LIBRA! 
 
 UNWHRSITY- 
 
 
 
OLD COURT, 
 
 PROLOGUE, 
 
 THE BROTHERS. 
 
UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME. 
 BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 
 
 CARDINAL POLE. 
 CONSTABLE OP THE TOWER. 
 HILARY ST IVES. 
 JOHN LAW. 
 
 LEAGUER OF LATHOM. 
 LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 MYDDLETON POMFRET. 
 OLD COURT. 
 
 CONSTABLE DE BOURBON. 
 
 WARD, LOCK AND CO., LONDON AND NEW YORK. 
 
OLD COURT. 
 
 BV 
 
 WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH, 
 
 ' AUTHOR OF 
 
 "THE TOWER OF LONDON," 
 "LEAGUER o^ LATHOM," 
 
 " WINDSOR CASTLE." 
 
 "CARDINAL POLE,'' 
 
 10 
 
 WARD, LOCK AND CO. 
 
 LONDON: WARWICK HOUSE, SALISBURY SQUARE, E.G. 
 NEW YORK: 10, BOND STREET. 
 
91 ' f] 
 
 1830 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE YOUNGER BROTHER. 
 
 J10ME two-and- twenty years ago, a remarkably 
 handsome young man, plainly attired, but of 
 gentlemanlike appearance, and looking like an 
 officer in the army, rode into the yard of the 
 Bell, at Aylesford, in the pleasant county of Kent, and 
 consigning his horse, who seemed to have done a good 
 day's work, to the ostler, entered the inn. As he passed 
 through a side-door into the house, he encountered the 
 landlord, a stout red-faced man, who, bowing obsequiously, 
 ushered him into a small parlour. 
 
 11 Any orders, Captain ? " inquired the host. 
 
 "Yes, let me have some dinner," replied the guest, 
 complacently surveying his handsome features in the little 
 mirror over the mantelpiece, and twisting the points of his 
 moustaches. 
 
 " What would you like, Captain ? " said the host. 
 
 " Give me what you please," said the guest. " It's now 
 just six o'clock. Let dinner be ready at seven precisely. 
 I've ridden from Hounslow barracks since breakfast, and 
 am infernally hungry, as you may suppose." 
 
 " No wonder you're hungry, Captain, if you've ridden 
 from Hounslow," said the landlord, smiling. " Well, you 
 shall have a roast fowl and broiled ham, and if that don't 
 satisfy your appetite, there's a cold sirloin of beef to make 
 out with." 
 
 "Put the sirloin on the table with the fowl, landlord." 
 
4 Old Court. 
 
 "It shall be done," replied the host. "Perhaps you 
 want a bed. Shall the chambermaid show you a room ? " 
 
 " No, I sha'n't sleep here. I'm going further." 
 
 " I should think your horse can't go much further, 
 Captain." 
 
 " I don't intend to try him. He will take his rest in 
 your stable to-night. By-the-bye, I hope you have got some 
 good claret, landlord." 
 
 " First-rate, Captain first-rate. I'll back my claret 
 against any you'll get at Maidstone or Rochester. It's 
 Lafitte, Captain." 
 
 " Lafitte, is it?" remarked the guest, in an incredulous 
 tone. "Of what vintage, pray?" 
 
 " There you puzzle me," replied the host, rather taken 
 aback. " All I know is it's the real thing, as I'm sure you'll 
 admit, Captain, when you taste a glass of it." 
 
 " I suppose you can tell the price ? " 
 
 " Better wait till you get the bill, Captain," remarked the 
 host, knowingly. " You won't find the charge out of the 
 way." 
 
 " Well, if the wine's really good, I sha'n't complain. But 
 mind, I'm accounted the best judge of claret at our mess, 
 and can't be imposed upon." 
 
 " I'm not afraid, Captain. My wine will stand the trial. 
 If you're not content, you sha'n't pay me." 
 
 " That's a fair offer, and proves you to be an honest man, 
 landlord. Moreover, it shows you have faith in your wine. 
 I'll stroll to the church while dinner is getting ready. Stay, 
 has anybody inquired after me Captain Chetwynd?" 
 
 " Why, bless my heart and body ! " exclaimed the land- 
 lord, staring at him. " It can't be Clarence Chetwynd, of 
 Old Court, whom I used to know as a boy ? " 
 
 "The very same," replied the other, laughing, and 
 slapping him on the shoulder as he spoke. " My name is 
 Clarence Chetwynd just as certainly as yours is Sam 
 Plessets." 
 
 " And Sam Plessets is my name, as everybody knows," 
 said the host. "Only to think that I shouldn't recognise 
 you." 
 
 " Not so strange, Sam," rejoined Captain Chetwynd. 
 " You haven't seen me since I was a boy. But I knew you, 
 
The Younger Brother. 5 
 
 Sam, the moment I set eyes upon you. You're not much 
 changed only fatter. Shake hands, old fellow ! shake 
 hands ! " 
 
 " Dear ! dear ! I'm heartily glad to see you, Clarence 
 beg pardon, Captain Chetwynd. And now I look closer at 
 you, I can make out something of the old face that used to 
 smile upon me so good-humouredly ten years ago, when 
 you were a lad of fourteen or fifteen. Ah ! you were a 
 handsome lad, Clarence beg pardon again Captain 
 Chetwynd, I ought to have said." 
 
 " Call me what you please, Sam. To you I shall always 
 be Clarence Chetwynd." 
 
 " Well, as I was saying, you were a handsome lad, 
 Captain and a mischievous lad everlastingly getting into 
 scrapes ha ! ha ! " 
 
 " I've not lost the old habit yet, Sam. I'm everlastingly 
 getting into scrapes still. I'm in a confoundedly awkward 
 one at the present moment." 
 
 " Sorry to hear it, *Sir," remarked Plessets, in a sym- 
 pathetic tone " very sorry. I've helped you out of a great 
 many scrapes years ago. Can I help you now? " 
 
 " Much obliged to you, Sam, but I fear not. This is a 
 serious matter." 
 
 " Still I may be of some use. Try me, Sir." 
 
 "You're a' good fellow, Sam, and if I could trust any one, 
 I would trust you. But " 
 
 " Excuse me for a minute, Captain," interrupted Plessets. 
 " I'll just order your dinner, and come back directly." 
 
 The landlord was not long absent, and when he returned, 
 he found the captain reclining in an arm-chair in a very 
 nonchalant attitude, with his hat pulled over his brows. 
 Plessets had taken the precaution of closing the door as he 
 came in, so as to exclude all listeners, and stepping towards 
 the glossy table near which his guest was seated, he took a 
 chair beside him. 
 
 "What sort of scrape is it, Captain?" he asked. 
 
 "A devilish bad one, I tell you, Sam," rejoined the 
 other, tapping his right boot, which he had swung over the 
 arm of the chair "a devilish bad one, and likely nay, 
 certain* to lead to unpleasant consequences very un 
 pleasant consequences, Sam." 
 
6 Old Court. 
 
 " What have you been about, Sir ? Gambling ? Lost 
 money on the turf, or what ? " 
 
 " I've lost lots of money, Sam. But it's not that which 
 bothers me now." 
 
 " I see what it is ! " exclaimed Plessets, as if suddenly 
 struck by an idea. "You're just the gentleman to do it. 
 You've been and run off with another gentleman's wife." 
 
 " No, you're out there, Sam," replied Captain Chetwynd, 
 laughing. " But you're right so far that I've got into this 
 infernal scrape about a woman. I've been fool enough to 
 fall in love." 
 
 " I don't see any great folly in that, Sir, provided " 
 
 " But you will see the folly of it, when I tell you that, by 
 falling in love, I've deeply offended my brother, Sir Hugh. 
 We shall never be friends again ; but that I shouldn't care 
 so much about, for he's so cursed proud there's no tolerating 
 him, only he has stopped my allowance. It's no secret that 
 I am dependent upon my brother, Sam." 
 
 "I've heard so, certainly, Captain," replied Plessets. 
 "But can't the quarrel be made up? Can't you be 
 reconciled to Sir Hugh by giving up the lady ? " 
 
 " Impossible, Sam. I haven't made you clearly under- 
 stand how I have incurred my brother's displeasure. He's 
 my rival, Sam. He's in love with the lady, himself, and 
 jealousy makes him so awfully savage. He'd kill me if he 
 could, but as he daren't do that for fear of the con- 
 sequences, he is content to make me a beggar hoping, I 
 suppose, that I shall become desperate, and blow out my 
 brains. But I'll balk him." 
 
 "Come, come, Captain. You do Sir Hugh an injustice," 
 said Piessets. "He's not so bad as that. He may be 
 angry with you just now ; but he'll cool down in time." 
 
 " I don't care whether he does or not," cried Captain 
 Chetwynd, springing suddenly up. " I hate my brother, 
 Sam. He would rob me of the woman I adore, if he could 
 but he can't. But he can rob me of my money, and that 
 he intends to do. I hate him, I tell you, Sam worse than 
 the devil." 
 
 "I'm sorry to hear you say so, Sir you ought not to 
 harbour such unchristian-like feelings. You talk of Sir 
 Hu r h robbing you, but mightn't he retortj and say you have 
 
2/ie Younger Brother. 7 
 
 robbed him of his sweetheart. Maybe, he thinks so. 
 Maybe, he's right in thinking so. But you're his brother, 
 after all, and he must forgive you. Consider how you're 
 circumstanced " 
 
 " My circumstances require no consideration, Sam," 
 interrupted the captain. "I'm a younger son, entirely 
 dependent upon a rich elder brother. I haven't a sixpence 
 except what comes from him. True, I am his heir heir to 
 Old Court heir to the baronetcy. But what of that ? Sir 
 Hugh devil seize him ! has it in his power to cut off all 
 my expectations. He may marry and have sons. He's 
 only two years older than I am. What chance have I of 
 succeeding to the property or the title ? I wish somebody 
 would shoot him through the head. I've half a mind to do 
 it myself." 
 
 He uttered the words so fiercely, that Plessets absolutely 
 recoiled. 
 
 " Don't talk in that way, Captain, I beg you," he said. 
 " However, I know you don't mean it, and I can make all 
 allowances for your excitement." 
 
 " Well, perhaps I wouldn't shoot him, Sam," remarked 
 Captain Chetwynd; "but I shouldn't be sorry to hear of his 
 death. You looked shocked. But if you had an elder 
 brother possessed of a baronetcy, of a large estate, of an old 
 family mansion, of a large park full of fine old timber, with 
 rents coming in regularly from his tenants, and a heavy 
 balance at his banker's; and if you yourself were just as 
 proud as he, but had neither title, mansion, park, nor rents, 
 and an overdrawn account at your banker's, you'd hate your 
 elder brother, Sara." 
 
 " Maybe I might, though I hope not. At all events, I 
 shouldn't wish to deprive him of his title and possessions by 
 unfair means. Neither would you, Captain, I'm persuaded." 
 
 Captain Chetwynd took no notice of the remark, but he 
 looked as if he should like to have the property, come how 
 it might. 
 
 " However, all this has nothing to do with the point in 
 question," pursued Plessets. " You say that you and Sir 
 Hugh have come to a complete rupture about a lady. Is 
 there no chance of settling the quarrel?" 
 
 "None whatever, Sam," rejoined Captain Chetwynd, 
 
8 Old Court. 
 
 sternly. Words have passed between me and Sir Hugh 
 tltat can never be forgotten or forgiven on either side. I 
 have told you thus much, but I will tell you something 
 more. I have spoken of the object of my devotion and of 
 my brother's devotion as a lady, but to be candid with you, 
 she is not a lady by birth. However, though she cannot 
 boast high descent, she has as good manners as any lady in 
 the land, and you may be quite sure she must have more 
 than ordinary personal attractions, since she has contrived 
 to inflame the breast of Sir Hugh Chetwynd. Cold and 
 fastidious as he is, he couldn't resist my Amice. I know 
 that he made the strongest efforts to conquer his passion 
 that he went abroad for the purpose, hoping by change of 
 scene to effect a cure. In vain. The image of Amice 
 haunted him wherever he went. He could not banish it, 
 and he speedily returned more violently in love than ever. 
 Now imagine what this proud man must have felt. Imagine 
 how completely he must have been enthralled. Imagine 
 what it must have cost him to stoop from his high place, 
 and offer his hand to a simple farmer's daughter. For her 
 sake he was willing to brave all the ridicule which such a 
 match was sure to bring upon hin. He offered his hand. 
 She refused him." 
 
 " Why on earth did she refuse him ? " exclaimed Plessets 
 "a baronet, young, handsome, wealthy. Excuse my 
 saying so, but she must be a fool to refuse such an offer." 
 
 " She refused it because she loved another," rejoined 
 Captain Chetwynd, with a self-satisfied smile. 
 
 "May I ask one question, Sir," said Plessets. "Was 
 Sir Hugh made aware of the reason why he was refused ? " 
 
 "Of course. It could not be concealed from him. 
 When he learnt who was his rival his successful rival his 
 rage nearly drove him mad. He stormed furiously, taxed 
 me with treachery and ingratitude, and vowed he would 
 make me bitterly repent my base and dishonourable 
 conduct. It would be no use to detail our meeting to 
 you, Sam. The upshot was, that we are no longer 
 brothers." 
 
 "A most unfortunate business altogether," exclaimed 
 Plessets, shaking his head dolefully. " Any advice I might 
 give would, I fear, be useless ; but, if you would condescend 
 
The Youngtr Brother. 9 
 
 to listen to me, I would counsel you to make matters up 
 with your brother. You have clearly injured him." 
 
 " Injured him ! " exclaimed Captain Chetwynd, sharply. 
 " I don't see in what way. I am not to blame because 
 Amice prefers me to him. I was not called upon to 
 surrender her to him because he chose to offer her his 
 hand. You take a strangely perverted view of things, 
 Sam." 
 
 " I'm looking at your interest, Sir. Circumstanced as you 
 are, in my humble opinion you ought to have resigned the 
 lady to your brother." 
 
 " Even if I were capable of doing so, which I am not," 
 said Captain Chetwynd, haughtily, " Amice would not have 
 accepted him. She has given her heart to me, and could 
 not transfer it to another." 
 
 "Perhaps I don't understand such matters, Sir; but it 
 seems to me that there are very few women who would 
 hesitate between a wealthy baronet and " 
 
 " And a beggarly younger son, you would say, Sam. You 
 are right in the main, no doubt. But Amice happens to be 
 an exception to the rule. She is a true-hearted woman, and 
 not to be dazzled by rank or wealth. She quite com- 
 prehended that Sir Hugh's offer was far superior to mine 
 but, nevertheless, she refused it." 
 
 " I'm sorry she did, both on her own account and yours, 
 Captain," said Plessets, stoutly. " Don't be displeased by my 
 freedom, but I must speak out. You seem to have set your 
 mind upon marrying this girl, but I sincerely hope the 
 marriage will never take place, for I am satisfied no good 
 will come of it." 
 
 " Sam ! " exclaimed Captain Chetwynd, angrily. 
 
 " Don't let your love blind you to the consequences of 
 the rash step you are about to take, Sir," pursued Plessets. 
 " If you marry the girl, you'll be miserable. You think you 
 can endure poverty for her sake but I know better. By- 
 and-by you will begin to feel what you have lost, and will 
 reproach her. Reproaches will lead to quarrels, and I 
 don't like to complete the picture. But I have it before me, 
 Sir I have it before me." 
 
 Captain Chetwynd was evidently touched by these 
 remarks, though reluctant to admit their truth. Perceiving 
 
io Old Court. 
 
 he had gained a slight advantage, Plessets determined to 
 follow it up, 
 
 " Now were I in your place, Sir," he said, " I would 
 write to Sir Hugh, and tell him that I deeply regretted what 
 had occurred ; that I would not interfere with his happiness, 
 but would immediately withdraw my pretensions to the lady 
 and so forth." 
 
 " You presume rather too far on our old acquaintance, 
 Sam, when you venture to counsel such mean conduct," said 
 Captain Chetwynd, scornfully. " I am the last man to act 
 .so contemptibly." 
 
 "I tell you what it is, Sir," cried Plessets, unable to 
 restrain himself, and becoming warm in his turn, " you're 
 infatuated about this farmer's daughter infatuated, I say. 
 She may be all you represent her, and more but you will 
 fail to convince me that she is worth the sacrifice you are 
 making for her. Act like a man of sense. The girl will be 
 happier with your brother than with you." 
 
 " You think so ? " said the captain. 
 
 "I'm sure of it," rejoined Plessets, confidently. "And 
 what's more, you will be better without her. Let him take 
 her, then. But make terms for the surrender good terms. 
 I'll show you how to do it. Act like a man of sense, I tell 
 you." 
 
 " I should act like a scoundrel if I acted as you would 
 have me, Sam." 
 
 " Well, I've done my duty. You'll rue your folly when 
 too late. But I'll say no more," he added ; with a groan. 
 " I talk to deaf ears." 
 
 " Harkee, Sam. While you're about it, why can't you 
 show me how to get rid of Sir Hugh ? " 
 
 " Show you what? " cried Plessets, startled. 
 
 "Show me how to get rid of Sir Hugh," continued 
 Captain Chetwynd, with a very serious look, "before he can 
 deprive me of Old Court and the title by marrying and 
 setting up an heir to the property. Since you are such a 
 clever fellow, show me how to manage this secretly, so 
 that no suspicion can possibly attach to me." 
 
 " What a horrible idea ! " exclaimed Plessets, staring 
 aghast. "You've given me a chill down the back. What 
 do you take me for ; Sir?" 
 
The Younger Brother. 1 1 
 
 c< I take you for a man of sense," replied Captain 
 Chetwynd, gravely "for a man not much troubled with 
 scruples. I ask you again, how am I to get rid of my 
 brother?" 
 
 " This is going too far. If it is a joke it's a very bad one. 
 I don't like it. Do you suppose I would show you how to 
 in m mur der your brother?" 
 
 " Certainly," replied Captain Chetwynd, with the utmost 
 gravity. "Why not?" 
 
 "Why not?" exclaimed Plessets, wiping his brow, which 
 had suddenly become damp. "You've thrown me into a 
 cold perspiration ; and no wonder. How dare you make 
 such an atrocious proposal to me ? I feel myself insulted," 
 he added, trying to get into a passion. 
 
 " I'm glad to find you sensitive on some points, Sam," 
 cried Captain Chetwynd, bursting into a loud laugh. 
 " My proposition is not a whit more injurious than yours, 
 and I thought that a man who would advise such a base 
 act as you have just done wouldn't stop at assassination. 
 Ha ! ha ! " 
 
 "Joke or no joke, it's plain to me, Captain, that you 
 would be very much obliged to anybody who would put 
 your brother out of the way." 
 
 "Why, so I should. I won't deny it," said Captain 
 Chetwynd, still laughing. "So do it, Sam." 
 
 " No more of this, if you please, Sir. Where is Sir 
 Hugh just now ?" 
 
 " At Old Court, I suppose. But I know nothing about 
 him. I'm forbidden the house. Yet something is con- 
 stantly telling me I shall find myself there again one of these 
 days. Ay, and as lord of the mansion/ 7 
 
 "I hope that ' something' may be right, Sir. And now," 
 said Plessets, with some diffidence, " I hope I shan't offend 
 you by the offer I'm going to make. Will a hundred pounds 
 be of any use to you ? If so. say the word. I can lend it 
 without inconvenience." 
 
 "Upon my soul you're a deuced good fellow, Sam, and 
 I'm very much obliged to you. I accept your offer. But I 
 don't know when 1 can repay you." 
 
 " Never mind that. I don't want to be repaid just now. 
 Any time will do for me. Suit your own convenience. 
 
I* Old Court. 
 
 I've got the money about me now," said Plessets, 
 producing a fat and greasy-looking pocket-book, and ex- 
 tracting a roll of bank-notes from it. " I was going to put 
 these in the County Bank at Maidstone, but they'll be much 
 better in your hands." 
 
 " Thank ye, Sam thank ye," cried Captain Chetwynd, as 
 he took the roll, and, without unfolding it, put it into his 
 own smart red morocco pocket-book. You're a deuced 
 good fellow, Sam. The money will be of miinens e service 
 to me. A hundred pounds, isn't it ? " 
 
 "A hundred pounds, Sir. Better count the notes, to 
 make sure." 
 
 " Not in the least necessary, Sam. I'll take your word 
 for it," replied Captain Chetwynd, securing the notes in his 
 breast-pocket. "You've made me feel quite easy, for to 
 speak truth, I really do want the money. And now, since 
 we've settled affairs so satisfactorily, I'll stroll to the church- 
 yard and look at the view before it gets dark," he added, 
 taking a cigar from his case and lighting it. 
 
 " Dinner shall be ready against your return, Sir," said 
 Plessets, accompanying his guest to the outer door. 
 
 The captain nodded, and puffing away at his cigar, 
 sauntered up the street in the direction of the church. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE ELDER BROTHER. 
 
 JHE fine old Norman church, towards which. 
 Captain Chetwynd was slowly wending his way, 
 smoking his cigar as he sauntered along and ever 
 and anon halting beneath one of the elms which 
 give so agreeable a character to Aylesford, occupies a com- 
 manding position at the end of the single street forming 
 that picturesque little town. Having ascended the eminence, 
 he entered the churchyard, and looked round. He was not 
 exactly in the serene frame of mind which would have best 
 enabled him to enjoy a lovely prospect, and he was by no 
 means an enthusiastic admirer of scenery in a general way, 
 but he nevertheless contemplated, with a certain sort of 
 pleasure, the charming landscape now offered to his gaze. 
 The soft beauty of the scene produced a tranquillising effect 
 on his feelings, and awakened a train of thought to which 
 he had been latterly a stranger. He watched the course 
 of the gentle Medway, as it flowed placidly down from 
 Maidstone through luxuriant hop-gardens, past woody banks 
 and fertile meadows, until it swept through the grey arches 
 of the ancient bridge of Aylesford. 
 
 A peculiar character was also added to the picture by 
 the sunset, which gave a glowing hue to the smooth surface 
 of the Medway. The evening was perfectly calm not a 
 breath was stirring but it was a stillness which seemed the 
 prelude of a storm, for there were appearances in the sky 
 that boded a change. Seated on a tombstone, with his 
 arms folded upon his breast, Captain Chetwynd gazed long 
 
14 Old Court. 
 
 at the scene around him, and dwelt pensively arid almost 
 fondly upon its beauties ; and as the landscape darkened, 
 as the glow upon the river faded away, as the woods of the 
 chalk-hills on the opposite side of the river grew dark and 
 sombre, as the tall festooned hop-poles stood out against 
 a patch of sky where some brightness yet lingered, melan- 
 choly thoughts took possession of him, and in spite of all 
 his efforts to shake it off, his mental gloom deepened as the 
 darkness drew on. Long ago, the rooks had returned from 
 the distant plains below Rochester to the trees of the Friary, 
 which skirted the opposite bank of the river, and ere this 
 their cawing had ceased, and now the only sound that greeted 
 his ears was the hooting of a spectral owl as it wheeled 
 around him. A foreboding of ill seized him, and it almost 
 seemed as if he were about to bid adieu to the world. At 
 last, shaking off these gloomy thoughts, he arose from the 
 tombstone, and turned to quit the churchyard. 
 
 Just then he became aware of a tall dark figure standing 
 near the church porch, apparently watching him. At once 
 recognising his brother, Sir Hugh, Captain Chetwynd 
 stopped, half inclined to turn back, and find some other 
 means of egress from the churchyard than that offered by 
 the gate. 
 
 " What can he be doing here ? " thought the captain. 
 " I would rather not have met him, but I won't turn out of 
 my way." 
 
 With this he marched on, intending to pass his brother 
 without addressing him, but Sir Hugh stretched out his 
 arm, and in an authoritative tone commanded him to stay. 
 
 " What do you want with me, Sir ? " demanded Captain 
 Chetwynd, halting. 
 
