vital interest. It is a departure from Mr. Veysey's previous +humorous style in "A Cheque for Three Thousand," and "A +Pedigree in Pawn," proving him to be a remarkably versatile +writer. Most of the events take place on shipboard. It is a +powerful story, with a most dramatic climax, and inimitably +original characters. Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.25</span><br /> +Paper covers. <span class="right">50</span> +</p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">CLEO THE MAGNIFICENT; or, The Muse of the Real.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Louis Zangwill</span>. <i>The Boston Times</i> says: "The story is +drawn with a master hand and the characters stand forth in +clear relief. It is in every way worthy of Mr. Zangwill's +reputation." One of the best novels of the year. Cloth +bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span><span class="pagenum">8</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE MAID OF BOCASSE.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">May Halsey Miller</span>. Author of "Raoul and Iron Hand." +This is a delightful fourteenth-century romance. The +Maid of Bocasse was the orphan daughter of a rich count, +who dwelt in the Kingdom of Navarre. A Gascon knight +made a daring attempt to win the fair chatelaine and her +estates, and the entire story is one of struggle, heroism, +love, and passion. It is a romance of strength and power. +Cloth bound, illustrated. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">WIDOW MAGOOGIN.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">John J. Jennings</span>. The inimitable widow's philosophy +on the topics of the day, spoken in her own dialect, is wonderfully +funny. As a critic, the "Irish widow" touches upon +the foibles of fads and fashions with masterly sarcasm, and +Mr. Jennings, in his art, has characterized her with skilful +touches true to Nature. Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.25</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">THE SONG OF THE SWORD, A Romance of +1796.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Leo Ditrichstein</span>. This author needs no introduction to +the public. In this thrilling story he displays a perfect +wealth of plots and critical situations. It is an excellent +work, fine and subtle, with many exciting scenes. A +spirit of chivalrous romance exudes from each chapter. +There is, in fact, an odor of romance all about it. The +work spent on the central figures is splendid, and the +entire book satisfies the demand for combined entertainment +and interest in a historical novel. Cloth bound, illustrated. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + + +<p class="r2 caption">FATHER ANTHONY.</p> + +<p class="hangingindent">By <span class="smcap">Robert Buchanan</span>. "One of the most touching and dramatic +stories ever written in connection with Irish life. +It is a heart-stirring story; and it is the more attractive +because Mr. Buchanan writes of Irish life from personal +knowledge, and describes places and people with which, and +with whom, he has had a long familiarity. Father John is a +typical Irish character. Mr. Buchanan has never conceived +a more finely-drawn character than Father Anthony. +The book can be heartily commended to all classes of +readers."—<i>London Weekly Sun.</i> Ten editions have been +sold in London. Cloth bound. <span class="right">$1.50</span></p> + +<hr class="l1" /> + + +<div class="tnote"> +<h3>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES</h3> + +<p>Printer's errors were silently corrected.</p> + +<p>The author's punctuation style as well as archaic and variable +spelling has been preserved.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Pagan's Cup, by Fergus Hume + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PAGAN'S CUP *** + +***** This file should be named 34835-h.htm or 34835-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/8/3/34835/ + +Produced by eagkw, Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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