 " I have a proposition to make to you a final propo- 
 sition," rejoined Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Indeed ! " exclaimed the captain, with a bitter laugh. 
 " I thought all was at an end between us. When last we 
 parted, you said you never would exchange another word 
 with me that, regardless of all ties of relationship and 
 affection, you had cast me off for ever, and bade me never 
 again enter your house, or intrude upon your presence. I 
 never will enter your house, Sir my father's house, while 
 you occupy it I never will come near you, if I can help it 
 
The Elder Brother. 1 5 
 
 but why, after using such language to me why do you 
 dog me thus ? How did you know I was here ? " 
 
 " I have followed you to Aylesford," replied Sir Hugh, 
 "and discovered that you had put up at the Bell, and 
 strolled out to the churchyard. Learning this, I came 
 hither." 
 
 "You have given yourself a vast deal of unnecessary 
 trouble, Sir," said Captain Chetwynd, very haughtily. 
 " After what has passed, I do not desire to hold any inter, 
 course with you whatever. I do not see by what right you 
 should follow me to Aylesford still less, why you should 
 force yourself upon me thus. It is better we should meet 
 no more. Permit me to pass. I wish you good-evening, 
 Sir." 
 
 "Stay," said Sir Hugh, in the same authoritative tone as 
 before. " We must have a few more words together. You 
 must you shall listen to me." 
 
 "Shall! Sir Hugh," exclaimed the captain. " Under- 
 stand, if you please, that I am not to be bullied. If you 
 have anything particular to say to me, be brief. I have no 
 time to bestow upon you." 
 
 " You may as well moderate your tone, Clarence, till you 
 have heard what I have to say," rejoined Sir Hugh. " You 
 may be sure I should not have sought you out without an 
 important object. It costs me a great effort to make the 
 avowal, but I own that I have behaved harshly to you." 
 
 "I am glad you feel some compunction for your un- 
 natural conduct," said Captain Chetwynd ; " and the 
 admission that you have acted badly is more than I expected 
 , from you. But it does not make much difference in rny 
 feelings towards you." 
 
 "This quarrel must not be prolonged, Clarence," said Sir 
 Hugh. " You must make some allowances for me. You 
 know how hot-tempered I am, and how greatly you provoked 
 me. I am anxious to make some reparation for my conduct 
 towards you." 
 
 "This sounds well," said Captain Chetwynd. "I am 
 not of an unforgiving nature. You have it in your power to 
 make amends. Be liberal, and you shan't complain of want 
 of gratitude on my part." 
 
 "I always loved you, Clarence," said Sir Hugh, in a voice 
 
 C- 
 
i6 Old Courf. 
 
 of deep emotion " loved you more as a son than a brother. 
 You were our dear mother's favourite." 
 
 " You have an odd way of showing your regard for me," 
 cried Captain Chetwynd, sceptically. " I wish you could 
 display it in a more intelligible manner." 
 
 " I have done my best for you, Clarence. I have paid 
 your debts over and over again. At last I would do no 
 more, because I felt it necessary to check your extrava- 
 gance." 
 
 " Very well, then, you can't expect gratitude from me." 
 
 " But I haven't said that I won't help you now. I am 
 coming to that. Will you exchange, and go to India?" 
 
 " That depends. I must sell out if you don't help me." 
 
 " How much do you require ? Tell me in a word, with- 
 out disguise." 
 
 " I can't tell you without a little consideration. Pro- 
 bably a few thousands." 
 
 " A few thousands ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh. " Is it so 
 bad as that?" 
 
 "You told me to have no disguise with you, and I have 
 complied. Speaking roundly, I should say five thousand 
 would cover all." 
 
 " I will act towards you as your father would have acted," 
 said Sir Hugh, speaking with forced calmness. " I will give 
 you the five thousand pounds, and you can either exchange 
 into some regiment going out to India, or sell out and leave 
 the army. If you consult your own interests, you will go to 
 India." 
 
 " I see you still want to get rid of me," remarked the 
 captain. " But n k ake good your words, and I won't trouble 
 you more. I must "ay it's a deuced handsome offer, and I 
 accept it with grati'viide." 
 
 "But there is a condition that must be attached to the 
 gift," said Sir Hugh. 
 
 "Ha! a condition!" exclaimed Captain Chetwynd, sus- 
 piciously. " If the condition happens to relate to a certain 
 person, the whole arrangement falls to the ground. If I go 
 out to India, I shall take a wife with me." 
 
 " But not Amice ? " cried Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Yes, Amice," replied his brother. 
 
 For more than a minute not another word was spoken. 
 
The Elder Brother. 1 7 
 
 During the foregoing discourse thunder had been muttering 
 in the distance, and an occasional flash of lightning was 
 seen. But neither of them seemed to heed the storm. 
 Within Sir Hugh's breast a far fiercer storm was raging, but 
 he controlled it. It was now, however, about to be dis- 
 charged with violence, the greater for being restrained, on 
 his brother's head, when he noticed two persons moving 
 about among the gravestones at a little distance. 
 
 "We are interrupted," cried Sir Hugh. "I don't want 
 to be seen here. This matter must be settled to-night," 
 
 "Why not settle it now?" demanded his brother. "It 
 requires no reflection on my part." 
 
 " No, it can't be settled without some further discussion," 
 replied Sir Hugh, hastily. " Meet me in three hours' time 
 at the cromlech on the hill-side behind the town. You 
 know where I mean ? " 
 
 "Kit's Coity House yes. But why there? Why not 
 come to the Bell ? " 
 
 "I don't wish to be seen, I tell you," rejoined Sir Hugh, 
 fiercely. " If you want the five thousand pounds, come." 
 
 " Well, I'U come, though it seems strange to go to such a 
 solitary place as Kit's Coity House on a night like this." 
 
 " The storm will be over in three hours' time," said Sir 
 Hugh. " But whether it is or not, I shall expect you." 
 
 And hurrying away, he disappeared round an angle of the 
 old church. 
 
 Scarcely was Sir Hugh gone, than the two persons, who 
 had been lurking for some minutes, unperceived, among the 
 tombstones, came forward, and one of them called out 
 
 " Good-evening, Captain ! " 
 
 "Who are you?" demanded Captain Chetwynd. 
 
 " Don't you know me, Captain ? It's your old groom 
 Neal Evesham now stableman at the Bell/' rejoined the 
 other. 
 
 So far as he could be discerned, the speaker was a young 
 man, of middle height, with large sandy-coloured whiskers, 
 and was still habited like a groom, though his garments 
 were exceedingly shabby. 
 
 " Yes, I know you now, Neal. But I was not aware you 
 were in Aylesford. Who have you got with you ? " 
 
 " Only Jos Tarrant, the ostler of the Bell." 
 
1 8 Old Court. 
 
 "Why the devil did you bring him here?" cried Captain 
 Chetwynd, angrily. " Why are you prying after me in this 
 way ? If you want to speak to me, why couldn't you wait 
 at the Bell till I came back?" 
 
 "I might have waited, to be sure," rejoined Neal; "but 
 hearing you had gone out to the churchyard, I thought I'd 
 just come after you, and Jos Tarrant came with me. I 
 meant no offence, Captain. Can I just speak a word to 
 you ? " 
 
 "Not now. By-and-by," rejoined Captain Chetwynd. 
 " I'll send for you when I want you." 
 
 So saying, and without taking any notice of the ostler, 
 who touched his cap as he went by, Captain Chetwynd 
 quitted the churchyard, and walked quietly back to the 
 Bell. 
 
 " The captain's out of humour, I'm thinking," remarked 
 Jos, as Chetwynd strode away. 
 
 " He suspects we have overheard what passed between 
 him and Sir Hugh," said Neal Evesham. "And so we 
 have. We heard that they're to meet again to-night at Kit's 
 Coity House. We'll be there, Jos. We shall learn some 
 secrets that'll be worth pounds to us." 
 
 " I was thinkin' of it," rejoined the ostler. " Three hours 
 hence, ain't it? That'll be ten o'clock. We'll be there an 
 hour afore." 
 
 "Kit's Coity House is a good hiding-place," said Eves- 
 ham. "Save us ! how awfully the thunder rolls ! What a 
 night it's likely to be." 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 NEAL EVES HA M. 
 
 |INNER had been waiting for some time for Captain 
 Chetwynd, but though the landlord expressed sur- 
 prise that his guest should have remained out so 
 long, the latter volunteered no explanation. After 
 he had finished his repast, and drunk a glass or two of 
 the excellent claret set before him by Plessets, he 
 summoned Neal Evesham, and being now in a genial 
 frame of mind, regarded that shabby-looking personage 
 with more complacency than he had done in the church- 
 yard. 
 
 "You were angry with me just now, Captain," said Neal; 
 "but I really didn't mean to interrupt you." 
 
 " Interrupt me ! What do you mean, rascal," said 
 Chetwynd, looking at him. 
 
 " Oh ! I know who you were talking to. But I heard 
 nothing. The moment I saw Sir Hugh was with you, 
 I stopped. I hope you've settled matters with your 
 brother." 
 
 " Why, yes, we've come to a better understanding, Neal. 
 It's not unlikely that I shall leave the country go to India. 
 Are you inclined to go with me ? " 
 
 " I shouldn't mind it, Sir. I've heard that India's a very 
 fine country ; and so rich, that everyone makes a fortune 
 out there." 
 
 " You're sure to make a fortune there, Neal." 
 
 " I shall never make one here, Sir. I'm very hard up, as 
 
20 Old Court. 
 
 you can perceive without my telling you. Could you let 
 me have the five pounds you owes me, Sir?" 
 
 " I owe you nothing, Neal," said the captain. 
 
 " Oh yes you do, Sir, if you'll just take the trouble to 
 recollect about that colt, Sir." 
 
 " I remember nothing about the colt, but since you tell 
 me you're hard up, and your looks and habiliments bear out 
 the assertion, you shall have the money. Here's a fiver for 
 you." 
 
 As he spoke, he took out his pocket-book, and un- 
 folding the roll of bank-notes, gave a five-pound note to 
 Evesham, who thanked him, and kept his greedy eyes 
 fixed upon the pocket-book so long as it remained in 
 sight. 
 
 "We'll talk about India to-morrow, Neal," pursued 
 Chetwynd, " for then I shall know my plans better. I've 
 something to do to-night. Now I think of it, get me a good 
 thick stick. There are many hop-pickers about, and they're 
 not the honestest folk in the world." 
 
 " Would you like a pistol, Sir ? Jos Tarrant has got one. 
 Shall I borrow it ? It's a nice pocket-pistol. You'll find it 
 no encumbrance." 
 
 " Go fetch it, and let it be loaded," said Chetwynd. 
 
 Neal departed on his errand, and looking out for Jos 
 Tarrant, found him in the harness-room, adjoining the 
 stables. 
 
 " There'll be bloody work to-night, old chap," he said. 
 " The captain wants your pistol. It's my belief he intends 
 to shoot his brother." 
 
 "Nonsense ! It's not possible !" exclaimed the ostler. 
 
 " He wants your pistol, I tell you wants it loaded with 
 ball," said Evesham. 
 
 " Well, he can have it if he wants it," rejoined Jos, 
 opening a drawer, and taking out a pistol. "Here 'tis," he 
 added, showing it to Evesham. "I always do keep it 
 loaded wi' a brace of bullets ; but I'd take 'em out, if I 
 thought he meant mischief." 
 
 " No necessity to do that, Jos. He only wants to carry 
 the pistol in self-defence. He's afraid of the hop-pickers. 
 Give it me." 
 
 "Stop while I put on a fresh copper ^ap," said Jos, 
 
Keal Evesham . 2 1 
 
 searching about in the drawer for the article in question. 
 Having found it at last, and put it on, he handed the pistol 
 to Evesham, saying as he did so, " That's a handy little 
 weep'n, ben't it, Neal ? " 
 
 " Remarkably handy,' 1 observed Evesham, admiring it. 
 " It would do a man's business in a crack." 
 
 "Ay, if he got them two bullets in his brain, he'd not 
 give much trouble arterwards," remarked Jos, with a coarse 
 laugh. 
 
 " What's your opinion, old chap ? " asked Neal. " Does 
 it require much nerve to shoot a man ? " 
 
 " Not in self-defence," returned the ostler. 
 
 Neal was still examining the pistol by a stable-lantern 
 which imperfectly lighted the room, when the door was 
 suddenly opened by Plessets. On seeing him, Evesham 
 slipped the pistol into his pocket, though not so quickly but 
 that the landlord perceived what he was about. 
 
 " What are you hiding, Neal ? " asked Plessets. 
 
 " Hiding, Sir nothing," replied Evesham, in some con- 
 fusion. 
 
 " It looked liked a pistol," remarked Plessets. 
 
 " A pistol, Sir ! Oh no, Sir. Was it, Jos ? " 
 
 " I see you wi' summat in your hand, but I didn't notice 
 what 'twas," said the ostler. 
 
 " These two fellows are about something wrong," thought 
 Plessets. However, he made no further remark, but only 
 said to Evesham : " The captain wants you. You'll find 
 him in the yard." 
 
 Glad to get away, Neal hurried out, and, guided by the 
 light of a cigar, speedily discovered Captain Chetwynd 
 standing near the side-door of the inn. 
 
 "Well, have you got the pistol, Neal?" asked the 
 captain. 
 
 " Yes ; here it is," replied the other. 
 
 "Is it loaded?" 
 
 "Yes, Sir, with a couple of bullets." 
 
 " That's right," replied Chetwynd, with a short dry laugh ; 
 adding, as he secured the pistol in his breast-pocket, " I 
 don't sleep here to-night, Neal, but shall be back in the 
 morning. Come to me after breakfast, and you shall know 
 my plans/ 1 
 
22 
 
 Old Court. 
 
 "I shall know your plans before that, I calculate," 
 muttered Neal Evesham, looking after his somewhile master, 
 as the latter turned out into the street. " I wonder where 
 he's off to now ? " thought Neal, peering after him. 
 
 But he could only just make out a dark figure walking 
 quickly along the street iu the opposite direction of the 
 church. 
 
CHAPTER IV; 
 
 AMICE. 
 
 |E must now repair to a small cottage, very 
 charmingly situated on the right bank of the 
 Medway, and about equi-distant from Aylesford 
 and Maidstone. Shaded by a noble elm, and 
 boasting a very pretty and extremely well-kept garden, this 
 little rustic dwelling commanded lovely views of the course 
 of the Medway, and of the enchanting vale through which 
 the river flows. It also commanded a fine view of Maid- 
 stone, with its archiepiscopal palace, its hospital, and 
 collegiate church three noble structures which give such 
 picturesque character to that ancient town. 
 
 The cottage, as we have said, was very pretty, with a 
 thatched roof, lattice windows, and a rustic porch. Its walls 
 were covered with roses and woodbine, and the trim little 
 garden in front was likewise planted with roses. But we 
 have nothing to do with the exterior of the dwelling, and 
 must go inside. On the night on which our story com- 
 mences, in a little room, simply but tastefully furnished, 
 might have been seen a young creature of such rare beauty, 
 of such symmetry of person, such grace of manner, and 
 such sweetness of expression, that she certainly seemed out 
 of place in that unpretending little apartment. Not but 
 that the room was very pretty, its walls exhibiting some 
 charming water-colour drawings, and its little tables a 
 variety of objects which only feminine taste can group 
 together, but its fair occupant was a pearl of such price that 
 she seemed to merit a richer casket. As we steal upon her 
 
24 Old Court. 
 
 privacy we find her alone, seated at a piano, and can listen 
 to one of the sweetest voices that ever gave utterance to 
 song. For a few minutes we are enthralled by the melody, 
 but as the song ceases and she turns, we are ravished by 
 the full view of an enchanting oval face, chiselled as if by a 
 sculptor, lighted up by the softest blue eyes imaginable, 
 with blonde tresses so arranged as fully to display the 
 snowy brow, delicately-pencilled eyebrows, and rosy lips 
 parted to display two ranges of pearls. 
 
 Having finished her song, as we have said, this charming 
 personage glances at the French clock on the mantelpiece, 
 and, finding it not yet eight, heaves a sigh, and murmuring, 
 " How slowly time glides on ! " begins to employ the taper 
 fingers, which have already excited our admiration, in some 
 dainty needlework. Thus seen, she is quite as beautiful as 
 when seated at the piano, and the little air she murmurs 
 sounds like the hymn of a spirit. In this manner she 
 beguiles the time for some minutes, and we are never tired 
 of watching her at her work, when all at once she starts up. 
 Her cheeks glow, her eyes brighten, for her quick ears have 
 caught the sound of a footstep outside. 
 
 " He is come ! " she exclaims, in accents of delight. 
 
 There is a knock at the front door, which is presently 
 opened, but a momentary delay occurs in the passage, and 
 she is just going out to ascertain the cause, full of eagerness 
 to behold him she expects, when the door of the little 
 parlour is thrown open, and, in spite of the efforts of an old 
 woman to prevent him, a tall, dark man, with handsome 
 but stern features, and attired in sombre habiliments that 
 set off his sallow countenance, forces his way into the room, 
 and shuts the door after him, fastening it to prevent the old 
 woman's entrance. 
 
 At first the lady was so much alarmed by this apparition, 
 that she could scarcely repress a scream, but she quickly 
 regained her composure, and, with a look in which surprise 
 asd indignation were mingled, said : 
 
 "What means this unwarrantable intrusion, Sir Hugh?" 
 
 " I am come to have a last word with you, Amice," he 
 replied. 
 
 " I cannot allow it. I cannot listen to anything you have 
 to say," she rejoined. " I must beg you to leave the house 
 
Amict. 25 
 
 at once. I must insist upon your doing so. I am expecting 
 Clarence this evening. Indeed, I thought you were he." 
 
 " I know you are expecting him," he said. " I have seen 
 him at Aylesford, and have an appointment with him at a 
 later hour to-night. It is in reference to that meeting that I 
 have now come to you." 
 
 " I thought all intercourse was at an end between you 
 and your brother, Sir Hugh," said Amice. " May I hope 
 that a reconciliation has taken place between you ? Oh, if 
 it should be so ! " she exclaimed, earnestly, while tears 
 started to her eyes, " I shall be so rejoiced." 
 
 " Some steps have been made towards a reconciliation, 
 and it shall not be my fault if it is not fully brought about." 
 
 " Oh, you are very kind very good to say so, Sir Hugh. 
 You know Clarence as well as I do better. He is 
 impetuous, but generous. Only treat him kindly, and he 
 will do whatever you require I am sure of it." 
 
 " I feel that I have treated him harshly, and have told 
 him so," said Sir Hugh/ 
 
 " That was enough. He could not expect more. Heat 
 once embraced you as a brother ? " 
 
 " No, Amice, he met all my advances with coldness 
 with rudeness almost. But I bore with him. You will see 
 him before I meet him again to-night, and I would have you 
 assure him, as you may do with safety, that I am influenced 
 by the best feelings towards him. I have made him a most 
 advantageous offer, which will relieve him from all his 
 difficulties. I proposed that he should exchange his 
 regiment for some other in India." 
 
 "Did he object?" 
 
 " Not exactly, but he seemed indifferent. I then pro- 
 posed that he should retire from the army altogether, and 
 live abroad." 
 
 " Well, I am sure he would like that ! " she cried, 
 eagerly. 
 
 " I ofiered him the means of living abroad comfortably," 
 said Sir Hugh. " But rather than he should not be satisfied, 
 I will share my fortune with him. Tell him so." 
 
 " I will. He must be satisfied. You are too generous, 
 Sir Hugh." | 
 
 " You may not think so., Amice, when I add that the 
 
26 Old Court. 
 
 condition which I annex to my offer is, that he shall 
 abandon all thoughts of you." 
 
 "Oh, Sir Hugh!" she exclaimed. "You render 
 acceptance of your noble offer impossible. Did not 
 Clarence tell you so ? " 
 
 " He did. But you may induce him to alter his deter< 
 initiation." 
 
 " I, Sir Hugh ! How can you hope it ? how can you 
 expect it from me ? " 
 
 " It is the only way in which Clarence can be saved from 
 utter ruin," said Sir Hugh, coldly. 
 
 " But has he not explained to you that " And she 
 
 suddenly checked herself. 
 
 " I need no explanation," said Sir Hugh. " I know he 
 loves you passionately. I know he is resolved to wed 
 you. But I know that if he does so, he will become a 
 beggar." 
 
 " Oh, do not say so, dear Sir Hugh ! " she cried, 
 piteously. " Do not abandon him." 
 
 "Think not to move me, Amice," said Sir Hugh. 
 " Unless he complies with my condition, I will do nothing 
 for him nothing whatever. I swear it. He must give up 
 all thoughts of you, and you you, Amice, must forget 
 him" 
 
 " Forget him ! Sir Hugh, you ask me to perform an im- 
 possibility." 
 
 " However great the pang, Amice," pursued Sir Hugh, 
 passionately, " you must tear him from your heart. He is 
 unworthy of your love, and it is well for you that you are not 
 already united to him." 
 
 She shrank back at the words, and averted her face. 
 
 " I do not desire to wound your feelings, Amice," pur- 
 sued Sir Hugh, " but it is necessary to speak out. I could 
 tell you that of Clarence which would instantly change your 
 love for him to aversion and contempt." 
 
 " Then do not tell it," she. cried, with an agonised look. 
 "But whatever you tell, I will not believe it. Oh, Sir 
 Hugh ! This is ungenerous unmanly." 
 
 " I must unmask him, in order to save you from the pit, 
 on the brink of which you stand. You will thank me here- 
 after." 
 
Amice. $7 
 
 "Never! never! never! I shall never thank you/' she 
 exclaimed. " In mercy, spare me further torture." 
 
 " I must go on," said Sir Hugh, relentlessly. " I must 
 convince you that Clarence is unworthy of your love that 
 K union with him will make you wretched." 
 
 "You never can convince me of that, Sir Hugh," she 
 cried, proudly. " I now see through your dishonourable 
 design. You try to alienate my affections from Clarence by 
 traducing him. But you will fail. I have more faith in him 
 than I have in you. I know he idolises me, and is prepared 
 to make any sacrifice for me any sacrifice, Sir Hugh. I 
 will share his fortunes, be they what they may." 
 
 " Poor, weak, credulous fool ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh. 
 " He will desert you before three months are over. You 
 are utterly inexperienced in the world, Amice, or you would 
 know, without my having to tell you, that a man who has 
 led a profligate life who is plunged in difficulties from 
 which he can only extricate himself in one way you would 
 feel, I say, that such a, man cannot possibly make a good 
 husband. I bid you beware ! Do not link your destinies 
 with those of such a person. A far different course, and 
 certain to lead to happiness, awaits you, if you have only 
 the prudence to take it." 
 
 " I perceive what you are coming to, Sir Hugh. But it 
 is useless." 
 
 " Yet I will speak, Amice," he went on, passionately, 
 " because the happiness or misery of the rest of my life de- 
 pends on your decision. My nature, as you must have 
 remarked, is wholly different from that of Clarence. Early 
 in life I loved, or fancied I loved, a fair, frivolous creature 
 but she jilted me for another, and, becoming embittered, 
 I shunned the society of your sex. I thought I should 
 never have loved again and, perhaps, I never should, if I 
 had not met you, Amice. You were my fate. I felt drawn 
 towards you by an irresistible attraction. I felt that a sweet, 
 guileless creature like yourself, unused to the world, un- 
 spoiled, could alone make me happy. Still, there was a 
 desperate struggle in my breast betwixt pride and love ; but, 
 in the end, love conquered. All considerations of disparity 
 of rank vanished. I made up my mind to brave the jeers 
 of the world, and determined to offer you my hand. Little 
 
28 Old Court. 
 
 did I expect the answer I received. Little did I deem that 
 my offer would be rejected." He paused, for his voice had 
 become broken by emotion, but presently proceeded : 
 " You may conceive what must have been the effect of the 
 blow on a proud spirit like mine. I could not recover from 
 it. I have not yet recovered. I tried to reason with my- 
 self. I felt all the pangs of unrequited love, and found them 
 intolerable. I went abroad, in the hope of rinding relief 
 from my suffering, and returned only half cured returned 
 to be crushed by the knowledge that you had given your 
 heart to my brother." 
 
 " Our affections are not under our own control, Sir 
 Hugh," she replied, in a tone of deep sympathy. " I could 
 not deceive you by telling you that I loved you when my 
 heart was already given to Clarence." 
 
 There was another pause, during which Sir Hugh was 
 evidently struggling fiercely with his emotions. At last he 
 broke forth : 
 
 " Can you not distinguish between a profound, passionate 
 attachment like mine, Amice," he cried, "'and that of a 
 libertine like Clarence ? Can you not discern the difference 
 between us? With me you will be elevated to a proud 
 position you will be adored by a husband whose life will 
 be devoted to you. With Clarence you will be used as a 
 mere toy, to be cast aside when he is tired of you." 
 
 "You do Clarence a cruel injustice, Sir Hugh. But I 
 will not condescend to defend him from such shameful as- 
 persions, of which the motive is only too palpable. I must 
 beg you not to prolong this interview, which is excessively 
 painful to me." 
 
 " Have you no pity for me, Amice ? Can you see my 
 anguish unmoved ? " 
 
 " I pity you, but I cannot help you. Pray cease ! If I 
 listen to you more, I shall do a wrong to Clarence." 
 
 " You will be answerable, then, for whatever happens to 
 him," he said, in a stern and menacing tone. " You have it 
 in your power to save him from ruin and disgrace. You 
 have it in your power to avoid all the calamities which a 
 marriage with him will infallibly produce. You have it in 
 your power to make me the happiest of men instead of the 
 most miserable." 
 
Amice. 29 
 
 " No, Sir Hugh, I have not the power to do as you 
 desire." 
 
 " What hinders you ? " he cried, fiercely. " But I know 
 what hinders you the ascendancy which this profligate has 
 obtained over you. But when you find his love turned to 
 aversion, as it will be, you will regret your decision. Fare- 
 well ! I do not suppose we shall ever meet again. I shall 
 see Clarence anon, and now know what to say to him." 
 
 " Uo not harm him, Sir Hugh. Your looks terrify me. 
 Promise me not to harm him, or I will not let him meet 
 you." 
 
 " I will do him no personal injury. Rest easy on that 
 score. Farewell ! " 
 
 Without another look at her, he unfastened the door, and, 
 pushing aside the old woman whom he met in the passage, 
 let himself out of the house. 
 
 When the old woman entered the parlour, she found her 
 young mistress extended upon a couch in a state of great 
 agitation. 
 
 She essayed to soothe her, but Amice declined her well- 
 meant attentions, and the old woman presently retired, 
 lifting up her eyes and shaking her head as she went out of 
 the room. 
 

 CHAPTER V. 
 
 PRESENTIMENTS OF ILL, 
 
 NOTWITHSTANDING all her efforts, Amice could 
 not shake off the uneasiness caused by Sir Hugh's 
 visit. She tried a book she tried music she 
 tried work. In vain. She could neither read, 
 sing, nor ply the needle. She could only think over what 
 Sir Hugh had said, and she shuddered as she recalled his 
 dark looks and menaces. 
 
 " What a strange, terrible man he is ! " she mentally 
 ejaculated. "And he persuades himself that I could love 
 him as well as Clarence." 
 
 Just then the door was softly opened, and Clarence him- 
 self stood before her. How did he get into the house with- 
 out being heard, for she was listening for him ? No matter ! 
 With a cry of delight she sprang towards him, and was 
 instantly clasped to his heart. 
 
 " My own darling ! " he exclaimed. " How delighted I 
 am to see you again ! But what's the matter ? You have 
 not been weeping ? " 
 
 "I have had a disagreeable visitor, Clarence. Sir Hugh 
 has been here." 
 
 " Been here, has he ! " cried the captain, knitting his 
 brows. " I might have guessed as much. Well, I suppose 
 he informed you of the offer he has made me. He wants 
 me to part with my precious pet for five thousand pounds. 
 But I wouldn't sell her for double the sum, though I am 
 desperately in want of money just now." 
 
 " You can't sell me, or I should feel no security, Clarence,' 1 
 
nh of III. 3 1 
 
 she rejoined, with a faint attempt at a smile. "Sir Hugh 
 seemed to intimate that you would do anything for money. 
 You don't know what a bad character he gave you." 
 
 "I can easily guess," he replied, with some uneasiness. 
 " He would stick at nothing to injure me in your esteem. 
 But I feel sure you didn't believe him." 
 
 "It was indeed evident that he desired to prejudice me 
 against you. The only excuse for his conduct is that he 
 does not know we are married." 
 
 " I hope you didn't give him the slightest idea that we 
 are so, my darling," said Clarence, quickly. 
 
 " I felt strongly inclined to tell him the truth, but I 
 refrained," she replied. 
 
 " Quite right, my angel quite right. I don't mean to let 
 him or any one else into our secret just at present. It 
 would serve Sir Hugh right to take, him in. I must get 
 money out of him in some way." 
 
 " But I hope you don't mean to take him in by 
 representing " 
 
 " If he will give me five thousand to go abroad, he may 
 find out that I'm married when I'm gone. That's what I 
 mean, my love." 
 
 " You musn't think of it, Clarence. Consider ! I should 
 be subjected to the most dreadful annoyance. I can take no 
 part in such a scheme." 
 
 " Then I won't think of it," he rejoined. " My little pet 
 is always right." 
 
 " Your little pet is certainly right now, and, if you will 
 follow her advice, you won't meet your brother to-night; 
 Don't go, Clarence don't go ! No good can come of the 
 meeting." 
 
 "Whatever may come of it, I shall go," said Captain 
 Chetwynd. " Sir Hugh has far more reason to be afraid of 
 me than I have of him. He shall do something for me, I'm 
 resolved." 
 
 " You alarm me as much as he did, Clarence," she cried, 
 " And you have precisely the same look that he had. Don't 
 exasperate your brother, Clarence. He is dangerous 
 to-night." 
 
 " Why, so am I dangerous, as he will find, if he rouses my 
 anger," said the captain* " We are both of the same stock." 
 
 D 
 
1* Old Court* 
 
 " And therefore ought not to quarrel," she cried, clasping 
 her arms round his neck, and gazing entreatingly into his 
 face. " You won't quarrel with him, Clarence you won't, 
 for my sake." 
 
 " I won't promise. It depends on how he treats me." 
 
 " Bat you have already had a serious quarrel with him. 
 Don't aggravate it further. Ah! what is this?" she cried, 
 as she leaned against his breast. " A pistol ! You don't 
 mean to take that with you, Clarence ? " 
 
 "We are to meet at a solitary spot at Kit's Coity House 
 on the downs, in fact. I carry the pistol for protection." 
 
 " Not against your brother, Clarence. You cannot 
 suspect him of any foul design." 
 
 " I scarce know what I suspect. I choose to go armed." 
 
 " Pray leave the pistol with me. The interview with your 
 brother has made me dreadfully nervous, and I can't help 
 fearing the night will not pass without some -dire calamity." 
 
 " Why, what a silly, timorous creature you are ! " cried 
 the captain, trying to force a laugh, but with very indifferent 
 success. 
 
 " Call me what you please, Clarence, but yield to my 
 request. Leave the pistol with me." 
 
 "But suppose I should be attacked. There are bands of 
 hop-pickers about Maidstone and Aylesford, and amongst 
 them are many loose characters. It's scarcely safe to walk 
 about at night." 
 
 " Since this is the case, it is better you should be armed. 
 But it would be better still if you did not go out at all. Oh, 
 stay with me ! " 
 
 " I must be firm, my darling. I should for ever reproach 
 myself if I yielded, even to your entreaties. I feel this to 
 be my last chance with my brother. If I fail to move him 
 now, all is lost, and I must turn to some other course of life." 
 
 "Let it be so, Clarence. And be sure /shan't repine." 
 
 "I don't know what the deuce we can do, Amice," he 
 cried. " I'm not made for a poor man. I've too many 
 wants, and am too self-indulgent. But it's not quite come 
 to that horrible pass yet, and I don't think it will. I 
 shall force Sir Hugh to help me. That's why I must see 
 him." 
 
 " Tell him all, then, Clarence, and throw yourself upon 
 
: Presentiments of III. 33 
 
 his generosity. Or, let me go with you. I can say more 
 than you can, and my presence will prevent mischief, of 
 which, I own, I'm afraid." 
 
 "Your presence will cause mischief, not prevent it, you 
 little simpleton," rejoined Captain Chetwynd. " Does it 
 never occur to you that you are the bone of contention 
 between my brother and myself? When the disclosure is 
 made to him that we are married, he'll become perfectly 
 infuriated." 
 
 " At least, I can help you to bear the brunt of his 
 displeasure, Clarence," she said, summoning up her 
 resolution. " Let him visit his anger upon me. I shan't 
 fear him with you by my side. He must know the 
 truth sooner or later. Let us get it over to-night/' 
 
 "You're a charmingly courageous little woman!" cried 
 Captain Chetwynd. " But I mustn't expose you to such a 
 scene as this is sure to be. If Sir Hugh, blinded by fury, were 
 to insult you as he might I should certainly kill him. You 
 start, but I should. No, no, you mustn't go with me, Amice. 
 There may be a devil of a row between us, or all may go off 
 well. When I return, I hope to have satisfactory tidings for 
 you. At present, all seems dark and gloomy enough, but I 
 am not down-hearted. I couldn't bear to leave you, my 
 darling." 
 
 "And I should die if you did leave me, Clarence. You 
 have not been much with me since our secret marriage ; but 
 though pained, I have reconciled myself to your absence, 
 knowing it to be unavoidable. But if you were to leave me 
 entirely, I should die." 
 
 " Many married people are separated for years, Amice, 
 and yet contrive to live happily enough apart." 
 
 " I am not one of them. I should be wretched without 
 you. If you were to quit me thus, you would find me dead 
 on your return." , 
 
 " Well, depend upon it I will never leave you, if I can 
 help it, Amice ; but I am scarcely my own master at this 
 moment. To-night will decide my fate. The idea took 
 possession of me when Sir Hugh proposed Kit's Coity 
 House as our place of rendezvous, and I can't get rid of it. 
 I should like to see you Lady Chetwynd, and mistress of Old 
 Court, Amice." 
 
34 Old Court. 
 
 " But that can't be while your brother lives so it's idle to 
 think of it," she rejoined. 
 
 " No, of course it can't," he cried, breaking from her, and 
 striding about the room. " I wish to Heaven I had 
 been the elder son ! Why should I be doomed to this 
 wretched dependence upon a brother? Why should he 
 enjoy all the worldly advantages, and leave me none? But 
 he shall behave properly to me, or " 
 
 " Clarence, you must not indulge these thoughts," she 
 interrupted, taking his arm gently, " or you will not be in a 
 proper frame of mind to meet your brother." 
 
 <; He is most confoundedly in my way," pursued Captain 
 Chetwynd, scarcely heeding her. 
 
 " But since he cannot be removed, why worry yourself 
 with useless repining ? " she said. " Accept your position 
 cheerfully." 
 
 " Well, I suppose I must, but it's devilish hard to bear," 
 he rejoined. " I'm more vexed on your account than my 
 own, Amice." 
 
 " Don't think of me, Clarence," she cried. " I have no 
 regrets no desire imgratified. You may be quite sure that 
 to be Lady Chetwynd and mistress of Old Court would be 
 no temptation to me." 
 
 " Yes, I am quite sure of that," he said. But to me it 
 would be everything. Oh, to see you there ! But it can't 
 be ! it can't be ! " he exclaimed, bitterly. 
 
 " Therefore, I repeat, don't worry yourself. Sit down, and 
 let us talk on some other subject. I should like to see you 
 more composed before you set out on this disagreeable 
 errand." 
 
 " I shall get calm enough as I walk~along," he replied. 
 " It is time to set out," he added, as the clock on the 
 chimney-piece struck nine. " I shall be back^ before 
 midnight ; but don't sit up for me. I hope to bring you 
 good news." 
 
 " Clarence!" she exclaimed, a cold shiver passing over 
 her frame. " Something warns me that I ought not to let 
 you go." 
 
 "Nonsense!" he exclaimed. "We have discussed all 
 this before. I thought you had got rid of your misgivings." 
 " I thought so too, but they have returned with greater 
 
Presentiments of III. 3 
 
 force than ever. I almost fear I shall never behold you 
 again. Don't go, I entreat you," she cried, clinging to him. 
 
 " Oh, you will see me again in a few hours, you 
 superstitious darling ! " he cried, disengaging himself gently 
 from her, and moving towards the door. 
 
 Then, touched by her look of anguish, he went back, and 
 embraced her tenderly. 
 
 " Never did I feel a parting thus ! " she exclaimed, with 
 an irrepressible outburst of anguish. " Can it be ominous ? 
 Kiss me again, Clarence." 
 
 " There ! will that content you ? You have infected me 
 with your superstitious fears. So if anything unforeseen 
 should happen, and we should never meet again, think 
 kindly of me always kindly, Amice." 
 
 " Always ! always ! I shall never think of you otherwise 
 than with the deepest love," she rejoined. " May Heaven 
 preserve you ! " 
 
 " Adieu ! God bless you ! " he exclaimed. 
 
 Pressing her cold lips once more, he rushed out of the 
 room and so quitted the house. 
 
 As the outer door closed, and the sound of his footsteps 
 died away, Amice dropped upon her knees, fervently be- 
 seeching Heaven to watch over him to guard him Irom all 
 injury, and save him from all crime. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 KIT'S COITY HOUSE, 
 
 JHE storm had passed, but the night was still 
 sombre, and clouds were trooping over the sky 
 from the south-west. Occasionally, however, the 
 moon, then in her last quarter, struggled forth, 
 and cast a gleam on the cromlech, which, seen by this 
 light, had a weird and fantastic appearance. Rude as it 
 was, that monument of a hero of the fifth century had 
 endured while many a prouder sepulchre of much later date 
 had crumbled to dust. For full thirteen centuries those 
 ponderous stones had held together, exposed to wind and 
 rain on the side of the bleak downs, and seemed calculated 
 to last, if undisturbed by man, till Doomsday. Three 
 gigantic upright stones, roofed by a fourth, larger and 
 thicker than its supporters, and weighing many tons, 
 formed the pile. Originally, the cromlech had been shut 
 in on all sides, but it was now open on the east, the 
 huge boulder which once stood there having been re- 
 moved. 
 
 These stones mark the burial-place of an heroic British 
 prince, Catigern, who was slain in 445 in a battle with the 
 Saxons. At any time the cromlech, from its position on 
 the downs overlooking the valley of the Medway, forms a 
 remarkable object, but on the night in question, now 
 plunged in shade, and looking ghostly and grim; now 
 suddenly revealed, as the moonbeams fell upon it, it was 
 more than usually striking and impressive. It spoke so 
 
Kit's Coify House. 37 
 
 plainly of other times and of another race of men, that 
 none could gaze upon it without a certain sense of awe. 
 At night the spot was solitary, for as the cromlech was 
 supposed to be guarded by the spirit of Catigern, few 
 persons cared to approach it, and those who did repented 
 their rashness. 
 
 Towards Kit's Coity House two persons now shaped 
 their course, and as they climbed the downs, and drew near 
 the pile, some of the tales connected with it rushed to their 
 recollection, and rilled them with misgiving. It looked 
 so strange and unearthly at that hour, that they almost 
 feared that old Kit, as they irreverently styled the ancient 
 British hero, would punish their intrusion upon his burial- 
 place. 
 
 " I wish the meeting had taken place anywhere else than 
 at Kit's Coity House," remarked Jos Tarrant. "I don't 
 like the spot." 
 
 "Pshaw!" cried Neal Evesham. "Old Kit won't 
 trouble us." 
 
 "I'm not so sure of that," hesitated Jos. "I've heard 
 strange tales of his doings. My mind misgives me. I shall 
 go back." 
 
 " You can't go back now," cried Neal. " Why, you're 
 weaker than a child. Come on, I say." 
 
 Thus exhorted, and half ashamed of the weakness he 
 had exhibited, Jos marched on with his companion without 
 uttering another word. As the two men stood beside the 
 gigantic stones, they looked like pigmies. 
 
 Neal Evesham glanced right and left, but no one was 
 visible. He could just distinguish the little town of 
 Aylesford lying at the foot of the downs he could make 
 out the old church on the bank, the ancient bridge, and the 
 Medway, which chanced at the moment to be lighted up by 
 the moon. He saw an old house in the midst of the \ 
 coppices on the right, and, further, the lurid flames of the 
 chalk-kilns attracted his attention. There were some 
 barges on the river, and others moored to the banks, and 
 voices could be heard where he stood. Having satisfied 
 himself by a general survey that no one was in view, Neal 
 remarked, in a low voice, to his companion, 
 
 "Apparently, we're first at the place of rendezvous," 
 
33 Old Court. 
 
 "Perhaps one on 'em may be inside," observed Jos. 
 
 "Not at all likely," rejoined Neal. "But I'll see." 
 
 And he passed through the yawning aperture into the 
 interior of the cromlech.. 
 
 The next moment he called out, 
 
 "No one here. Come in, old chap." 
 
 "I'd rather stay where I am at present/ 1 rejoined Jos t 
 " I'm afeared of old Kit. They say he crushes folk to 
 death beneath the stones." 
 
 " But you'll be seen," cried Neal, impatiently. " There's 
 one of 'em coming. I hear the tramp of a horse.' 1 
 
 And, as he spoke, a horseman could be discerned 
 coming along the Maidstone road. Presently, this person 
 turned off from the highway, and rode up the hill. As there 
 could now be no doubt that he was one of those expected, 
 Jos overcame his repugnance, and entered Kit's Coity 
 House. Neal, however, kept near the outlet, placing him- 
 self so that he could watch the horseman without being 
 observed. 
 
 It was soon apparent that the new comer was Sir Hugh. 
 He did not ride straight up to the cromlech, but, after halt- 
 ing for a moment, dismounted, tied his horse to an old 
 stunted thorn, and then strode towards the burial-place of 
 the ancient Briton. 
 
 As he drew near, the two spies, who could hear his foot- 
 steps quite distinctly, were under great apprehension lest 
 their retreat should be discovered. But it never seemed to 
 occur to Sir Hugh that any one could be inside the crom- 
 lech. He did not so much as pause at the entrance, but 
 paced to and fro outside like a sentinel. 
 
 At last he became stationary, and Neal, venturing to 
 peep out, perceived his tall dark figure close at hand. 
 Neal had enough to do to keep Jos quiet, the ostler being 
 seized with a violent inclination to cough and sneeze. 
 Half an hour passed in this way, and both Sir Hugh and 
 the spies began to think that Captain Chetwynd did not 
 mean to keep his appointment. 
 
 At last footsteps were heard, and Neal, bringing his 
 mouth close to the ostler's ear, whispered, "Here he is; 
 keep still." 
 
 Neal then returned to his post of observation, and 
 
Kifs Coity House. 39 
 
 curiosity now got so much the better of the ostler's fears, 
 that he crept forward on his hands and knees to see, as 
 well as hear, what was going on. 
 
 As Captain Chetwynd came up, he saluted Sir Hugh 
 formally, and said, " I'm afraid I've kept you waiting, 
 Sir." 
 
 "I was here before the appointed time," rejoined the 
 other. " But a truce to ceremony. Let us come at once 
 to the point." 
 
 "I am quite prepared to do so," rejoined the captain. 
 " Say on." 
 
 " You know that I have seen Amice, I conclude ? " said 
 Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Who's Amice ? " asked Jos. 
 
 " Hold your tongue," rejoined Neal, punching him in the 
 ribs. 
 
 " Yes, I'm aware of it," said Captain Chetwynd. "She 
 has not failed to acquaint me with the disreputable 
 character you gave me." 1 
 
 "I told her nothing but the truth, and not even the 
 whole truth," rejoined Sir Hugh. 
 
 " But you did not succeed in prejudicing her against me. 
 A woman will never believe ill of the man she loves. You 
 ought to know that. You damaged your own cause by 
 pursuing so injudicious a course." 
 
 " Have you reflected ? " cried Sir Hugh, impatiently. 
 " Have you made up your mind to accept my offer ? " 
 
 "You want me to live abroad?" rejoined the other, 
 evasively. 
 
 " For a year or two, till your affairs can be arranged," 
 rejoined Sir Hugh; "and till I am perfectly satisfied of 
 your reformation." 
 
 " Well, I shall have no objection," said the captain. " But 
 you must make it worth my while to go. Five thousand is 
 not enough. I can't expatriate myself under double that 
 amount." 
 
 " It is impossible to give you more down. But I'll pay 
 your debts, and allow you a thousand a year." 
 
 " That's tempting very tempting. You'll pay a year in 
 advance, no doubt ? " 
 
 "Then you agree?" cried Sir Hugh, eagerly, "It shall 
 
40 Old Court. 
 
 be done. But you must start at once. I'll make every 
 requisite arrangement." 
 
 u Stop ! You're a great deal too quick. We've not said 
 a word about the main point. What's to become of 
 Amice ? " 
 
 "Who's Amice?" again inquired Jos. 
 
 "Hold your tongue, curse you, or I'll strangle you," 
 rejoined Neal. 
 
 " Leave her to me," said Sir Hugh. "It is to separate 
 you from her that I make this offer. Don't prate to me 
 about your love. I know what your love is. In six months 
 you will have forgotten her. Go, and rest assured that I 
 will fulfil my engagement with you." 
 
 " I told you before that I don't mean to go without 
 Amice," said the captain, doggedly. " I mean to marry her." 
 
 " You shall never marry her," rejoined Sir Hugh, in a 
 determined tone. " I will prevent you." 
 
 " You prevent me ! >; exclaimed his brother, con- 
 temptuously. " I like that." 
 
 " So do I. I like it immensely," chuckled Jos, receiving 
 a severe punch from his companion, which stopped him. 
 
 " Yes, I will prevent it," said Sir Hugh, in the same firm 
 tone. 
 
 " Be good enough to let me know how ? " asked Captain 
 Chetwynd. 
 
 "I will effectually prevent it," said Sir Hugh, "by 
 arresting you for forgery. You know that you forged my 
 name, and that I have proofs of the criminal act. Hitherto, 
 I have spared you, but I will no longer spare you. Rather 
 than you shall marry this girl, I will transport you. Now, 
 will you go ? " 
 
 " No, I won't," rejoined Captain Chetwynd, boldly. 
 " You seek to intimidate me in vain. You have no proof 
 of the atrocious charge you bring against me." 
 
 " By the Lord ! it is an atrocious charge," muttered Neal. 
 " I wonder whether it's true ? " 
 
 " Since you defy me, you shall feel my power, and that 
 before many hours are past," said Sir Hugh. 
 
 " I laugh at your threats," said Captain Chetwynd. 
 "Your own pride will not let you bring such a charge 
 against me." 
 
Kit's Coity House. 41 
 
 M You are an unmitigated scoundrel, Clarence ! " cried 
 Sir Hugh, exasperated beyond endurance. 
 
 " Retract that expression retract all you said about the 
 forgery or, by Heaven ! I will shoot you through the 
 head," cried Captain Chetwynd, plucking the pistol from 
 his breast. 
 
 " I expected it would come to this," muttered Neal. 
 
 " I am not afraid of you," rejoined Sir Hugh, scornfully; 
 " you dare not add murder to your other crimes." 
 
 " Retract, I say," cried the captain, fiercely, " or you 
 sha'n't fait this spot alive." 
 
 And "he levelled the pistol at his brother's head. 
 
 Sir Hugh seized his arm, and in the fierce struggle that 
 ensued the pistol went off, and its contents were lodged in 
 Captain Chetwynd's breast. He fell to the ground with a 
 groan, but never spoke more. 
 
 Horror-stricken at the dreadful deed he had unwittingly 
 committed, Sir Hugh flung down the pistol, knelt beside his 
 brother, raised his head, and gazed into his face, half bereft 
 of reason. 
 
 The next moment he sprang to his feet, and called out, in 
 a voice that scarcely sounded human, 
 
 " What have I done ? I have shed my brother's blood. 
 The curse of Cain will be upon me for ever ! " 
 
 Thus crying, he ran towards his horse, sprang into the 
 saddle, and galloped furiously off, as if eager to get away 
 from the fatal spot. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 HOW THE TWO ROGUES WERE CAUGHT IN A TRAP. 
 
 |HE two unsuspected witnesses of this tragical 
 occurrence were so startled by it that they neither 
 called out nor attempted interference of any kind, 
 and it was only when Sir Hugh hurried off to his 
 horse that they ventured out of the cromlech. 
 
 The distracted baronet might have seen them, but he 
 never attempted to look back, but dashed down the hill-side 
 as if the furies were at his heels. Though Neai and his 
 companion had been within a few yards of the brothers 
 during the deadly struggle, they could not tell which of 
 them had fallen, and were of opinion that it was the elder, 
 till they saw him take flight. 
 
 " Why, it's the Capt'n as is shot, arter all ! " exclaimed 
 Jos, gazing at the body. " Is there any life in him ?" 
 
 " Not a particle. Your bullets have done his business, 
 old chap," rejoined Neal, raising the head, and tearing open 
 the shirt of the dead man. te He's shot through the heart. 
 That's why he couldn't call out. Death must have been 
 instantaneous. 1 ' 
 
 "Well, it's a shockin' death. Howsomever, he brought 
 it on hisself," remarked Jos. 
 
 " Let's see what he has got about him," said Neal. " He 
 ought to have a pocket-book. Ay, here it is," he added, 
 taking it from the coat, and opening it. " Here's a lot of 
 bank-notes, Jos. What's the use o' these to a dead man ? 
 He can't spend 'em. Let's see how many there are," he 
 
How the Two Rogues Were Caught in a Trap. 43 
 
 added, hastily counting the notes. " Here's five tens 
 that's fifty for you, old boy. I'll keep the rest myself." 
 
 Jos clutched the notes with a greedy hand, for his 
 cupidity was fairly roused, and crammed them into his 
 breeches-pocket. But he had no sooner done so than his 
 mind misgave him, and he said, "S'pose we was to be 
 found out?" 
 
 " Who's to find tis out ? " rejoined Neal. "He won't tell. 
 Don't be chicken-hearted. He's got a watch, with a thick 
 gold chain. Look what a pretty little watch it is, Jos. It 
 would be a pity to leave it.'' 
 
 " Well, it would be a pity," remarked the ostler. 
 
 " And here's a gold breast-pin, and studs in his shirt, and 
 a signet-ring, and a purse but precious little in it.' ; 
 
 " Them ought to be walerable articles," said the ostler 
 " leastways the watch and chain." 
 
 " We'll share all fairly by-and-by," said Neal. 
 
 " Better share now," rejoined Jos. " Give me the watch 
 and chain." 
 
 " No, I mean to keep the watch and chain for myself," 
 rejoined Neal. " You're welcome to the studs, rings, and 
 breast-pin," he added, handing him the articles in question. 
 " There's the purse into the bargain. Them's diamond 
 studs, old chap. Hold 'em towards the moon, and you'll 
 see how they glitter." 
 
 " I'd liefer have the watch and chain," grumbled Jos. 
 
 "But I can't part with 'em," said Neal, securing the 
 articles. "Now then, let's be off. Don't forget your 
 pistol," he added, picking it up and handing it to him. 
 
 " I said as how it wur a handy weepen," remarked Jos ; 
 " and so Sir Hugh found it. What shall we do with the 
 body ? " 
 
 " Leave it where it is, to be sure," rejoined Neal. "It 
 won't walk after us. We haven't time to bury it, and the 
 Med way's too far off, or we might throw it in." 
 
 " We can't bury him, or throw him in the river, it's true, 
 but we can put him in Kit's Coity House," rejoined Jos. 
 " He may lie there for months without being diskivered." 
 
 " A bright idea. I'll warrant Sir Hugh won't come back 
 to look for his brother," said Neal. " Lend a hand, old 
 chap, and we'll carry him in at once." 
 
44 Old Court. 
 
 "I don't like handlin* of a corpse," objected Jos. "But 
 I mun do it, I reckon." 
 
 So between them they dragged the body into the interior 
 of the cromlech. They were occupied for a few minutes in 
 rearing the dismal object in an angle of the stony pile, so 
 as to screen it from observation, and had just completed 
 'dieir task, when they were alarmed by the sound of 
 voices. 
 
 " Lord help us ! " ejaculated Jos, his knees knocking 
 together from fright. " There's people a-comin' to take us 
 up." 
 
 " Be quick, fool ! " cried Neal ; adding, with a bitter 
 imprecation, " I can't conceive what brings those folks here ; 
 but they can't be looking for us. How can they tell what 
 has happened?" 
 
 " They are a-comin' here, curse 'em ! " cried Jos, as the 
 footsteps drew nearer. 
 
 It now became evident, from the sounds, that the party 
 consisted of several persons ; and it was also clear they 
 had got a lantern with them, as the light could be seen 
 through the outlet of the cromlech. 
 
 Neal now began to share his companion's alarm, and 
 each of them crept into a corner of the sepulchre. By this 
 time the party had come up, and a voice, which both of the 
 terrified rogues recognised as that of Plessets, said, 
 
 " You're quite certain you heard a pistol fired hereabouts, 
 Tom Rollings ? " 
 
 "Sartin, Mr. Plessets," replied another voice. " The 
 sound cum'd from Kit's Coity House, as I towd you. Why, 
 bless us ! here's a hat, Sir a gemman's hat ! " 
 
 " Let me look at it ! " cried Plessets, snatching it from 
 him. " I know it," he added, with a loud exclamation. 
 "It's Captain Chetwynd's hat !" 
 
 " And see ! " exclaimed another person, holding down 
 the lantern. " There's marks of a struggle here ! There's 
 blood upon the ground. Blood, Mr. Plessets ! look at 
 it!" 
 
 " Blood, undoubtedly ! " ejaculated the landlord. " Cap- 
 tain Chetwynd has been murdered.' 1 
 
 A thrill of horror pervaded the assemblage on this 
 discovery. All concurred in opinion that some dark deed 
 
How the Two Rogues were Caught in a Trap. 45 
 
 had been done, though they couldn't declare so positively 
 as the landlord did that Captain Chetwynd was the victim; 
 
 The rogues inside Kit's Coity House heard these remarks 
 with increased alarm, and Jos muttered to himself, " We 
 shall be hanged. I knows we shall." 
 
 "Look here, Sir!" cried Tom Rollings, again holding 
 down the lantern close to the ground. " Look at these 
 marks, Sir. The body has been dragged into Kit's Goity 
 House." 
 
 " Evidently so, Tom. We shall find it there, no doubt/' 
 rejoined the landlord. 
 
 On this, there was a simultaneous rush to the entrance of 
 the cromlech. The first to go in was Tom Rollings* 
 Close behind him came Plessets. The mouth of the sepul- 
 chre was blocked up by the rest of the party, all of whom 
 were rustics. 
 
 As Tom Rollings, who was a great raw-boned young 
 farmer, held up the lantern, a ghastly spectacle was presented 
 to their view. Big Tom .himself absolutely recoiled. 
 
 Reared up in one corner, with the head against the stones, 
 was the body of the slaughtered man, the wound in the 
 breast being discernible through the open shirt which was 
 drenched with blood. It was a fearful sight. 
 
 There also, crouched in opposite corners, and each de- 
 voutly wishing that the earth would open and swallow him 
 up, were the two rogues. No one amid the throng who be- 
 held the miserable wretches at that moment, looking the 
 very pictures of ruthless murderers, entertained the slightest 
 doubt of their criminality not the slightest. 
 
 But when they were seized and searched, and damnatory 
 proofs of their guilt, as it seemed, found upon their persons, 
 of what avail could be denial ? All attempts at explanation 
 were scouted, of course, and only served to increase the 
 rage of the captors, who overwhelmed them with exe- 
 crations. 
 
 " Why, here's the werry weepon as did the bloody deed ! " 
 cried Big Tom, pulling the pistol out of the ostler's pocket, 
 and exhibiting it to the bystanders. " Look at it, mesters, 
 it has just been let off." 
 
 " It's not the first time I've seen that pistol to-night," 
 said Plessets. " I caught the two villains with it in my 
 
46 Old Court. 
 
 harness-room, but I little thought what they were contriv- 
 ing." 
 
 The pocket-book and the notes were next brought to 
 light, and increased the excitement of the lookers-on. 
 
 " Here's what they've sold themselves for to Owd Nick ! " 
 cried Big Tom. 
 
 " Ay, they've got the devil's bargain sure enough, and 
 bartered their precious souls for nothing," said Plessets, 
 examining the notes. "These very bank-notes I myself 
 gave to the poor gentleman they've so foully murdered. I 
 can swear to the numbers. The rogues, you see, have 
 shared their booty between 'em but it's done 'em no 
 good." 
 
 " Hangin's too good for such villains," cried Big Tom. 
 "They ought to be hung in chains afore Kit's Coity 
 House." 
 
 " And so they will be," cried a voice from behind. 
 
 " Ay, I knew we should be hanged," groaned Jos. 
 
 "Soh! villain, you confess your guilt at last?" cried 
 Plessets. 
 
 " No, Sir. I'm as innocent of the poor genTman's blood 
 as the babe unborn. If I'm hanged, an innocent man 
 will suffer, Mr. Plessets. Hear what I've got to say, Sir, 
 afore you condemns me. Captain Chetwynd met his 
 death by accident. There's one as can explain all can't 
 he, Neal?" 
 
 " Ay, to be sure he can," said the other. " I can explain 
 all now, if they'll only let me." 
 
 But being fiercely interrupted by the throng, he concluded 
 by protesting his innocence. 
 
 "Why, you unblushing villain !" cried Plessets, regarding 
 him with abhorence. " Dare you protest your innocence 
 with your hands red with the blood of your victim ? Ah ! 
 you may well hide them ! But water won't cleanse them 
 from the stain. That blood will cry out for Vengeance 
 against you, and Vengeance won't be long delayed. You 
 and your wretched associate will swing on the same gallows, 
 and a precious pair will be disposed of. I shall never 
 forgive myself for harbouring two such abominable mis- 
 creants. 
 
 "We shall be able to establish our innocence at the 
 
How the Two Rogues were Caught hi a Trap. 47 
 
 proper time, Mr. Plessets," said Neal, who had in some de- 
 gree recovered his confidence. 
 
 " You put a bold face on the matter, Neal," said the land- 
 lord ; " but you won't impose on me nor on the judge and 
 jury who will try you. You'll swing for the job, my lad. 
 Pah ! I'm half stifled in this place. It reeks of blood. Let 
 us get out into the fresh air. Bring the villains along. 
 And do you, Tom Rollings, and three other stout chaps, 
 carry the poor captain among you to the Bell." 
 
 These injunctions were obeyed. Quitting the scene of the 
 fearful catastrophe, the party marched down the hill-side, 
 four of them carrying the body, and the rest guarding the 
 prisoners. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 WHAT BECAME OF THE TWO ROGUES. 
 
 |OWN the hill, and then along the high road to- 
 wards Aylesford, went the little troop, Plessets 
 marching first, followed by half a dozen rustics 
 guarding the prisoners, while Big Tom Rollings 
 and three others brought up the rear, carrying the body of 
 the unfortunate Captain Chetwynd, which they had laid 
 upon a hurdle taken from a sheep-pen. 
 
 Hitherto, both prisoners had gone along quietly enough, 
 but Neal meditated escape. An opportunity for making the 
 attempt presently occurred. A footpath across the fields 
 shortened the road to the town, and while a gate was being 
 opened to let the party through, Neal executed his design. 
 By a sudden and vigorous effort he shook himself free from 
 the two men who held him, knocked down Plessets, who at- 
 tempted to catch hold of him, and ran off swiftly along the 
 road. But as his pursuers were shouting lustily, and it was 
 more than likely he might be stopped, after proceeding about 
 a hundred yards he scrambled up a bank, broke through a 
 hedge, and plunged into a hop-garden, where he found a 
 secure shelter, for, though his pursuers searched for hours, 
 watched the hop-garden during the remainder of the night, 
 and renewed their quest as soon as it became light, he could 
 not be found. 
 
 Meanwhile, a very different fate had befallen his com- 
 rade. 
 
 Up to the moment of Neal's successful attempt, the 
 possibility of escape had never entered the ostler's head. 
 Put the confusion caused by that occurrence gave him a 
 
What Became of the Two Rogues. 49 
 
 chance of which he was sharp enough to avail himself, and 
 while the general attention was turned towards Neal, he 
 contrived to get loose, and fled as fast as heels could carry 
 him across the fields in the direction of the river. 
 
 He was heavily built, and by no means swift of foot in an 
 ordinary way, but he now ran for life, and fear supplied him 
 with unwonted activity. However, his recapture seemed 
 certain. Big Tom Rollings and three other stout fellows 
 were after him, having left the dead man to take care of 
 himself. 
 
 Away dashed Jos across the field. How he got through 
 the hedge at the bottom he could not tell, but he did get 
 through it> tumbled down on the other side, but was up be- 
 fore Big Tom and the others could seize him. On again 
 towards the river, between which and the field he was 
 crossing a strip of land alone intervened. 
 
 A second hedge offered no greater impediment than the 
 first. He was through it before even Big Tom, whose long 
 legs cleared the ground in a marvellous manner, could get 
 near him. This time he did not tumble, but ran straight 
 towards the Medway, and those behind him saw him throw 
 off his upper garments, and make a vain attempt to kick off 
 his clumsy hob-nail boots, 
 
 " Dash my limbs ! if he ain't a-goin' to swim for it, 11 cried 
 Big Tom to those with him. " He's pluckier than I thowt 
 him. Look there ! I towd ye so." 
 
 A heavy plunge. 
 
 On coming up, the pursuers could just distinguish a dark 
 head above the surface of the stream. 
 
 "There he be, mates, swimmin' like an otter, but he 
 mustna get off i' this way ! " cried big Tom. " Yonder's a 
 boat just above. I'll get it loose, while two on ye run 
 down t' bridge." 
 
 They were stopped, however, by cries for help from the ' 
 swimmer. He had not got half way across the river when 
 his strength forsook him. His heavy boots and wet 
 garments dragged him down. Finding himself sinking, he 
 turned, and tried to regain the bank he had just quitted. 
 In doing so he sank, but presently reappeared, and while 
 vainly struggling to keep himself above water, yelled out, 
 Help ! for Christ's sake ! help ! ^ 
 
50 - . Old Court. 
 
 Then he again sunk to rise no more. 
 
 Stupefied by what they beheld, with his death-cry ringing 
 in their ears, those on the bank waited for a short time, in 
 the vain expectation of his reappearance. 
 
 " I'm blessed if he ain't cheated the hangman," cried Big 
 Tom, at last. " But we maun fish out the body. Off wi' 
 ye, mates, and shout to the bargemen below bridge to look 
 out. I'll go and loose yon boat. Here be a pratty night's 
 work ! one man shot, and another drownded." 
 
 In less than five minutes afterwards a boat was out with 
 drags, but it was not until daylight that the body of the 
 ostler was recovered, and it was then found in an oozy spot 
 among the reeds, full half a mile below Aylesford. 
 
 By this second catastrophe, and by the escape and dis- 
 appearance of the only surviving witness of the tragical 
 incident at Kit's Coity House, the actual manner in which 
 the unfortunate Captain Chetwynd met his death remained 
 unknown. A frightful murder was supposed to have been 
 perpetrated by two miscreants, one of whom had been 
 drowned while endeavouring to swim across the Medway, 
 and the other had evaded justice. 
 

 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE VOW. 
 
 jjATHER more than a week had elapsed since that 
 terrible night. An inquest had been held at 
 Aylesford, and a verdict of wilful murder recorded 
 against Joshua Tarrant and Neal Evesham, the 
 former of whom had been removed by death, and the latter 
 had hitherto escaped justice. The erring and ill-fated 
 Clarence Chetwynd was laid with his ancestors in the vaults 
 of the little church belonging to Old Court. No suspicion 
 whatever attached to Sir Hugh. His absence from home 
 on the evening in question, and his return late at night, were 
 easily accounted for. He frequently took long solitary 
 rides at night no one knew whither, and did not return till 
 daybreak. There was nothing strange, therefore, in his 
 being out on this particular night. No one had seen him 
 at Aylesford except the two rogues, one of whom was dis- 
 posed of, and the other did not dare to come forward 
 perhaps could not do so. Sir Hugh was not even examined. 
 He let the affair take its course, volunteering no statement, 
 but maintaining a stern silence. How he got through the 
 painful duties imposed upon him by the inquest and the 
 funeral was best known to himself; but his firmness never 
 deserted him. He saw the body laid out at the Bell, but he 
 controlled the profound emotion caused by the fearful 
 spectacle. He saw his brother's remains laid in the family 
 vault beside his father's coffin, and, this last sad office per- 
 formed, retired to his own room to brood upon his grief. 
 Two persons, however, had seen Sir Hugh on the fatal 
 
52 Old Court. 
 
 night, and could have testified against him. These were 
 Amice and the old woman who attended upon her, Margaret 
 Leigh. Sir Hugh looked forward to meeting Amice with 
 dread ; but neither she nor old Margaret appeared at the 
 inquest, and Clarence's relations with Amice being wholly 
 unknown, she was not summoned as a witness. Sir Hugh 
 1 ascertained that she had quitted the cottage with old 
 Margaret, but whither they had gone he could not learn. 
 
 Rather more than a week, as we have said, after the 
 tragical occurrence, the unhappy author of his brother's 
 death was seated in a large room in his ancient family resi- 
 dence, Old Court, in Kent. A magnificent room it was, 
 and perfect as when built in the sixteenth century. Wain- 
 scoted nearly to the top with oak, black as ebony from age, 
 the upper part of the walls were covered with the arms and 
 alliances of the family, moulded, painted, and gilt. The 
 ceiling was enriched with exquisite pendants ; the deep bay- 
 windows, glowing with blazonry, looked out upon a broad 
 terrace, upon a tine old-fashioned garden, and upon an ex- 
 tensive park, abounding in noble timber, and sweeping 
 down in long glades to a lake. Over the enormous carved 
 mantelpiece hung a portrait of Sir Urian Chetwynd, by 
 whom the mansion was erected. The room was furnished 
 with elaborately carved oak chairs, settees covered with 
 Utrecht velvet, and oak tables of various sizes, black as the 
 panels of the walls. The floor was of polished oak, and 
 only partially covered by a rich Turkey carpet. 
 
 A large Indian screen surrounded the table beside which 
 Sir Hugh was seated. His attitude and the expression of his 
 features, so far as it could be discerned through the hand 
 that tightly clasped his brow, showed that his bosom was 
 ravaged by the sharpest pangs of remorse. Even in the 
 short time that had elapsed since the catastrophe in which 
 he had been engaged, a marked change had taken place in 
 his appearance. Always sallow, his hue had become livid ; 
 his looks were haggard, his eyes bloodshot. He remained 
 in the attitude described until aroused by a man-servant, 
 who had noiselessly approached him. He then raised his 
 head, and quite startled the butler, a middle-aged, respect- 
 able man, by the look he fixed upon him. 
 
 " Beg pardon for disturbing you, Sir Hugh," said the 
 
The Vow. ' 53 
 
 butler, respectfully, " but a lady desires to speak with you. 
 I explained to her that you are ill. and had given strict 
 orders that no one should be admitted to your presence. 
 Still, she insists upon seeing you." 
 
 "Insists, Jodrell!" exclaimed Sir Hugh. "Who is 
 she ? " 
 
 " She did not give her name," replied the servant. " But 
 she is young and in great distress. To tell truth, Sir Hugh, 
 her sad looks quite touched my heart, so I couldn't help 
 bringing the message to you. I hope you will see her." 
 
 " It must be Amice it can be no other," muttered Sir 
 Hugh. " The sight of her will kill me. I cannot, will not, 
 see her, Jodrell," he added aloud. 
 
 "She won't leave the house unless you do, Sir Hugh," 
 remonstrated the butler. " Some very painful scene, I fear, 
 may be the consequence of your refusal to grant her an 
 interview." 
 
 " Bring her to me, then." 
 
 And Jodrell, immediately availing himself of the per- 
 mission thus reluctantly conceded, quitted the room. 
 
 " I have done wrong to admit her," cried Sir Hugh, 
 springing to his feet. " Her reproaches will kill me. But 
 what matter ! Come how it may, death will be a relief to 
 my present sufferings." 
 
 Just then the door opened, and the afflicted lady 
 ^ntered. 
 
 It was she Sir Hugh expected she he dreaded to behold* 
 Casting one look at her, he shudderingly averted his gaze. 
 But that hasty glance sufficed to show him how wofully she 
 was altered. Without again venturing to regard her, Sir 
 Hugh motioned her to take the seat which was placed for 
 her by Jodrell. 
 
 It was not until some moments after the butler's de- 
 parture that a word was uttered on either side. At length, 
 the silence becoming insupportable, Sir Hugh by a great 
 effort, broke it. But even while speaking he did not look 
 at her. 
 
 "I have consented to receive you, Amice," he said. 
 " What would you?" 
 
 "Where is your brother?" she rejoined, in a voice which 
 hissed in his ears, and shook his frame. 
 
54 Old Court. 
 
 " You know what has happened," he replied, in hoarse 
 accents, as if the answer was wrung from him by torture. 
 
 "I know that he has been murdered!" she cried. "But by 
 whom ? I do not believe that he was shot by the miscreants 
 who were concealed in the cromlech, though circumstances 
 would seem to substantiate the story. But the truth is 
 known to you. Answer me as you shall answer to Heaven. 
 By whose hand did your brother die ? " 
 
 Sir Hugh looked at her for a moment, and then replied, 
 steadily, 
 
 "He fell by my hand." 
 
 " I knew it ! " she exclaimed. " I was warned of his 
 fate. I will tell you how. On that sad night when he 
 quitted me, never to return, I vainly endeavoured to shake 
 off the terrors that assailed me. As time wore on, my 
 fears increased to such a pitch, that, becoming half frenzied, 
 I was about to rush forth into the darkness of the night, 
 when suddenly I heard the report of a pistol. I heard it 
 distinctly. A fearful vision seemed suddenly presented to 
 me. I beheld Clarence stretched on the ground, and you, 
 his brother his assassin standing over him." 
 
 " Great Heavens ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh, astounded. 
 " But I am not so guilty as you suppose. I have been the 
 unwitting cause of my brother's death, but I am not his 
 assassin. The whole truth was not revealed by the vision 
 which your excited fancy conjured up. Clarence was 
 accidentally slain accidentally, I repeat. I shall never be 
 free from remorse for the deed, but it was my last thought 
 to injure him. I had no weapon with me, but he came 
 armed to the meeting." 
 
 " I know he did. I besought him not to take a pistol 
 with him ! Oh ! that he had listened to my counsel ! " 
 
 " Would he had!" exclaimed Sir Hugh. " How much 
 distress and misery might have been spared you ! how- 
 much wretchedness and remorse might have been spared 
 me. Hear the exact truth, Amice. Yielding to ungovern- 
 able passion, Clarence presented a pistol at my head. 
 Even now I will not suffer myself to believe that he meant 
 to use it. I seized his arm, and in the struggle Heaven, 
 or the powers of darkness alone know how ! the deadly 
 weapon was turned against his own breast and he felL" 
 
The Vow. 55 
 
 " No more ! no more, I entreat you ! " she implored. 
 
 Thinking from her looks that she was about to faint, he 
 rose to assist her. But even in this extremity she shrank 
 from him. 
 
 " Pray do not touch me ! " she cried. " I shall be better 
 presently." After a short pause, she continued : " I 
 believe what you tell me, Sir Hugh, and entirely acquit you 
 of all intention of injuring your brother. I will pray for 
 you I will try to forgive you, and I trust I may succeed 
 but you do not know how much I have to forgive." 
 
 " What mean you ? " he exclaimed, looking at her with 
 amazement. 
 
 " You have robbed me of a husband," she rejoined, with 
 a look of indescribable anguish. u Clarence and I were 
 secretly wedded." 
 
 " Gracious Heaven ! why was I not told of this before ? " 
 he cried. 
 
 " It was not my fault that you were kept in ignorance of 
 the fact, Sir Hugh," she returned. "But you will now 
 comprehend the extent of my affliction of my despair. I 
 loved Clarence better than life. I have lost him. But I 
 shall not long survive the loss I have sustained. There is 
 but one object that can make me cling to life for a 
 while." 
 
 And she paused. 
 
 " I guess," said Sir Hugh, looking at her with profound 
 sympathy. " Poor soul ! you expect to become a 
 mother?" 
 
 " Yes," she replied, faintly. 
 
 " Hear my solemn promise, and doubt not its fulfilment," 
 said Sir Hugh, with impressive earnestness. "The child 
 that shall be born to you shall inherit this house and all 
 my property. This I swear, and I call upon Heaven to 
 register my vow ! Live, therefore, for your child, Amice 
 live to see Old Court occupied by Clarence's offspring long 
 after I have passed away ! " 
 
 "I dare not indulge the dream," she rejoined, sadly. 
 " I cannot delude myself into the belief that I shall 
 recover from the terrible shock I have endured. If my 
 babe be permitted to see the light, I shall have lived long 
 enough." 
 
56 Old Court. 
 
 "I trust you may be spared for many, many years, 
 Amice, but should your fears be realised, your child shall 
 find a father in me. Make this house your home. You 
 shall be absolute mistress here." 
 
 > " No," she rejoined. " I do not think Clarence would 
 
 | have wished me to become an inmate of this house, and his 
 
 wishes are sacred to me. Forgive me if I add, that I 
 
 could not" and she hesitated "after what has happened, 
 
 dwell in the same house with you." 
 
 And the expression of horror, coupled with aversion, 
 which had quitted her face for a time, returned to it. 
 
 " Then I will leave Old Court, and surrender it to you," 
 said Sir Hugh. " I will go abroad. I have nothing left to 
 live for nothing. All my hopes are blighted," he added, 
 with a look of unutterable misery. " With a heart, as I 
 believe, capable of strong and deep affections, I have met 
 with no return. In every instance, my friendship has been 
 misplaced and betrayed. My brother, whom I loved, 
 whom I watched over like a father, whom I preserved from 
 infamy and dishonour, requited me with hate, regarding me 
 as an obstacle in his path ; while she whom I adored with 
 a passionate tenderness, to which words fail to give expres- 
 sion, bestowed her affections on another. And now, as the 
 climax of my woes, my hands are inadvertently stained 
 with my brother's blood. Such accumulated miseries are 
 sufficient to drive a man to despair. I pray that my 
 reason may be preserved to me, for I feel it totter. I shall 
 never find peace except in the grave perhaps not even 
 there." 
 
 Overcome by emotion, he then ceased, and the silence 
 was only broken by his sobs. Amice offered him no 
 consolation. 
 
 " Hear me, Amice,* he said, when he had in some 
 degree recovered his composure. " Life will be henceforth 
 of no value to me, and I shall be rejoiced to lay down the 
 burden. I say this," he continued, with increasing firm- 
 ness, " because I would not have you overrate the offer I 
 am about to make. My best reparation for the injury I 
 have unintentionally done you, and the only reparation 
 likely to relieve my troubled conscience, will be to leave 
 you in possession of this house, where you can remain 
 
The Vow. 57 
 
 wholly undisturbed until you become a mother, v r hen I will 
 secure the property to your child. Fear no further annoy- 
 ance from me. After to-night you shall see me no more. 
 To-morrow I will quit the country, and hide my griefs in 
 some foreign city Rome, most likely." 
 
 "No, Sir Hugh," she cried, "you shall not make this 
 great sacrifice for me. I cannot suffer you to leave this 
 house on my account. Ever since I have received the 
 frightful intelligence of my beloved husband's death, I 
 have been in such a state of distraction that I could form 
 no plans for the future. I instantly quitted the scene of 
 our brief happiness, which had become intolerable to me 
 since my great loss, and sought temporary shelter. I know 
 not yet what I shall do next. All I desire is to hide my- 
 self from the world, which has become hateful to me, but I 
 could not thus withdraw myself without a final interview 
 with you. 1 have now learnt the truth, and am satisfied. 
 I thank you for your offer, but decline it. Farewell for 
 ever ! " 
 
 And she rose to depart. 
 
 " Reflect ! oh ! reflect, Amice, before you depart thus," 
 he cried. " Do not yield to these wild and distracting 
 impulses, which urge you to hide your grief in solitude. 
 You will find more solace for your troubled breast here 
 than elsewhere. You think nothing can afford you con- 
 solation, but time will assuage your grief. Your affliction is 
 not aggravated, as in my case, by remorse. Make the trial. 
 Stay here for a few days. If you eventually decide to 
 remain as I trust you will I will at once depart, and 
 leave you absolute mistress ot the place." 
 
 " I cannot, Sir Hugh I cannot. My resolution is 
 taken." 
 
 She made an effort to leave, but her strength, which had 
 been waning, now utterly forsook her, and she would have 
 fallen if Sir Hugh had not caught her in his arms. 
 
 For a moment he gazed upon her lovely features, now 
 wrapped as if in death, with passionate admiration. Then 
 placing her upon a couch, he rang the bell violently. The 
 summons was almost instantly answered by Jodrell, who 
 manifested great concern on perceiving the unfortunate 
 lady's condition. Sir Hugh sent him instantly for Mrs. 
 
58 ' Old Court. 
 
 Mansfield, the housekeeper, and in a very short space of 
 time a matronly personage appeared, accompanied by two 
 younger female servants. Having learned from Jodrell 
 what had occurred, Mrs. Mansfield came provided with 
 restoratives. These were applied, and, ere long, Amice 
 exhibited signs of returning consciousness, but, when she 
 came to herself, she was evidently too feeble to leave the 
 house. She therefore offered no further remonstrance 
 when Mrs. Mansfield proposed to take her to her own 
 room, and she was accordingly removed thither and care- 
 fully tended. 
 
 After passing a few hours of great anxiety, Sir Hugh sent 
 for Mrs. Mansfield, and inquired about her charge. 
 
 "We have got her to bed, poor lady," replied the 
 housekeeper, " and have made her some chicken broth ; but I 
 could only get her to take a little warm jelly and wine. 
 Poor creature ! " she continued, " her mind seems to wander. 
 She rambles very strangely, and asks where she is, and 
 when I tell her, she wants to get up, and we have some 
 difficulty in keeping her in bed. But she is somewhat 
 quieter now. She will be better if she can get to sleep, I 
 think," pursued the good woman, " for as far as I can make 
 out, she has not slept for the last week/ 7 
 
 Having heard all she had to say, Sir Hugh bade her 
 to return to the lady, and let him know if any improvement 
 took place. 
 
 Later on Mrs. Mansfield reappeared, and informed Sir 
 Hugh that the poor dear creature had fallen into a sweet 
 sleep. 
 
 "She looks like an angel, Sir Hugh," said the house- 
 keeper, " and I only wish you could see her dear beautiful 
 face. I feel sure she will be better in the morning." 
 
 " I hope so," said Sir Hugh, earnestly. "Take care of 
 her, Mansfield take care of her as you would of your own 
 daughter." 
 
 " Lord love you, Sir Hugh, I haven't got a daughter, as 
 you know very well, but I'll take just as much care of her as 
 if I were her mother." 
 
 " That's all I require, Mansfield. Good-night ! " 
 
 And the housekeeper withdrew. 
 
 It was long before Sir Hugh retired to rest, but even 
 
The Voiv. 59 
 
 when he threw himself upon his couch, he could not sleep. 
 Wearied out at last towards morning, he fell into a heavy 
 slumber, from which he was roused by a tap at the door. 
 Finding it was Mrs. Mansfield who knocked, he instantly 
 sprang from his couch, and, wrapping himself in his 
 dressing-gown, went forth to her. The housekeeper's 
 frightened looks showed him that some calamity had 
 happened, and he could scarcely muster courage to enquire 
 what it was. 
 
 " Speak ! " he cried at last. " Don't keep me in suspense. 
 What has happened ? " 
 
 " She is gone/' replied Mrs. Mansfield, bursting into 
 tears. " But don't blame me, Sir Hugh. I couldn't help it. 
 Indeed I couldn't." 
 
 " Gone ! " he exclaimed, " what do you mean, woman ? 
 Is she dead?" 
 
 " No, Sir Hugh, she has left the house. I blame myself 
 for leaving her, but she slept so sweetly that I could not 
 believe there was danger, and thinking I might disturb her, 
 I went to bed in another room. About four o'clock I 
 returned to look after her, and found she was gone. Upon 
 investigation, it appeared that she must have got up quietly, 
 dressed herself, and quitted the house by one of the dining- 
 room windows, without being discovered. Aware of your 
 strict charges respecting her, and feeling how great would be 
 your displeasure at her departure in this manner, I called up 
 Jodrell, and ordered him to wake the other men, and send 
 them out to look for the poor lady, and bring her back, if 
 possible. Alas ! " she cried, with a fresh outburst of tears, 
 " they have all just returned, but she cannot be found she 
 cannot be found. Oh dear ! oh dear ! " 
 
 "Woman, you have killed me!" cried Sir Hugh, in a 
 despairing voice. 
 
 And he rushed back to his room, and closed the door 
 upon her. 
 
 Throughout that day, and for many days and many 
 weeks to come, search was made for the unfortunate lady in 
 every direction, but nothing could be heard of her. 
 
 of tj)* 
 
BOOK I. 
 
 LUCETTA AND HER LOVERS, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 IN WHICH LUCETTA RECEIVES TWO OFFERS. 
 
 jjT was the winter season at Brighton, and a very gay 
 season it was. The place was as full as it well could 
 be ; the weather all that could be desired by those 
 who rode with the Brookside harriers, or followed 
 the Southdown fox-hounds, by those who drove upon the 
 cliffs, sauntered on the esplanades, or wandered on the 
 beach. There were morning concerts and evening concerts ; 
 military bands and German bands rather too many indeed, 
 of the latter ; private balls every night ; public balls at the 
 Paviiion, where, whatever may be alleged to the contrary by 
 the decriers of the First Gentleman in Europe, an unequalled 
 suite of apartments is to be found ; and, above all, there 
 were lots of dinners and such dinners as could not be 
 surpassed at the best tables in town during June and 
 
 July. 
 
 But the dinners that exceeded all others in taste and 
 splendour dinners rivalling, if not exceeding, the rarest 
 banquets given at St. Petersburg or Moscow were those 
 given by Mr. Courcy Dormer, an American gentleman 
 reputed a Croesus who had lately come over from Russia, 
 and fixed himself in a large house or rather two houses. 
 
In which Liicetta Receives Two Offers. 61 
 
 which he had thrown into one in the best terrace in Kemp 
 Town. Not only were Mr. Dormer's dinners the most 
 recherche imaginable, but they were followed by concerts, at 
 which the best singers and musicians took part, under the 
 direction of the experienced Herr Kuhe. No wonder these 
 sumptuous entertainments became the universal theme of 
 conversation, and that every effort was made to be present 
 at them. 
 
 One night a ball was given by Mrs. Courcy Dormer. All 
 the suite of apartments, which were furnished with the most 
 exquisite taste, were thrown open, and illuminated by a 
 thousand tapers. Lively strains of music, proceeding from 
 a conservatory where the band was placed, resounded through 
 the inner rooms, in which dancing went on. 
 
 In the drawing-room the amiable hostess received her 
 guests, and so numerous were they on this occasion that the 
 doors of the dancing-rooms were environed, and it was a 
 difficult matter to obtain an entrance. 
 
 Amidst the throng at this doorway stood the affable Mr. 
 Courcy Dormer, welcoming all his friends with a smile, and 
 ready to %d partners for such as desired to join the waltz. 
 There were many lovely girls engaged in the dance, but 
 there was one who eclipsed all the rest. So singularly 
 graceful was she, that it was a positive pleasure to watch her 
 movements. Her figure was perfectly symmetrical, and its 
 exquisite proportions were now admirably displayed in the 
 mazy dance. She was tall and slight, with the tiniest and 
 prettiest feet imaginable. 
 
 We have not said a word as yet about her features, but 
 they corresponded with her figure, and were of the highest 
 order of beauty a lovely oval face, lighted up by black eyes 
 of Oriental size and splendour, exquisitely pencilled brows 
 and luxuriant black tresses, taken back from a forehead 
 smooth and white as Parian marble. Her features were of 
 a pure classical mould, with a beautiful mouth and proudly- 
 cut chin ; and when her rosy lips were parted by a smile 
 and what an enchanting smile it was two rows of pearls 
 might be discovered. 
 
 This charming creature was in the spring-tide of her 
 beauty, for she could not be more than eighteen, even if she 
 had attained that age. Such was the witchery she exercised, 
 
6 2 
 
 that every young man who was presented to her fancied 
 himself in love ; and many of them really were so. 
 
 About six weeks before her appearance at Mrs. Courcy 
 Dormer's ball, the lovely Lucetta Chetwynd had come to 
 Brighton with her aunt, Lady Danvers, and had at once 
 created a sensation. Nothing had previously been heard of 
 her beauty, for she had not yet been brought out in town, 
 but fame soon trumpeted forth her attractions with its 
 hundred tongues ; and if it could not exaggerate her beauty, 
 it magnified her wealth. 
 
 Lucetta was an only child, heiress of Old Court, and of 
 the large domains attached to it ; but even this did not 
 suffice, for her father, Sir Hugh, was reported to have saved 
 an immense deal of money. To be a great heiress in these 
 mercenary days is the greatest recommendation, and a very 
 plain girl with a quarter of a million is accounted a beauty ; 
 but be this true or not, a vast number of disinterested young 
 men emphatically declared that Lucetta needed no fortune 
 to recommend her. However, as she happened to^have a 
 fortune, so much the better. 
 
 Lucetta was a daring and dashing horsewoman, constantly 
 rode with the hounds, and more than once had got the 
 brush. To see her on her favourite horse Mazeppa, was, 
 perhaps, to see her at her best, for her faultless figure was 
 fully displayed by her riding-habit, and her features never 
 looked so animated as when she was going along at a 
 rattling pace, with the music of a good pack in her ears ; 
 but see her wherever you might, whether careering over the 
 breezy downs, gathering fresh roses from the healthful and 
 delicious air whether crossing the valley of the Ouse, and 
 jumping hedge, gate, or dyke whether in the crowded 
 esplanades, or enchanting a listening circle with a voice as 
 delicious as that of Carlotta, or weaving magic chains 
 around those with whom she danced under each and every 
 aspect she was bewitching and irresistible. 
 
 Lucetta's most ardent admirer, and the first on her list 
 if she kept one was Rainald Fanshaw, an officer in the 
 Hussars, then quartered at the Preston Barracks. 
 Captain Fanshaw was the handsomest man in the regiment 
 and the regiment boasted three or four very handsome 
 men- "^le was above six feet in height, with a splendid 
 
In which Lncetla Receives Two Offers. 6*, 
 
 figure, adorable drooping whiskers, a well-formed nose, and 
 tine expressive eyes, of which it was supposed he could 
 make good use. He liked his profession, and had seen 
 some service, having been in the Crimea. His manners 
 were refined and captivating, if he pleased, but he was apt 
 to be supercilious. In fact, he had been made so much of 
 by manoeuvring mammas and designing daughters, that 
 there is no wonder he should be a little spoiled. Rainald 
 Fanshaw was, indeed, a very eligible parti by birth and 
 fortune a match for any lady an only son his mother an 
 earl's daughter his father a baronet. He was well enough 
 off now, and had great expectations. 
 
 It was while following the Brookside harriers that Rainald 
 first made Lucetta's acquaintance. He had heard her 
 praises sung so loudly by some of his brother- officers at the 
 mess dinner on the night before, that he went out with a 
 certain curiosity to behold the wonder, but prepared to be 
 disappointed, for no girl had yet come up to the ideal 
 raised by his fastidious taste. He was completely taken by 
 surprise when he was presented to Lucetta at Telscombe 
 Tye, where the harriers met, and was ravished by her 
 beauty. Throughout the morning he kept as much as 
 possible by her side, and was so charmed by her per- 
 formance, as well as by her wit and vivacity, that before the 
 day was over, he, Rainald the unconquerable, was hope- 
 lessly lost. 
 
 Since then he had paid her great attention had 
 constantly joined her in her rides upon the cliffs or on the 
 downs, and called at Lady Danvers' house in Adelaide 
 Crescent making it quite clear to his brother-officers that 
 he was seriously hit. 
 
 But Rainald was not the only captive enchained in 
 Lucetta's fetters. The Hon. Gerard Hunsclon, Lord 
 Dulverton's second son, a very smart little fellow, vain, 
 somewhat of a coxcomb, was desperately smitten ; as was 
 also Mr. March Ripley, eldest son of the rich banker of 
 that name, and a partner in his father's house. Besides 
 these, there were many other aspirants, but they are scarcely 
 worth notice. Young Ripley, who not unnaturally had a 
 notion of the paramount importance of wealth, and whose 
 father was a millionaire, entertained not the slightest doubt 
 
Old Court. 
 
 that he should be accepted by Lucetta, and settle matters 
 with Sir Hugh, so soon as he could obtain his own consent. 
 But though very much in love, he was excessively cautious, 
 and, though often on the point of doing so, could never 
 bring himself to utter the decisive words. As to Gerard 
 Hunsdon, he had certainly not the recommendation of 
 wealth, but he relied upon his good social position, his old 
 and ennobled family, and his aristocratic connections. 
 Moreover, he had a tolerably good opinion of his personal 
 appearance. He had a Spanish cast of countenance, an 
 olive complexion, eyes large and black, languid or fierce, 
 according to the expression he chose to give them, 
 moustaches black and sharply twisted, and locks of a blue- 
 black shade, like the raven's wing. Though small of 
 stature, he was well formed, and remarkable for the 
 aristocratic smallness of his feet and hands. He valsed 
 admirably, and on this account, if on no other, Lucetta 
 liked to dance with him. 
 
 No greater contrast could be found between this smart 
 little scion of nobility, with his Spanish physiognomy, than 
 March Ripley, whose somewhat burly frame, regular 
 features carefully deprived of beard and whisker, fresh 
 complexion, clear grey eyes, and light-brown, curling locks, 
 were of the true Saxon type. If not distinguished-looking, 
 March Ripley was well bred, and handsome enough to pass 
 muster, even if he had not been son to a millionaire. 
 Having an unmistakable tendency to stoutness, he tried all 
 plans, except those of Mr. Banting, to keep himself down, 
 rose early, walked, rode, and drove, but without much effect 
 on his too, too solid flesh. He kept lots of horses, both 
 for saddle and harness, and drove all kinds of drags, and 
 his mail-phaeton was the sight of the cliffs. He had tried 
 to prevail upon Lucetta to take a seat beside him, but 
 could not succeed. Up to a certain time Gerard Hunsdon 
 and March Ripley had gone on quietly enough, but when 
 Rainald Fanshaw came on the scene, their tranquillity was 
 mightily disturbed. The young banker began seriously to 
 debate the necessity of making up his mind, while little 
 Hunsdon began to fear that the prize might be snatched 
 from him, unless he secured it without delay. Not that 
 Cither of them bad the slightest right to assume that 
 
In which Lucetta Receives Two Offers, 65 
 
 Lucetta cared for him in particular. She chatted good- 
 humouredly to both, but showed no preference for either, 
 and if they had not been blinded by "self-love, they must 
 have discovered that she was perfectly indifferent to them. 
 However, in spite of their obtuseness, they were quite quick 
 enough to detect a dangerous rival in Rainald Fanshaw. It 
 soon became evident that the blind god had winged his 
 keenest shaft up to the feather in the gallant captain's heart, 
 and if he had aimed another at Lucetta's breast they could 
 not be quite sure that it had glanced harmlessly aside. 
 Both, therefore, determined to bring the matter to an issue 
 at Mrs. Courcy Dormer's ball, without either being in the 
 slightest degree aware that Captain Fanshaw had come to a 
 similar determination. 
 
 The important evening arrived, an evening to which many 
 others besides the three suitors had looked forward with 
 pleasurable anticipation, and utterly unconscious of what 
 fate had in store for her, Lucetta went to the ball with her 
 aunt, Lady Danvers. 
 
 Never had she looked better than on this eventful 
 occasion. Her toilette was exquisite, as it could not fail to 
 be, since Madame Mercier had exerted her utmost skill to 
 produce it. Her entrance was heralded by an irrepressible 
 burst of admiration. Scarcely had she appeared, than the 
 Honourable Gerard Hunsdon, who was lingering in the 
 drawing-room with Mrs. Dormer, came up and engaged her 
 for a valse. Just as the little preux chevalier was marching 
 off with her in triumph they encountered the robust young 
 banker, who looked disappointed, but was consoled by the 
 promise that she would go through the next dance with 
 him. 
 
 The young banker gave place to another claimant 
 Rainald Fanshaw, whose handsome features looked a little 
 disturbed. 
 
 " I thought you promised me this valse, Miss Chetwynd," 
 he said, in a slightly reproachful tone. 
 
 " Did I? " she cried ; " I really forget." 
 
 And she glanced at her partner as if expecting him to 
 retire. But Gerard had no such intention. 
 
 " I certainly cannot think of surrendering you, Miss 
 Chetwynd," he remarked. 
 
66 Old Court. 
 
 "Well, then, it must be the next valse, Captain Fan- 
 shaw," she remarked to him. " Please forgive my 
 stupidity." 
 
 And the look she gave him reconciled him to the delay. 
 
 Gerard Hunsdon, who had been a little put out by the 
 interruption, and who wanted to be free from his rival, 
 hurried his partner into the dancing-room, and in another 
 minute they were engaged in the valse. 
 
 The young banker followed them, but Rainald stepped 
 into the card-room, where some old fogies were engaged 
 with a rubber. Lady Danvers remained in the room into 
 which the guests were first shown, and took a seat on a 
 sofa. 
 
 Her ladyship must have been beautiful in her younger 
 days, for there were traces of beauty about her still, though 
 she was past fifty ; but she looked delicate, and her figure 
 was attenuated, apparently by recently illness. Indeed, she 
 had all the appearance of an invalid. She was attired in 
 black velvet, and wore exquisite point lace and magnificent 
 diamonds. Her ladyship was the widow of General Sir 
 Warwick Danvers, K.C.B., an Indian officer of distinction, 
 and her usual place of abode was Cheltenham, but this 
 winter she had come to Brighton, as she declared, for the 
 sake of her niece. 
 
 Having received almost all her guests, the amiable Mrs. 
 Courcy Dormer sat down by Lady Danvers and began to 
 express her unbounded admiration of her niece. 
 
 " Lucetta is a very charming girl, I must own, and I do 
 feel proud of her," said Lady Danvers. " Having no chil- 
 dren of my own, as you are aware, my dear Mrs. Dormer, I 
 look upon her as a daughter, and, indeed, I should like to 
 have her with me altogether, were it possible." 
 
 "Sir Hugh Chetwynd would scarcely consent to such an 
 arrangement, I should imagine," remarked Mrs. Dormer, i 
 with a smile. 
 
 "No, I don't expect it," replied Lady Danvers, sighing : 
 slightly. " But I fancy Lucetta would be happier with me." 
 
 " Happier with your ladyship than with her father ! " ex- 
 claimed Mrs. Dormer, surprised. 
 
 " Simply for this reason. Old Court, though a very fine 
 old house, is extremely dull. Sir Hugh keeps very little 
 
In which Luceita Receives Two Offers. 67 
 
 company, and the little he does keep is not of a kind to 
 please a young girl just coming out into the world, like 
 Lucetta. You see how fond she is of society, and how well 
 fitted I think I may be excused for saying so she is to 
 shine in it. Imagine, then, what a dreary, monotonous 
 existence it must be for a lively girl to be shut up in a 
 solitary country-house, with nothing whatever to amuse her. 
 Not that she complains. On the contrary, she declares that 
 she delights in the place, and finds constant occupation at 
 it, so that her time never hangs heavily. I fancy she is fond 
 of her garden, and an odd old-fashioned garden it is, not a 
 bit to my taste ; I would modernise it altogether if it were 
 mine but Loo declares she dotes upon the quaint alleys 
 and parterres. Then she takes long rides, and sometimes 
 goes out with the hounds during the hunting season. More- 
 over, she visits the sick and the poor, for she is quite a 
 young Lady Bountiful, and what with music, and books, and 
 other employments, she- says she is never dull." 
 
 "And 1 am inclined to believe her," remarked Mrs. Dormer. 
 
 " She is willing to make the best of it, that's all I can say. 
 Whenever I pass a week in the gloomy old house, with its 
 great sombre apartments, its long dark corridors, and its 
 bed-rooms that look as if they were haunted, I get a fit of 
 the horrors, and am ready to die of ennui. I go there as 
 rarely as possible, having no taste for such gloomy places. 
 They are all very well in novels, but in reality they are in- 
 tolerable. No, give me a house in Kensington Gardens, or 
 at Cheltenham, or Brighton, or Paris ; but, in an inaccessible 
 part of Kent, one might as well be out of the world." 
 
 " It is rather fortunate for your charming niece that she 
 does not share your ladyship's opinions," observed Mrs. 
 Dormer. " I think I could contrive to pass a week in a 
 country-house such as you describe, and should not be afraid 
 even of the haunted rooms." 
 
 "Don't make the experiment, my dear Mrs. Dormer. 
 You'll repent it," said Lady Danvers, almost with a shudder. 
 " You won't find it as agreeable as this enchanting house, or 
 as your other house at St. Petersburg. I sometimes re- 
 gret my palatial abode at Calcutta, for Indian life, in its 
 way, is enchanting." 
 
 "I should think so. Never having seen Old Court, I 
 
68 Old Court. 
 
 can't offer an opinion about the place ; but, however dull 
 and disagreeable it may be, I don't fancy your charming 
 niece will occupy it long. But here she comes. And to 
 judge from her expressive looks, she has something to 
 communicate to your ladyship." 
 
 With this she arose, and, smiling at Lucetta, as she ap- ' 
 proached with Gerard Hunsdon, pointed with her fan to the 
 seat she had just vacated. 
 
 Lucetta then withdrew her arm from that of her partner, 
 and sat down beside her aunt, while Gerard with a formal 
 bow, retired, looking, however, somewhat discomposed. 
 
 "What do you think, aunt?" said Lucetta, in a low 
 voice, and casting down her eyes as she spoke. " He has 
 proposed.'* 
 
 " I'm not surprised in the least, my dear. I expected it," 
 replied Lady Danvers, in a listless tone. " I could read 
 the offer in his countenance. And you have rejected him, 
 of course ? " 
 
 " Of course I have, aunt," she replied, raising her lovely 
 eyes. " But I felt rather sorry for him." 
 
 " Oh, you needn't waste your pity upon him, my love. 
 He'll recover from the blow, I'll engage. As this is your 
 first offer, the sensation is new, and no doubt makes your 
 heart flutter a little, but you'll get used to it in time. The 
 novelty was quite worn off when General Danvers proposed 
 to me. But here comes another aspirant," she added, as 
 Mr. March Ripley approached. " Recollect that he is the 
 son of a millionnaire, and treat him accordingly." 
 
 The young banker bowed to Lady Danvers, who received 
 him very graciously. 
 
 " Don't fatigue yourself, Lucetta," said her ladyship, as 
 her niece took Mr. Ripley 's arm. 
 
 "Oh, I am never tired with dancing, aunt," returned 
 Lucetta. " And I don't see how one can be tired by a 
 quadrille." 
 
 "Not if you have an agreeable partner," rejoined her 
 aunt, again smiling very encouragingly at young Ripley, who 
 persuaded himself that if he wanted one, he should have a 
 powerful advocate in Lady Danvers. 
 
 "A very fine young man," .thought her ladyship, contem- 
 plating the young banker's broad shoulders as he departed 
 
fn which Lucetta Receives Two Offers. 69 
 
 With her niece, " and I shouldn't be sorry to have him for a 
 nephew. Oh, my dear Mrs. Dormer," she added, as that 
 lady resumed her seat, "you were quite right. I must let 
 you into the secret. Lucetta has just had her first offer. 
 But it won't do," she added, tapping her small hand with 
 her fan " it won't do." 
 
 " I can easily understand that. But I don't think it will 
 be the only offer she will receive to-night. But now, my 
 dear Lady Danvers, will you let me ask you a question ? 
 rather a delicate question but you know I feel a real in- 
 terest in your niece. What sort of person is her father, Sir 
 Hugh Chetwynd ? " 
 
 " I am glad you have asked me the question, since my 
 answer will explain exactly how Lucetta is situated. Sir 
 Hugh is a very singular person indeed almost mysterious, 
 if such a description did not sound romantic and absurd. 
 He is not precisely a misanthrope, but he shuns society as 
 much as possible never visits rarely stirs abroad but 
 lives like a recluse in his old family mansion. He may take 
 a solitary ride in the country, but I do not think anything 
 would induce him to go to town, or to come here to 
 Brighton. I have often tried to induce hini to visit me at 
 Cheltenham, but never could prevail. He is so odd in his 
 manner, so morose I was going to say savage that I al- 
 ways feel uneasy in his company." 
 
 u But I hope he is kind to his daughter ? " inquired Mrs. 
 Dormer, anxiously. 
 
 " Oh yes, he is devotedly fond of her," replied Lady Dan- 
 vers, " and Lucetta quite understands him. Though Sir 
 Hugh's cold and austere manner repels me, I have the 
 profoundest respect for him. He has many noble qualities, 
 and does a great deal of good. But he doesn't seem to 
 belong to the age. He should have lived three centuries 
 ago, for his dark, grave countenance and figure seem to be- 
 long to the Tudors, and there is a portrait of one of his 
 ancestors who flourished in the time of Bloody Mary, and 
 assisted at some of the Smithfield burnings, which exactly 
 resembles him. I am rather afraid he may become a pervert 
 to the Romish faith himself, for he manifests tendencies that 
 way, and might go over altogether n Lucetta did not operate 
 as a wholesome check." 
 
70 Old Court. 
 
 "Has he been long a widower?" asked Mrs. Dormef. 
 
 " Many, many years," replied Lady Danvers. " My poor 
 sister Sophy died within twelve months after the birth of her 
 daughter. As I have told you thus much of our family history, 
 dear Mrs. Danvers, I may as well tell more of it. Sophia 
 Bellasis, my sister, was ten years younger than myself, and 
 very pretty and attractive ; but pretty and attractive as she 
 was, I don't think Sir Hugh was at all in love with her. He did 
 not even pretend to be so. The marriage came about in 
 this way. Sir Hugh had been greatly afflicted by the 
 tragical fate of his brother, Captain Chetwynd, who was shot 
 by robbers near Aylesford, in Kent, and became exceedingly 
 melancholy, leading much such a lonely life as he does now, 
 when, in order to find some distraction, he went to winter at 
 Rome, and there we met him. He frequently accompanied 
 us in our visits to the churches, palaces, and ruins of the 
 Eternal City, and, as he is extremely well informed, he 
 interested us by his conversation. After being with us al- 
 most daily for a month, he suddenly disappeared, and we 
 thought he had gone without taking leave, and poor Sophy 
 then found out how much she was attached to him. Most 
 unexpectedly he returned from Castellamare. He must 
 easily have divined Sophy's secret, for her joy on beholding 
 him again was too evident to be mistaken. But he was not 
 the man to trifle with any woman's feelings ; and finding 
 how matters stood, he had a long explanation with her, in 
 the course of which he told her that his heart was buried 
 with another, but his hand was hers, if she chose to take 
 it." 
 
 " A singular declaration, indeed ! " exclaimed Mrs. 
 Dormer. 
 
 "Poor Sophy was silly and sentimental enough to accept 
 the offer. All the love was on her side. Shortly afterwards 
 we returned to England, and they were married. Of course 
 they resided at Old Court, and Sophy was charmed with the 
 house, with the old gardens, the park, and everything about 
 it. But she was not destined to enjoy the place long. 
 Lucetta was born, and then Sir Hugh's icy heart was melted, 
 for he began to manifest some tenderness towards his wife. 
 But it was too late. Consumption had declared itself, and 
 she had only a brief taste of the happiness that might have 
 
In which Littetta Receives Two Offers. 71 
 
 been hers if she had been longer spared. However, she 
 was happy for a time, and her last illness was cheered by 
 the unremitting attentions of her husband." 
 
 Here Lady Danvers paused, evidently affected by the 
 recollections that pressed upon her. Presently she re- 
 sumed : 
 
 "After this loss, Sir Hugh became liable to the same 
 melancholy fits as before, but they now seized him with 
 greater frequency and intensity. His only solace seemed 
 to be his child, and if he had not possessed this little 
 treasure, I am persuaded he would have died long ago. 
 All his thoughts were wrapped up in her, and during her 
 tender years he could not bear her out of his sight. She 
 was never allowed to quit Old Court until she was fourteen, 
 and then I and some friends to whom he would listen had 
 much ado to induce him to relax his strictness." 
 
 " My dear Lady Danvers, you describe a most interesting 
 person/' said Mrs. Dormer. " I hope I may some day see 
 Sir Hugh. Whatever plan he has adopted with his daughter, 
 the result has been eminently successful. But here she 
 comes again," she added, as Lucetta entered the room with 
 the young banker. " If I am any judge, Mr. Ripley has 
 met with the same fate as Gerard Hunsdon." 
 
 "You are right, my dear Mrs. Dormer," said Lady 
 Danvers, noticing the young banker's blank look of dis- 
 appointment. 
 
 " Is there no hope for me, Miss Chetwynd ? " said March, 
 in a low voice, just before relinquishing Lucetta. 
 
 "None whatever, Mr. Ripley," she rejoined, in a freezing 
 tone. 
 
 Not being sufficiently master of himself to hide his con- 
 fusion, the young banker became very red in the face, 
 stammered out a few words to Lady Danvers, and retreated. 
 
 " I see what has happened, Lucetta," said Lady Danvers, 
 as her niece sat down beside her ; " but really, my dear 
 child, you are very unfeeling to laugh at the poor man." 
 
 "I really cannot help laughing, aunt," she rejoined; 
 " Mr. Ripley looked so very absurd when he addressed me 
 on what he called * a serious and momentous question/ 1 
 wish you could have seen him, aunt. You would have 
 laughed too." 
 
7$ Old Court. 
 
 " I should have done nothing of the sort, you silly child. 
 Mr. Ripley is immensely rich, and you treat him as if he 
 was as poor as Mr. Hunsdon." 
 
 " I don't care for his riches, aunt. Till this morning, he 
 and Mr. Hunsdon were objects of indifference to me, but 
 now that they have ventured to propose, I hate them both." 
 
 "You are a very extraordinary girl, Loo, and so bent 
 upon having your own way, that I shall cease to advise you. 
 I think you had better not dance any more this evening." 
 
 " Not dance, aunt ! I am engaged to Captain Fanshaw 
 for the next valse, and here he comes to claim me." 
 
 And as Rainald approached, she arose quickly, took his 
 arm, and they disappeared. 
 
 "Unless I am very much mistaken, my dear Lady 
 Danvers," said Mrs. Dormer, once more taking her seat on 
 the sofa, " your charming niece will have a third offer, and 
 I would almost venture to predict the result." 
 
 " It would be useless to predict anything about such a 
 madcap," rejoined Lady Danvers. "I am quite angry with 
 her for rejecting that very agreeable Mr. Ripley." 
 
 " But Captain Fanshaw is far handsomer than Mr. Ripley, 
 and far more agreeable," said Mrs. Dormer. 
 
 " But not half so rich," sighed Lady Danvers. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 A THIRD OFFER. 
 
 j]HE valse was over. 
 
 But Lucetta, instead of returning to her clia- 
 
 perone, as she had previously done, sat down 
 
 with her partner in the card-room. 
 They were not unobserved. Both Hunsdon and March 
 Ripley watched them from a distance with jealous eyes. 
 Though Rainald spoke in a very low voice, and though he 
 did not even look at the fair creature he addressed, there 
 could be no doubt, from the effect of his words upon her, 
 that he was declaring his passion, and in very fervid terms. 
 Lucetta looked down, her colour heightened, and she 
 agitated her fan quickly, as if oppressed by the heat of the 
 room. All at once Rainald paused, and cast an ardent look 
 at her, as if imploring a reply. She did not respond to the 
 appeal, but continued to agitate her fan, and Rainald's 
 manner became more impassioned. The green-eyed monster 
 tore the breasts of the two wretched spectators of the scene. 
 But, as we are unconcerned, we will go nearer, and hear 
 what Rainald has to say. 
 
 " How am I to interpret your silence, Miss Chetwynd ? " 
 he cried. "Favourably, I trust. I have told you how 
 ardently I love you, and have essayed to convince you that 
 my life's happiness depends upon your decision. I know 
 that I am unworthy of your love, for you appear to me as a 
 superior being, but I hope to win it by my devotion. I 
 offer you the hand of an honourable man, and a heart which 
 
74 Old Court. 
 
 will never cease to beat for you. May I hope to call you 
 mine?" 
 
 Lucetta could not help being moved by his fervour. She 
 raised her lovely eyes towards him, and her bosom palpitated 
 as she spoke. Her words vibrated to his heart's core. 
 
 " Do not ask me for an answer now, Captain Fanshaw, I 
 beg of you," she said. " I must have a little time for con- 
 sideration. I must consult my aunt before venturing to 
 decide." 
 
 "But give me a hope, Lucetta," he cried. "Pardon me 
 if I venture to call you by that name. Say that I am not 
 quite indifferent to you." 
 
 " I should not have listened to you so long if you had 
 been indifferent to me, Captain Fanshaw," she replied. " I 
 am a frank girl, and would have told you in a moment if I 
 did not like you. I do like you like you better than any- 
 one else. There ! that must content you. If you were to 
 plead for an hour, and more earnestly than you have done, 
 I could give no other answer. I will make no promises. I 
 cannot accept you." 
 
 " But why not, since you have owned that you do 'like* 
 me, for I suppose you will not use a stronger word ? Why 
 not accept me ? Must I renew all my protestations ? " 
 
 " No," she replied. " I am fully satisfied of your 
 sincerity. I am sure you do love me, and I believe we 
 might be happy together. But before indulging any thought 
 on the subject I must ascertain papa's wishes." 
 
 "If that is the only obstacle, dear Lucetta don't be 
 angry with me for calling you dear I think it will be easily 
 overcome. Now that I am secure of you, I feel easy as to 
 the rest, for I am satisfied Sir Hugh Chetwynd cannot object 
 to unite his daughter to the representative of a family as 
 old and as wealthy as his own." 
 
 " Papa is a very singular personage, and I cannot possibly 
 answer for him," said Lucetta. 
 
 "But he is not likely to interfere with your happiness, 
 and when he learns that your affections are engaged, he will 
 never object. Such is my impatience a not unnatural im- 
 patience, Lucetta that I can brook no delay. Only 
 authorise me, and I will go to Old Court to-morrow, and 
 make the proposal in due form. May I, Lucetta ? " 
 
A Third Offer, 75 
 
 " I don't know what to say," she replied, with some 
 hesitation. " As I have just explained, papa is very odd, 
 and I cannot tell how he may receive you." 
 
 " I must take my chance of that," said Captain Fanshaw, 
 smiling. " I have no fear of this terrible papa. Mine is 
 not a faint heart, fair lady." 
 
 "Do not let us stay here any longer," said Lucetta. 
 " We are attracting attention, and many eyes are upon us. 
 Take me to my aunt." 
 
 They both then arose, and Rainald, glancing exultingly 
 at his discomfited rivals as he passed them, and wearing a 
 triumph in his countenance, conducted her to the next 
 room. 
 
 Sitting down by her aunt, Lucetta told her in a low tone 
 what had occurred, and Rainald, who had remained stand- 
 ing near them, bent down his lofty head, and added a few 
 words by way of confirmation. 
 
 " I have your consent, I trust, dear Lady Danvers ? " he 
 said. 
 
 "Yes, you have mine, Captain Fanshaw," she replied, 
 " since I find that Lucetta likes you. But my consent is 
 nothing. You must have that of her father, Sir Hugh 
 Chetwynd." 
 
 " I hope to obtain it to-morrow," he rejoined. " I may 
 calculate on your influence." 
 
 "My influence is nothing," said Lady Danvers. "But 
 be sure if I had any I would use it in your behalf." 
 
 Her ladyship wandered a little from the truth here, for 
 her influence would have been exerted for March Ripley, 
 if had been used at all. However, she sided with the 
 winner. 
 
 Lady Danvers and her niece did not remain much longer 
 at the ball. The secret quickly transpired, and furnished 
 the general topic of discourse, Captain Fanshaw being 
 looked upon as the most fortunate of men. 
 
 As Lucetta took leave of Mrs. Dormer, that amiable lady 
 gave her a significant smile, the meaning of which it was 
 easy to interpret ; but Mr. Courcy Dormer spoke out 
 plainly enough, and, while assisting her to her shawl, 
 offered her his congratulations. Captain Fanshaw attended 
 the two ladies to their carnage, and, bidding Lucetta adieu. 
 
76 Old Court. 
 
 told her that she would not see him again till he had 
 obtained Sir Hugh's consent. 
 
 " You mustn't be too sanguine," she murmured. " I will 
 write to papa, but I do not know what effect my letter 
 will produce." 
 
 " It can only produce one effect," replied Rainald. 
 " Had he the flinty heart which parents are supposed to 
 possess, it must melt it." 
 
 " I will write to him too," said Lady Danvers j " though 
 I fear my letter will do little good." 
 
 " Thus reinforced, success is certain," cried Rainald. 
 "Adieu!" 
 
 Re-entering the house, Captain Fanshaw repaired to the 
 card-room, where he found Mr. Courcy Dormer and a knot 
 of young fellows talking and laughing together, and he at 
 once understood, from their looks when he appeared, that 
 he had been the subject of their discourse. He had to 
 stand a little raillery from his host, who insisted upon 
 taking a glass of champagne with him, and would fain have 
 prevailed on him to remain for the supper ; but the party 
 had no longer any attraction for Rainald, and, as soon as 
 he could escape, he took refuge in his brougham, and drove 
 to the barracks. 
 
 But though robbed of its brightest orname:^-. he ball 
 continued with unabated spirit, and was kept up ^o a late 
 hour. The supper was wonderful, abounding in delicacies 
 such as only could be found in that hospitable house. 
 Everything was so remarkably good, that Cornet Colwich 
 observed to one of his brother- officers as they washed 
 down some slices of Montanches ham with a bumper of 
 superlative cabinet Johannisberg, "What a fool Fanshaw 
 must be to go away so soon. I wouldn't give up such a 
 supper as this for the prettiest girl in Christendom." 
 
CHAPTER lit 
 
 OSBERT LEIGH. 
 
 |NE day, while his charming daughter was in 
 Brighton, creating the sensation we have de- 
 scribed, Sir Hugh Chetwynd, who very rarely 
 went beyond, his own domains, rode out to call 
 on his old friend Norton Mainwaring, who lived at a pretty 
 little village named Ridgmount, about six miles from Old 
 Court. Sir Hugh was wholly unattended, for he could not 
 bear to be followed by a groom, and, preferring solitude, he 
 left the high road, and pursued a secluded lane which led 
 to Ridgmount, though rather in a roundabout way. A 
 great change had taken place in the baronet's personal 
 appearance. Twenty years had done the work of forty 
 with him, and he now looked an old man. His cheeks 
 were sunken, the hue of his skin was pallid, his brow 
 deeply furrowed by wrinkles, while crows' feet had gathered 
 thickly round the corners of his eyes, which, however, had 
 lost little of their lustre. His wasted features still retained 
 their striking outline, and his figure was unbent. Being so 
 erect and thin he looked taller than before. 
 
 In his dark grey riding-coat, his boots of supple leather 
 drawn above the knee, and his broad-leaved soft felt hat, 
 Sir Hugh wanted only a long laced cravat to make him 
 look like a horseman of the time of William III. His 
 habiliments suited him, especially his broad-leaved hat, 
 which added to the sombre character of his physiognomy. 
 
 The day was clear and frosty, and the air keen and 
 exhilarating, and to a younger man, with a breast devoid of 
 
78 Old Court. 
 
 care, a solitary ride on such a morning and through such a 
 district would have been delightful. But Sir Hugh's heart 
 was as utterly seared as the red leaves trodden beneath his 
 horse's feet, and he was incapable of any joyous emotion. 
 Nature had not entirely lost her charm for him, but he 
 viewed all things through a darkened glass. Occasionally 
 he might rouse himself, but he soon relapsed into his 
 wonted gloomy train of thought. He returned the respect- 
 ful salutations of the few country-folk he met, but did not 
 stop to converse with any of them, neither did he remark 
 the glances they threw after him. From his strange mode 
 of life, his grim looks, and tall gaunt figure, Sir Hugh 
 inspired a superstitious terror throughout the neighbour- 
 hood, and some people accounted it ill luck to meet him. 
 
 After riding for a few miles along the devious lane, 
 bordered by thick copses and woods abounding with 
 pheasants, Sir Hugh reached the summit of a hill, whence 
 a fine view was obtained of Old Court, and he drew in the 
 rein for a moment to look at the place. 
 
 There, on the side of the opposite hill, stood his 
 ancestral mansion, presenting a most venerable and striking 
 appearance in the midst of its rook-haunted groves. Close 
 to the hall was a reverend little edifice, still in exquisite 
 preservation. In the chancel of this little fane was an 
 alabaster effigy of the founder of his family, and in its 
 vaults reposed all his line, including his ill-fated brother. 
 Even though reft of their foliage, the groves looked 
 beautiful, and a portion of the garden was screened by an 
 immense holly hedge, which looked vividly green from its 
 contrast with the other leafless trees. Wide sweeping 
 glades led down to the valley, where was a lake, the banks 
 of which were extremely picturesque in places, owing to the 
 timber that fringed them. 
 
 The winter sun shone brightly upon the many glittering 
 vanes and gables of the old house, and upon its great 
 mullioned windows, upon its grey lichen-covered walls, 
 upon its. terraces and gardens, upon the reverend fane beside 
 it, upon the stately groves of the park revealing the deer in 
 the coverts, though scarcely to be distinguished from the 
 dry red fern amidst which they couched it gleamed upon 
 the frozen lake in the valley, and upon its picturesque and 
 
Osbeii Leigh. 7^ 
 
 broken banks, but, despite the bright sunshine which called 
 out its beauties, the prospect had a cold and melancholy 
 look at least, it had so in the eyes of Sir Hugh. 
 
 Everything awakened melancholy recollections, all he 
 beheld being associated with days of happiness now for 
 ever gone by. Years ago that old house had been the 
 scene of profuse hospitality its chambers full of guests 
 its halls echoing with merriment its tables groaning with 
 good cheer. Where were the guests now ? The halls were 
 deserted, and the chambers peopled only by the ghost of 
 those who had quitted them for ever. Where was she who 
 might have made that house and those gardens an Eden to 
 him ? Her fate was a mystery, but he doubted not that 
 she had long since passed from the land of the living. But 
 did her child yet live ? That thought constantly troubled 
 him. Had he not solemnly vowed that that child should 
 inherit his property should possess Old Court and could 
 he break his vow? Where was she whom he had taken to 
 his breast, and had loved only when about to lose her ? 
 In the vaults, where he, too, should soon be laid. All 
 were gone all, save his daughter, and she, too, might 
 leave him. Thus his mental gloom over-shadowed all he 
 beheld, and darkened the smiling prospect. Turning away 
 moodier than ever, he pursued his course. 
 
 For some days a sharp frost had prevailed, and in places 
 the road was covered with ice, rendering travelling danger- 
 ous. But Sir Hugh's horse was steady and sure-footed, and 
 being roughed, got on very well, until while descending the 
 hill he slipped, and, being unable to recover himself, fell, 
 throwing his rider. Sir Hugh, who was not as active as 
 he had once been, lay for a few moments on the ground, 
 when he was raised by a young man, who, after setting him 
 on his feet and giving him his hat, inquired anxiously if he 
 was hurt. 
 
 "No; only a little shaken," replied the baronet. "I 
 thank you very much, Sir, for your assistance." 
 
 The young man then brought the horse, who, long ere 
 this, had regained his legs, and stood quietly enough near 
 the spot where the accident had occurred, and Sir Hugh 
 was preparing to mount him, when he noticed the young 
 man's face for the first time, and almost started with surprise, 
 
So Old Court. 
 
 The individual on whom he gazed was about one-and- 
 twenty, perhaps not quite so much, tall, well-proportioned, 
 with singularly handsome features, slightly embrowned, but 
 glowing with health, clear blue eyes, and brown locks. His 
 bearing was manly, and the expression of his countenance 
 agreeable and intelligent. Modern costume does not 
 indicate with any exactitude the social position of the wearer, 
 and the grey Tweed jacket, stout boots, and Newmarket 
 hat which the young man had on, might belong to any rank. 
 But be his position what it might, he was evidently one of 
 nature's gentlemen. It was not, however, his good looks 
 that attracted Sir Hugh's attention, but a remarkable resem- 
 blance to his ill-fated brother, which the baronet fancied he 
 discerned in him. Sir Hugh looked so very hard at the 
 young man, that if the latter had been of a nervous tempera- 
 ment, he must have been embarassed. Not being nervous, 
 he bore the scrutiny firmly, and said, with a smile : 
 
 " You fancy you have seen me before, Sir, but you have 
 not." 
 
 " Your name ? " cried Sir Hugh, quickly. 
 
 " I might refuse to tell you, questioned so abruptly/' 
 replied the young man. " But I will answer. My name is 
 Osbert Leigh. I am quite unknown to you, Sir Hugh ; 
 and, in fact, I am a stranger to the neighbourhood. 1 ' 
 
 "A stranger! How do you happen to be acquainted 
 with me, then ? " demanded Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Because I have heard you described, and so accurately, 
 that I at once recognised you," replied the young man 
 smiling. 
 
 "Of course Osbert Leigh is your name? I am bound to 
 believe you when you tell me so." 
 
 " Believe me or not, as you please, Sir Hugh," rejoined 
 the young man, looking offended. " I care not." 
 
 And he turned to move away. 
 
 " Stop ! " cried the baronet. " I have not done with you. 
 Excuse my abruptness it is mere manner, I am interested 
 about you." 
 
 " I cannot see why you should be interested in me, Sir 
 Hugh/ 7 replied the young man. 
 
 " How old are you ? " demanded Sir Hugh, without 
 noticing the remark. 
 
Oslert Leigh. Si 
 
 "Not quite twenty-one," replied Osbert, showing by his 
 )nannerthat he did not like to be thus oatechised. 
 
 "The age tallies exactly !" thought Sir Hugh. " Is your 
 mother alive ?" 
 
 " No," replied Osbert Leigh, gravely. " She died many 
 years ago, as I have heard when I was an infant." 
 
 " And your father ? " demanded Sir Hugh, with some 
 hesitation. " Does he still live ? " 
 
 " I can give you no positive information respecting him," 
 replied Osbert Leigh. "But I believe he is likewise 
 dead." 
 
 " Young man,'* said Sir Hugh, " all you tell me increases 
 the interest I felt in you the moment I looked upon your 
 face. You must give me full particulars respecting your 
 mother who she was, where she died, and where she is 
 buried. It is important to you highly important to fur- 
 nish me with these particulars." 
 
 " Your manner convinces me you are in earnest, Sir 
 Hugh," said Osbert Leigh. " I am therefore sorry that I 
 cannot satisfy your curiosity. I know nothing whatever ot 
 my family beyond what I have told you. My mother, as I 
 believe, died during my infancy, but where she died, what 
 was her maiden name, and what her married name, I have 
 never been able to ascertain. An old woman who repre- 
 sented herself as a nurse to my mother, took charge of me, 
 and she, too, died without communicating any particulars, 
 so that all clue to my birth has been lost. I owe my nurture 
 my education all I have, to the bounty of the best and 
 kindest of men, Mr. Peter Leycester, of Monk's Heath Hall, 
 in Cheshire. My story is soon told. Old Margaret Leigh, 
 the nurse who took charge of me after my poor mother's 
 death, and who gave me the name I bear not my rightful 
 one, I presume was a Cheshire woman, and returned, after 
 a long absence, to her native village of Prestbury. She had 
 sufficient means to live decently, and took a small cottage, 
 in which she dwelt, and where my earliest years were spent. 
 This cottage belonged to Mr. Leycester, the excellent 
 gentleman I have mentioned. He took a fancy to me as a 
 boy, and often (as I have heard since) questioned old Mar- 
 garet about me. But she was a reserved woman, and would 
 neither let him nor any one else into her secret?, Unluckily, 
 
82 Old Court. 
 
 they died with her, for she was seized with paralysis, and 
 remained speechless to the last. As I have stated, she had 
 some little means, and upwards of three hundred pounds 
 was found in one of her boxes, but this sum was taken 
 possession of by her brother Randal, who declined to 
 burden himself with me, and I know not what might have 
 become of me, had not Providence raised me up a pro- 
 tector in Mr. Leycester. By him I have been brought up, 
 and by his instrumentality I received an excellent education 
 at the Free Grammar School at Macclesfield. Had I been 
 so inclined, he would have put me out to business in one 
 of the large manufacturing towns in Lancashire, but I 
 have no taste for commerce. For the last two or three 
 years Mr. Leycester has found me employment upon his 
 property, and I should have succeeded his steward, John 
 Frodsham, who is getting old, but, to confess the truth, I 
 got tired of this kind of life, and resolved to seek my fortune 
 in Australia. On being informed of my design, Mr. Ley- 
 cester endeavoured to dissuade me from it, but I remained 
 firm ; and when I explained my motives, he agreed that per- 
 haps the plan might be for the best. He further offered to 
 pay my passage, but as I had saved enough for that purpose, 
 I did not require to trespass further upon his liberality. 
 Now you know my whole history, Sir Hugh." 
 
 For some moments the baronet remained lost in reflection. 
 He then said : 
 
 " You have not told me how you chance to be here. I 
 hope I may infer from the circumstance that you have 
 abandoned your intention of emigrating to Australia ? " 
 
 " No, Sir Hugh, I hold steadily to my purpose. 
 Australia, I feel certain, will suit me better than this 
 country. I have aspirations which I cannot realise here. I 
 am too proud and independent to submit to the drudgery 
 required to work my way up to a good position. I hope to 
 come back in a few years with sufficient to enable me to 
 live like a gentleman. I may not find a nugget, but I may 
 make money in some other way." 
 
 " Well, I admire your spirit," said Sir Hugh. " But what 
 brings you here ? " 
 
 " I came here to visit an old gentleman whom I saw at 
 Monk's Heath Hall a short time ago, while he was staying 
 
Oslert Leigh. 83 
 
 there with Mr. Leycester, and who kindly invited me to pass 
 a week with him before I left England. The old gentleman 
 in question is a friend of yours, Sir Hugh. I have heard 
 him speak of you ; and, indeed, it was he who described you 
 to me. It is Mr. Mainwaring of Ridgmount." 
 
 "This is strange," cried Sir Hugh. "Mr. Mainwaring 
 is a very old friend of mine one of the few friends 1 
 care to retain. I am on my way to call on him now. It is 
 a singular chance that has brought you to this neighbour- 
 hood, and still more singular that we should meet in this 
 manner. There is more than mere accident in it." 
 
 " I am at a loss to understand your meaning, Sir Hugh,' 1 
 observed Osbert. 
 
 "I will explain myself more fully at another time," said 
 Sir Hugh. " You must be my guest for a few days at Old 
 Court. Nay, I will take no refusal." 
 
 " But it is not in my power to profit by your hospitality, 
 Sir Hugh. My passage is taken in the Wellesley^ which 
 sails for Melbourne next week." 
 
 " Forfeit your passage money, and if you should 
 eventually decide upon going to Melbourne, I will make 
 good the loss. But it is absolutely necessary that you 
 should remain with me for a short time, till I can make 
 inquiries." 
 
 " You take me so much by surprise by this proposal, Sir 
 Hugh, that I scarcely know what answer to make. But 
 having fixed my plans, I do not like to change them. No, 
 no. I shall go. All thanks to you for your kind invitation 
 and offer, but I must decline them. I shall sail for Mel- 
 bourne on Wednesday next." 
 
 " You shall not, I tell you ! " cried Sir Hugh, peremptorily. 
 "What can it matter whether you sail next week or six 
 months hence ? You shall come and stay with me." 
 
 "It matters little when I sail, certainly," rejoined Osbert. 
 " But I do not choose to be interfered with. Once more, I 
 thank you for your invitation, and beg to decline it." 
 
 "You are a fool. But I won't allow you to throw your- 
 self away in this stupid manner." 
 
 " Sir Hugh, I have yet to learn by what right you assume 
 this authority over me. I allow no man to control my 
 actions " 
 
84 Old Court. 
 
 "If only from his confounded obstinacy, I should feel 
 certain he is Clarence's son," thought Sir Hugh. "Harkye, 
 young Sir/ 7 he added aloud. " Have you no desire to learn 
 the secret of your birth ? Do you think you can discover 
 it by going to Melbourne ? " 
 
 " If there is any chance of making the discovery I will 
 readily stay," replied Osbert. "But I have no such ex- 
 pectation. Mr. Leycester has made all possible inquiries 
 for me, but without success." 
 
 "But I have a clue which Mr. Leycester does not 
 possess," said Sir Hugh. "Remain with me till it can be 
 followed up. If I should be unsuccessful, you can prosecute 
 your design." 
 
 " Nothing can be handsomer or more obliging than your 
 offer, Sir Hugh, and I gratefully accept it. It is the dearest 
 wish of my life to penetrate the mystery enshrouding my 
 birth, and if you can accomplish this grand object, I shall 
 be for ever beholden to you." 
 
 " Then the matter is arranged. Come to Old Court to- 
 morrow. You will have your own room, and will be quite 
 at home. I will now ride on to Ridgmount, and ask Mr. 
 Mainwaring to accompany you." 
 
 So saying, and with the young man's aid, he mounted his 
 horse, and rode off towards Ridgmount. After proceeding 
 about a hundred yards, he looked back and saw Osbert 
 standing where he had left him, reflecting, most likely, upon 
 the singularity of the occurrence. 
 
 "Not a doubt he is Clarence's son," cried Sir Hugh. 
 " My vow made to Amice binds me to find out the truth, 
 and to act when I have found it out." 
 
CHAPTER IV, 
 
 A POOR GENTLEMAN. 
 
 R. NORTON MAINWARING was a poor gentle- 
 man a very poor gentleman indeed and perhaps 
 there is no part in the great social drama more 
 difficult to sustain with credit than that which cir- 
 cumstances compelled this poor gentleman to play. Though 
 most assuredly he felt his poverty, he gave no outward 
 manifestation that he did so. You never heard him repine, 
 and he never appeared discontented. What was the actual 
 amount of the poor gentleman's income we cannot precisely 
 determine, but though ridiculously small, it was sufficient 
 for his wants ; and if he had barely a hundred a year, as 
 some folks asserted, it was quite wonderful what he did with 
 it. He was always very neatly dressed, though in a bygone 
 style of some forty years ago, when he was one of the 
 leaders of fashion, and used to be seen in the great bay- 
 window in St. James's Street ; wore a well-brushed beaver, 
 turned up at the sides, and looking as old-fashioned as his 
 coat ; a stiffly-starched coloured choker, with rounded gills, 
 coming half-way up his cheek ; a buff waistcoat with brass 
 buttons, very tight pantaloons, a thick watch-chain with 
 heavy seals dangling from his fob, and wonderfully polished 
 boots. He was tall, but stooped a little, and had a com- 
 plexion as red as a turkey-cock's wattles, the result probably 
 of the immense quantity of old port which he had imbibed 
 in his earlier days. Now he rarely touched wine at all, for 
 the simple but sufficient reason that he could not afford to 
 drink it. Mr. Mainwaring's features were good, 
 
86 Old Court. 
 
 rather coarse ; he had blear eyes, a large nose, great fleshy 
 lips, and ears which were as scarlet as his cheeks. He was 
 always scrupulously shaved, for he abominated the modern 
 fashion of beards, and his silvery hair was cropped close to 
 the head. 
 
 Mr. Mainwaring dwelt in a pretty little cottage in the out- 
 skirts of the pretty little village of Ridgmount, close to the 
 parsonage and the church, and not very far from the 
 Chetwynd Arms. His little domicile was comfortably 
 furnished, and he was very well waited upon by an old 
 man-servant, Peter Lightfoot, who had lived with him in his 
 better days, and still more carefully attended to by Peter 
 Lightfoot' s wife. Mrs. Lightfoot was a good deal younger 
 than her spouse, and made a most excellent housekeeper, 
 and it was no doubt mainly owing to her management that 
 Mr. Mainwaring lived so well and so economically. His 
 little parlour was as tidy and well kept as any old bachelor's 
 parlour need be, and his little dining-room a perfect 
 snuggery. All things considered, as he was of a very con- 
 tented disposition, our poor gentleman was rather to be 
 envied than pitied. He was blessed with good health, had 
 no cares, and no children or near relations to worry him. 
 
 Born seven or eight years before the present century com- 
 menced, Mr. Norton Mainwaring belonged to a good old 
 Cheshire family. He was a younger son, but had a fortune 
 left him by an uncle. Unluckily, he spent it, for in his 
 younger days our poor gentleman was extravagant. He 
 was a remarkably good coachman, belonged to the Four-in- 
 Hand Club, and horsed the Tally-ho between London and 
 Oxford. He was also fond of racing, and, being a good 
 judge of horseflesh, won some money on the turf, but lost it 
 all when railways knocked stage-coaches off the road. For 
 seme years he was greatly embarrassed, but he righted him- 
 self in the end, and prudently withdrew with the little he 
 could save from the wreck of his fortune to his present 
 asylum. He was an old friend of the Chetwynds, and had 
 visited at Old Court in Sir Christopher's time, when Sir 
 Hugh was young, and it was Sir Hugh who had recom- 
 mended him to settle at Ridgmount, and, in fact, had pre- 
 sented him with the cottage the gift being managed with 
 such delicacy as not to orTend the poor gentleman's pride. 
 
A Poor Gentleman. 87 
 
 Norton Mainwaring had been a friend of Clarence Chetwynd 
 as well as of the elder brother ; in fact, he was more intimate 
 with the former than the latter, and, in spite of his faults, 
 liked him the better of the two, and he had been generally 
 employed by the baronet in getting that scapegrace out of 
 his many difficulties. All this was over now. Clarence 
 was in his bloody grave, and Mainwaring knew nothing of 
 the dark secret connected with him, but believed, as every- 
 body else believed, that he had been foully murdered by 
 robbers. Of late years, also, he had formed a very different 
 estimate of Sir Hugh's character, and though he stood in 
 considerable awe of the moody baronet, he sincerely re- 
 spected him. 
 
 As Sir Hugh rode up to the cottage, old Peter Lightfoot, 
 who had descried him, came forth, and, by the baronet's 
 directions, took his horse to the Chetwynd Arms. Sir Hugh 
 was received at the open door by the buxom Mrs. Lightfoot, 
 who told him that her master was nursing himself, having 
 got a slight cold, " though I don't think there is much the 
 matter with him, Sir Hugh," she added, with a smile. 
 
 " You have got a visitor, I find, Mrs. Lightfoot," remarked 
 Sir Hugh. "I have just met him. Mr. Osbert Leigh 
 ha?" 
 
 " Yes, that's his name, Sir Hugh," replied Mrs. Lightfoot, 
 " and a very nice young gentleman he is. We can't accom- 
 modate him here, of course, so we've got him a bed at the 
 Chetwynd Arms. My master met him in Cheshire. And 
 pray how is dear Miss Chetwynd, Sir Hugh ? I hope we 
 shall have her back soon. We miss her sadly." 
 
 " She is still at Brighton with her aunt," replied Sir 
 Hugh, "and thinks of nothing but balls and musica, 
 parties." 
 
 " Very natural, at her age, Sir Hugh. What else should 
 she think of?" 
 
 "I don't know what else women do think of, now-a-days," 
 said Sir Hugh, gruffly. 
 
 Not daring to make any response, Mrs. Lightfoot opened 
 a door, and displayed her old master seated in an easy-chair 
 beside a cheerful fire, deeply engaged in the Times. A 
 large brindled cat slumbered on the hearth-rug at his feet, 
 and the whole room looked excessively snug. Mr. 
 
88 Old Court. 
 
 Mainwaring being rather deaf, and his back being towards 
 the door, he was not aware of his friend's arrival till Mrs. 
 Lightfoot went up and announced Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Eh ! what ? " he cried, starting up, and hurriedly taking 
 off his gold eye-glasses. " Sir Hugh here Lord bless me ! 
 Ah ! my worthy friend, how glad I am to see you ; " 
 shaking him heartily by the hand as he spoke. " Take a 
 seat pray take a seat near the fire." 
 
 Sir Hugh complied, and Mrs. Lightfoot quitted the room, 
 leaving them alone together. After a little conversation on 
 general topics, Sir Hugh broached the subject uppermost in 
 his mind, and said, " By-the-bye, Mainwaring, I must 
 mention a circumstance which occurred to me just now. 
 While I was on my way hither, a slight accident that befeJ 
 my horse made me acquainted with a young man who is 
 staying with you, as I understand." 
 
 " Osbert Leigh ! Bless my soul and body ! have you 
 seen him ? My stars ! that is strange. And pray what do 
 you think of him, Sir Hugh ? " he said, enquiringly. 
 
 " I think him tolerably good-looking," replied the other, 
 with affected indifference. 
 
 - "That's not what I mean. I want to know whom do you 
 think he resembles ? Do you discern a likeness to any one 
 you have known, eh ? " 
 
 "Undoubtedly I was struck with the resemblance he 
 bears to " 
 
 "To your poor brother Clarence," supplied Mainwaring. 
 " The likeness is extraordinary. I was struck with it the 
 instant I beheld him, and it was his likeness to the poor 
 dear fellow who's gone that made me take such a fancy to 
 the lad, that, although I have never had a guest under my 
 roof since I came to reside here, I invited him to visit me. 
 You know how I loved Clarence, Sir Hugh, and it is natural 
 I should feel an interest in a young man whom I believe to 
 be his son. Not that I ever heard that Clarence had a 
 son, but he was a gay fellow, as you know a gay fellow 
 ha ! ha ! And there is a certain mystery about this 
 Osbert Leigh, as [he calls himself, which strengthens the 
 presumption. He is quite in the dark as to his actual 
 parentage." 
 
 " So he told me," Marked Sir Hugh. 
 
A Poor Gentleman. 89 
 
 "Ah! my friend, you have been questioning him, I 
 perceive," chuckled Mainwaring. 
 
 "I know all his history," rejoined the baronet "And 
 you really think he is Clarence's son ? " 
 
 " I could almost swear it. He's as like what Clarence 
 was at his age, as one pea is to another." 
 
 u You have not mentioned your suspicions to the young 
 man, I trust, Mainwaring?" said Sir Hugh, uneasily. 
 
 " Heaven forbid ! " exclaimed the other. " I must 
 confess, however, that I thought of taking him to Old Court, 
 but I didn't know how you might like it." 
 
 " Bring him over to-morrow, Mainwaring. I hr.ve 
 invited him to stay with me, and have prevailed upon him 
 to give up his projected voyage to Melbourne." 
 
 " The deuce you have ! " cried Mainwaring. " Then 
 perhaps you intend doing something for him ? " 
 
 "That depends. I shall institute inquiries about him, and 
 if he should turn out what we suppose him, I will do 
 something for him." 
 
 "Just like you, Sir Hugh just like you. You are the 
 soul of generosity, as I know from personal experience. It 
 would be a thousand pities that such a fine young fellow 
 should go to those infernal diggings." 
 
 " He shall not need to go, if our surmises in regard to 
 him prove correct," rejoined Sir Hugh. " But I must be 
 fully satisfied on that score. The investigation will be 
 difficult, and I shall be glad of your assistance in making it, 
 for I can trust you in the matter." 
 
 "I will assist you with all my heart, Sir Hugh. As to my 
 discretion, I will say nothing. It is not the first time you 
 have trusted me." 
 
 " No, you have done much for me, my good friend. But 
 the utmost caution must be observed with the young man 
 till I am in a position to reveal the truth to him, should it 
 be discovered. It would be cruel to awaken hopes that 
 may never be realised." 
 
 " Very true very true. Have you any clue to guide you 
 in your inquiries, Sir Hugh, may I ask ? " 
 
 "A slight clue, but I fear it won't conduct me far. 
 However, we shall see. To-morrow, you will bring him to 
 me as arranged, and as soon as he is established at Old 
 
go Old Court. 
 
 Court, you and I will commence the investigation. I will 
 send the carriage for you. And now let Lightfoot fetch my 
 horse.* 1 
 
 While Lightfoot went on his errand, Mainwaring .made 
 many inquiries about Lucetta, who was a great favourite 
 with him, and seemed delighted to learn that she was 
 enjoying herself so much at Brighton. 
 
 " I am quite sure she will turn all the young men's heads," 
 remarked the old gentleman, laughing. 
 
 " It will be lucky if her own is not turned as well," 
 remarked Sir Hugh, testily. " I am sorry I trusted her with 
 Lady Danvers. The girl will be quite spoiled." 
 
 "Not she!" cried Mainwaring. "Lucetta cannot be 
 spoiled." 
 
 " Nonsense ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh. " I fear she is 
 spoiled already. Ever since she has been at Brighton she 
 has been engaged in one incessant round of gaiety. I was 
 going to order her back, but since this young fellow is 
 coming to me, I shall let her remain a little longer with her 
 aunt." 
 
 " By all means let her finish the season at Brighton, my 
 good friend. A little gaiety will do her good." 
 
 " A little gaiety ! " echoed Sir Hugh. " I tell you she is 
 out every night. Her letters speak of nothing but concerts, 
 and dinners, and balls. I am sick to death of it." 
 
 " Do you mean to take her to town in the spring, Sir 
 Hugh?" 
 
 " Take her to town i No. When she comes back she 
 must be quiet." 
 
 " A pleasant prospect for a lively girl," thought the old 
 gentleman. "But I would take long odds that she does 
 go to town." 
 
 Soon after this Lightfoot appeared with the horse, and Sir 
 Hugh, having taken leave of his old friend, rode back to Old 
 Court. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE VISIT TO OLD COURT. 
 
 JEXT morning, as arranged, the carriage came over 
 to Ridgmount, and Mr. Mainwaring and his young 
 friend were driven to Old Court. 
 
 It was with emotions for which he could in no 
 way account that Osbert approached the antique mansion. 
 As the carriage entered the park, and pursued a winding 
 road that led past the lake, now a vast sheet of ice, through 
 a woody glen, and then gradually mounted the hill on 
 which the old mansion was built, Mr. Mainwaring pointed 
 out the most beautiful portions of the sylvan domain to his 
 companion, whose quick eye, ranging over the prospect, had 
 already taken in its charms. But when they passed through 
 the old gateway, and the picturesque old structure stood 
 right in front, Osbert gave full vent to his admiration. 
 
 Old Jodrell, who still remained with Sir Hugh, though he 
 had become very infirm, being a martyr to gout, hobbled 
 out of the porch with a younger footman, and respectfully 
 saluting Mr. Mainwaring, who good-humouredly inquired 
 after his health, ushered them into the entrance-hall, which 
 was of great size, panelled with oak, and adorned with 
 several suits of armour of different epochs, shields, spears, 
 and swords. In the centre was a large carved oak table. 
 Doors on either hand communicated with different rooms, 
 while a grand oak staircase, ornamented with posts 
 sustaining the carved escutcheons of the family, led to a 
 gallery above. 
 
92 . Old Court. 
 
 On setting foot in the hall, Osbert stood still and gazed 
 around, 'deeply impressed by what he beheld. As he 
 remained in this attitude, old Jodrell, who was talking to 
 Mr. Mainwaring, chanced to notice him, and stared at him 
 as if he beheld a ghost. 
 
 " Do you perceive a likeness in my young friend to any- 
 body you have seen?" inquired Mainwaring, in a low 
 voice. 
 
 " Do I ? " ejaculated the old butler. " Good gracious, 
 Sir ! why, he's the exact image of " 
 
 " Hush ! " interrupted Mainwaring. " Be cautious, 
 Jodrell. No remarks on the subject, if you wouldn't offend 
 Sir Hugh." 
 
 " Never fear me, Sir," rejoined the old butler. " I know 
 my master's ways. We shall hear what Mrs. Mansfield says 
 presently. Sir Hugh is in the library. I'll take you to 
 him." 
 
 Just as he spoke, the library door opened, and Sir Hugh 
 came forth, and welcomed his guests. Expressing in very 
 kindly terms his pleasure at seeing Osbert, he desired the 
 footman to show the young gentleman to his room, and 
 while Osbert, preceded by his nimble attendant, mounted 
 the noble staircase, Sir Hugh took Mainwaring into the 
 library. 
 
 Osbert was shown into a large antiquated bed-chamber, 
 with windows looking upon the garden, and commanding a 
 side-view of the venerable little church amid the trees. In 
 the room was a great old walnut bedstead, with twisted 
 posts as black as ebony, a large canopy, and stiff curtains. 
 The walls were covered with grim old tapestry, which added 
 to the sombre character of the apartment. Over the 
 mantelpiece, which was dark walnut, like the bed, there was 
 the portrait of a beautiful but very delicate-looking woman, 
 with an infant on her lap. This was Lady Chetvvynd, and 
 had been painted only a week before her death. It was a 
 picture full of touching sentiment, and Osbert had heard 
 enough of Sir Hugh's family from Mr. Mainwaring to guess 
 whom it represented. But this was not the only picture 
 that attracted his attention. In another part of the room 
 there was a portrait in which the same features seemed to 
 be represented, but far younger and more blooming. On 
 
The Visit to Old Court. 93 
 
 examining the latter picture more carefully, Osbert perceived 
 that it was of much more recent date than the one first looked 
 at, and he soon found out that it had not been long painted, 
 He came, therefore, to the conclusion that it must represent 
 Sir Hugh's daughter, Lucetta, whose beauty he had heard 
 extolled by Mr. Mainwaring. The artist had evidently 
 been inspired by his subject, and had caught all Lucetta' s 
 grace and vivacity. Osbert took up a position favourable 
 for examining this charming portrait, and then sat down 
 to contemplate it at his leisure. The eyes seemed to 
 fascinate him, and the longer he looked at them the more 
 powerful became the influence, until he ended by becoming 
 half enamoured. 
 
 At last he arose, exclaiming, " What a fool I am to be 
 enthralled in this way! Why should I think of this 
 beautiful creature ? She is not for me." 
 
 On quitting the room, he found the old butler and Mrs. 
 Mansfield in the corridor. The latter curtseyed to him 
 respectfully as he passed, and exchanged a significant look 
 with Jodrell. 
 
 Being informed that Sir Hugh and Mr. Mainwaring had 
 gone out into the garden, Osbert repaired to the library, 
 where he was afterwards joined by Mainwaring, who 
 brought Sir Hugh's excuses, stating that the baronet did 
 not feel equal to society that day, and had deputed him to 
 play the host. With this apology Osbert was fain to be 
 content. 
 
 The day passed pleasantly enough. Mainwaring and the 
 young man dined together in an immense room hung round 
 with family portraits ranging over three centuries, which 
 Osbert regarded with admiration akin to awe. 
 
 The dinner was excellent, and Mr. Jodrell most 
 attentive. After dinner he produced a bottle of Sir 
 Christopher's port, which Mr. Mainwaring pronounced 
 perfect. A few glasses rendered him very chatty, and he 
 talked in rapturous terms of Lucetta's beauty. Osbert 
 listened to her praises with newly awakened interest. Eut 
 though in a very communicative mood, the old gentleman 
 forbore to allude to Clarence Chetwynd, and careiully 
 avoided that subject. 
 
 When they separated for the night, Mainwaring said to 
 
4 Old Court. 
 
 his young friend, "By4he-bye, Osbert, you won't see me to- 
 morrow. I am going to Maidstone with Sir Hugh on 
 business on very particular business, my boy. Possibly 
 we sha'n't be back till late on the following day, but you 
 will have the whole place to yourself the garden the 
 park and the church and old Jodrell will take good care 
 of you." 
 
 " Oh ! I shall do very well," replied the young man. 
 " Don't mind me. Good-night ! " 
 
 Before seeking his stately couch, Osbert gazed at the 
 picture of the young girl, and a vision of beauty haunted 
 his dreams. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 INTRODUCES MR. VANDELEUR LA HOGUE. 
 
 ||IR HUGH, as we have seen, received Osbert on 
 his arrival with great courtesy and kindness, 
 but shunned him throughout the day, leaving him 
 entirely to the care of Mainwaring. Alone in his 
 library, and occupied by distracting reflections, unable to 
 reconcile the difficulties that presented themselves to him, 
 the baronet began deeply to regret that accident had made 
 him acquainted with his nephew, of whose very existence 
 up to the moment of their meeting he had been ignorant. 
 He also reproached himself, that without due consideration 
 of the consequences that might flow from the step, he had 
 invited the young man to his house. 
 
 Yet in their apparently accidental meeting he recognised 
 the hand of Fate. 
 
 But why pursue the inquiry further? Why not let the 
 matter rest where it was ? Osbert had failed to discover 
 the secret of his birth, and most likely would never discover 
 it. And if he did, what matter ? He could know nothing 
 of the Oath by which Sir Hugh felt bound, and could never 
 demand its fulfilment. 
 
 These considerations, however, weighed not with Sir 
 Hugh. By no process of reasoning could he shake the 
 conviction that had forced itself upon him that Osbert was- 
 Clarence's son, and that Amice was his mother. But this 
 1 point must be established. Proof obtained, he was bound 
 to act, regardless of consequences. 
 
 Reflections such as these occupied him throughout the 
 
$6 Old Court. 
 
 day, and throughout the painful vigils of the night ; for 
 during the night that succeeded Osbert's arrival, the un- 
 happy man did not attempt to press his pillow. Governed 
 by a high and fantastic notion of honour the slave of his 
 word burdened by a sense of guilt, which, though 
 imaginary, was real to him, and which years of deep and 
 bitter regret had not iufficed to shake off it is not 
 marvellous that in the end his sense of duty should out- 
 weigh his strong affection for his daughter, and that he 
 should resolve, in the event of his impressions being con- 
 firmed, that no consideration of her interests should prevent 
 the fulfilment of his Vow. This conclusion arrived at, 
 after the long and fierce struggle which we have described 
 as agitating his breast, he became comparatively calm. 
 
 Since he did not go to bed at all, he was ready betimes 
 in the morning, and causing Mainwaring to be called at a 
 much earlier hour than was agreeable to that easy-going 
 old gentleman, whose slumbers had been undisturbed by 
 any painful thoughts, set off with him in the carnage for 
 Aylesford. 
 
 A twelve miles drive was before them, through an 
 extremely beautiful part of Kent. But though affording 
 constant fine views of richly wooded distiicts, and passing 
 many splendid mansions, the road was hilly, and con- 
 sequently the carriage did not make very rapid progress, so 
 that more than two hours elapsed before they came in sight 
 of the little town of Aylesford, with its ancient bridge 
 across the Medway, its habitations intermingled with trees, 
 .and its picturesquely situated old church. 
 
 The morning was sharp and frosty, and though Main- 
 * waring had his great-coat closely buttoned, a shawl wrapped 
 round his throat, and though his hands were protected by 
 warm gloves, he suffered terribly from the cold. His feet 
 -were like lumps of ice, and his long nose looked frost- 
 bitten. Moreover, he felt heartily tired of his moody 
 companion, who, leaning back in the carriage, with his 
 broad hat pulled over his brows, had scarcely spoken a 
 word during the whole of the long, tedious drive. 
 
 " Thank Heaven, here we are at last ! " exclaimed the 
 <old gentleman, clapping his hands together to restore the 
 'circulation. " Here's Aylesford, Sir Hugh." 
 
Introduces Mr. Vandekur La Hogue. 97 
 
 Roused from the sombre reverie in which he was 
 plunged, the baronet let down the carriage window and 
 looked out, and as his eye alighted on the old church on 
 the eminence, such painful recollections were excited in his 
 breast that he quickly drew back again. 
 
 " I'm deuced glad we're at the end of our journey," re- 
 marked Mr. Main waring. " My extremities are absolutely 
 frozen, and I seem to have lost all feeling in my hands and 
 feet How delightful to thaw oneself before a good fire. 
 You don't appear to suffer from cold as much as I do, Sir 
 Hugh." 
 
 " I don't feel the cold," rejoined the baronet. 
 
 " Gad, that's strange ! I shan't feel thoroughly warm till 
 I've breakfasted. Travelling on an empty stomach 
 especially on a frosty morning like this doesn't suit me. 
 Do you mean to drive to the Bell, Sir Hugh ? " 
 
 " No, to the station." 
 
 " To the station!" exclaimed Mainwaring. "Zounds! 
 you're not going further, surely ? " 
 
 "Don't be alarmed, my good friend. We are going no 
 further at present. But I shall alight at the station, 
 because, in the prosecution of the inquiries I am about to 
 make, I don't care to be attended by servants." 
 
 "I understand. You mean to drop our carpet-bags at 
 the station, dismiss the carriage, and walk on to the Bell." 
 
 " Exactly. I have given orders to that effect to Drax." 
 
 In another minute they had reached the railway station* 
 The carriage door being opened by the footman, the two 
 gentlemen stepped out ; after which their carpet-bags were 
 delivered to a porter, and taken by him to the cloak-room* 
 Meanwhile, Sir Hugh told Drax, the coachman, not to put 
 up at Aylesford, but at a village which he named, a few 
 miles off on the way back, where there was a good inn ; 
 and having thus relieved himself of all domestic espionage, 
 he set off with his old friend across the bridge, in the 
 direction of the Bell, quite unconscious that his proceed- 
 ings had been watched by a very sharp-eyed person inside 
 the station, who, as soon as the baronet was gone, came 
 forth and proceeded to interrogate Dick Pigot, the footman, 
 before the latter could mount to the box. 
 
 "My friend," said this personage, removing a cigarette 
 
98 Old Court 
 
 from his lips, " tell me. That is Sir Hugh Chetvvynd who 
 has just gone, ha? " 
 
 As the speaker had a slight foreign accent, and as his 
 looks, manner, and attire seemed rather foreign, Dick Pigot 
 at once set him down for a Frenchman. He had an 
 imposing appearance, that stranger, being showily dressed. 
 A French grey over-coat, sky-blue trousers fitting tightly to 
 a pair of lean legs, a Parisian hat, Parisian boots, gloves, 
 and gorgeous neckcloth, formed the salient features of his 
 apparel. But, in spite of his fashionable attire, he did not 
 look exactly like a gentleman. However, his consequential 
 air proved that he entertained no mean opinion of himself, 
 and meant to assert his importance. He was by no means 
 a young man, and somewhat short of stature, but his figure 
 was slight and good. His features were prominent, and his 
 brown shaven cheeks, thick moustache, and long imperial, 
 gave a Napoleonic cast to his countenance at least, so 
 Dick Pigot thought, for the young man had often seen 
 caricatures of the Emperor of the French in Punch. 
 
 Touching his hat respectfully, Dick Pigot answered the 
 stranger's inquiry in the affirmative. It was Sir Hugh 
 Chetwynd. 
 
 "I thought I could not be mistaken, though I have 
 not seen him for many years. You are his servant, I 
 presume ? " 
 
 " Yes, Sir," replied Pigot, rather flattered by the inquiry. 
 " I have lived five years with Sir Hugh." 
 
 "So long ! " exclaimed the stranger. "Sir Hugh knows 
 when he has a good servant." 
 
 " It appears so, Sir. Our coachman, Mr. Drax, has lived 
 v/ith him more than five-and-twenty years." 
 
 "Ah! indeed!' 7 exclaimed the stranger. "Then Mr. 
 Drax must have known my friend, poor Captain Chet- 
 wynd?" 
 
 " Oh yes, Sir," replied the coachman, who overheard the 
 remark. " I knowed the captain well, and liked him too." 
 
 " Of course you did, Drax. Everybody liked him/' 
 rejoined the stranger. " I daresay you have heard him 
 speak of me his particular friend Mr. Vandeleur La 
 Hogue ? " 
 
 " Can't say as I have, Sir," replied the coachman ; " but 
 
Introduces Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue. 99 
 
 then it's so long ago ; I may have forgotten. Besides, the 
 captain warn't much at Old Court during the latter part of 
 his life. Sad end he came to, Sir ! I've bin a thinkin' of 
 him all this blessed mornin', for you may be aware that it 
 was at Kit's Coity House, on yonder hill-side, that he was 
 barbarously murdered." 
 
 " I'm aware of it," rejoined Mr, Vandeleur La Hogue, 
 emitting a thin stream of smoke from his mouth. " In fact, 
 I feel so much interest in my poor friend's sad fate, that I 
 have come hither for the express purpose of visiting the 
 spot where he was killed. I was at Amsterdam at the 
 time of the murder, and have not been in England since. 
 But tell me, Drax," he added, with a singular look, " what 
 became of the perpetrators of the dreadful deed ? I hope 
 they met the just reward of their crime." 
 
 " Not both, Sir," replied the coachman. " One on 'em 
 was drownded the same night in the Medway, just above 
 the bridge. But the t'other, and worst, Neal Evesham, has 
 never been heard of since. Whether the villain got trans- 
 ported, or quitted the country of his own accord, no ons 
 can tell." 
 
 "No doubt he has met with his deserts," said Mr. 
 Vandeleur La Hogue. " I think I must have seen the 
 fellow. He was the captain's groom, eh? was he 
 not ? " 
 
 " He was, Sir ; but not at the time of the murder. He 
 had been discharged nearly a year before for dishonesty, 
 and was stableman at the Bell, in this town. I always 
 wondered the captain would employ such a scampish chap ; 
 but I suppose he found him useful in some way." 
 
 " If I recollect right, this Neal Evesham was a smart- 
 looking fellow eh ? " remarked Mr. La Hogue. 
 
 " Smart enough, Sir, when he was with the captain ; but 
 when he got down in the world he became as shabby- 
 lookin' a rascal as ever you clapped eyes on. I should ha' 
 bin ashamed to notice him." 
 
 " Such a poor devil was beneath your notice, Drax," said 
 Mr. La Hogue, laughing. " Perhaps the world used him 
 badly, and drove him to crime." 
 
 " Not a bit of it, Sir. Neal was a reg'lar bad 7 un, and 
 no mistake. I only wish I could come across him \ but 
 
TOO Old Court. 
 
 there's little chance of that. If alive, he's too cunning to 
 put himself in the way of a halter." 
 
 " Why, you would scarcely know him if you were to see 
 him, Drax," said the other, keeping his keen eye on the 
 coachman. 
 
 " Shouldn't I?" cried Drax. "He'd best not trust to 
 that. I should know him again in an instant. But such a 
 rogue ain't worth so many words- Since you were a friend 
 of the poor captain, Sir, you may like to hear of a curious 
 circumstance as has just happened. Yesterday Mr. Main- 
 waring, the old gentleman as you see just now with Sir 
 Hugh, brought a young friend to Old Court " 
 
 "Well, there's nothing very remarkable in that, Drax," 
 said Mr. La Hogue, laughing. 
 
 "There's this remarkable about it, Sir," replied the 
 coachman. "The young gentleman is the exact image of 
 Captain Chetwynd. Every one in the house, as recollects 
 the captain, was struck with the likeness old Mr. Jodrell, 
 the butler, old Mrs. Mansfield, the housekeeper, and 
 several other old servants, myself included. I never see 
 sich a likeness i' my born days. So help me ! I thought it 
 was the poor captain come to life again." 
 
 " You surprise me. The young fellow must be his son." 
 
 "So we all on us say," rejoined Drax; "but then the 
 captain were never married." 
 
 " He might have had a son, for all that," remarked Mr. 
 La Hogue. 
 
 "Well, that's possible, Sir. And I'll tell you more. 
 There was a lady came to Old Court one night, about a 
 week after the murder, and we all thought her in some way 
 connected with the captain." 
 
 " Was her name Amice ? " inquired Mr. La Hogue, with 
 suddenly awakened curiosity. 
 
 " There I'm at fault, Sir. She gave no name, but she 
 was taken suddenly ill after her arrival at the Hall, and was 
 obliged to be put to bed, and Mrs. Mansfield, who 
 attended her, said she raved a good deal about the captain. 
 But, poor soul ! whoever she might be, she disappeared 
 most mysteriously afore daybreak, and though every search 
 was made for her about the park and neighbourhood I 
 myself assisted at it she could not be found, Now, 
 
Introduces Mr. Vanddcur La Ho^ue. 101 
 
 putting two and two together, might not this poor lady be 
 the mother of the young gentleman who bears such an 
 extraordinary resemblance to Captain Chetwynd? Mr. 
 Jodrell and Mrs. Mansfield both think so." 
 
 "Faith, I think they're right," cried Mr. La Hogue. 
 "You have strongly excited my curiosity, Drax. I must 
 see this young gentleman. What does he call himself? " 
 
 " Osbert Leigh," replied the coachman. " He has been 
 on a visit to Mr. Mainwaring, and, as I understand, comes 
 from some place in Cheshire. I think Mrs. Lightfoot she 
 is Mr. Mainwaring's housekeeper, Sir told me the young 
 gentleman is about to sail very shortly for Melbourne." 
 
 " To Melbourne ! " exclaimed Mr. La Hogue. " I must 
 see him without delay. Pray what brings Sir Hugh and 
 Mr. Mainwaring to Aylesford this morning ? " 
 
 " I ought not to answer the question if I could, Sir, but I 
 can't," replied Drax, bluntly. " I know nothing about Sir 
 Hugh's business." 
 
 "It relates to Mr. Osbert Leigh, I'm quite sure," re- 
 marked Mr. La Hogue. 
 
 " I think so too," interposed the footman, who had been 
 listening attentively to the discourse. 
 
 "If it does, it's no business o' yourn, Dick Pigot," said 
 the coachman, gruffly. " I advise you not to meddle with 
 your master's consarns. Get up, and let's be off." 
 
 " Stop a minute, if you please, Drax," said Mr. La Hogue. 
 "I particularly desire to see this young gentleman this 
 Osbert Leigh. I may be of service to him. Where is 
 he?" 
 
 "At Old Court, Sir," said Dick Pigot, who did not like 
 being snubbed by the coachman, and was determined to 
 show his independence. " There he will remain till Sir 
 Hugh's return." 
 
 "And when will Sir Hugh return?" asked Mr. La 
 Hogue. 
 
 " Quite uncertain, Sir," returned Pigot. " Possibly not 
 for a couple of days." 
 
 " Better say a week while you're about it, Dick," inter- 
 posed the coachman. 
 
 "Sir Hugh is a widower, I believe, and has only one 
 child a daughter? ' said Mr. La Hogue to Pigot. 
 
102 Old Court. 
 
 "Quite correct, Sir," rejoined the footman. "Miss 
 Chetwynd is from home staying with her aunt, Lady 
 Danvers, at Brighton. There's nobody at Old Court at 
 present, except Mr. Osbert Leigh." 
 
 "When you've done, Pigot, I'll trouble you to get 
 up," cried the coachman, "or I shall drive off without 
 you." 
 
 "No you won't, Drax," said Mr. La Hogue, in a con- 
 ciliatory tone. "You'll do me a good turn, Fm sure, 
 especially when you yourself will be the gainer by it. I 
 want particularly to see Mr. Osbert Leigh. Take me with 
 you to Old Court." 
 
 To ensure compliance with the request, he drew forth a 
 well-filled purse, and taking a couple of sovereigns from it, 
 requested Pigot to give them to the coachman. An instan- 
 taneous effect was produced by the magic metal upon Drax. 
 His surly features relaxed into a grin, and he called out, in 
 a very bland voice, u Get in, Sir." 
 
 "An instant, and I shall be ready, Drax," said Mr. La 
 Hogue. " I must take my things with me." 
 
 "Allow me to fetch them, Sir," said the obliging Dick 
 Pigot, who perhaps expected a gratuity, since sovereigns 
 were flying about. 
 
 Nor was the youth disappointed. Slipping a couple of 
 pieces of gold into his hand, Mr. La Hogue gave him some 
 directions ; whereupon he hurried into the waiting-room of 
 the station, and presently returned, bearing a smart valise, a 
 flat leather box, a cloak, and umbrella. These were quickly 
 placed in the carriage, and Mr. La Hogue lost no time in 
 following them. 
 
 " Don't smoke, if you please, Sir," said Pigot, as he shut 
 the door. " Sir Hugh dislikes the smell of tobacco." 
 
 "His prejudices shall be respected," rejoined Mr. La 
 Hogue, throwing away his cigarette. "But I daresay you 
 wouldn't object to a cigar, Pigot," he added, giving him a 
 couple of fine regalias. "Smoke those outside. You can 
 offend no one there." 
 
 Pigot received the gift with a smile, and presently pro- 
 pitiated Drax with one of the cigars. 
 
 While the horses were trotting briskly homewards while 
 the pair on the box were each enjoying a fragrant weed Mr, 
 
Introduces Mr. Vandekur La Houe. 
 
 103 
 
 Vandeleur La Hogue was snugly seated inside the carriage, 
 in the very place recently occupied by Sir Hugh, with the 
 windows closely shut to exclude the frosty air, and a mantle 
 covering his knees, laughing to himself at the dexterous 
 move he had made, which he felt assured would lead to 
 most important consequences. 
 
CHAPTER VII, 
 
 THE PICTURE IN THE CLOSET, 
 
 |OME time before Osbert came down, Sir Hugh and 
 Mainwaring had started for Aylesford. The 
 young man, therefore, was left alone in the old 
 mansion, and he might have been its lord and 
 master from the respectful manner in which he was treated 
 by Jodrell. 
 
 "Pray make yourself quite at home, Sir," said the old 
 butler to him. " Sir Hugh gave me strict orders to take 
 care of you, and I don't mean to neglect them. After 
 breakfast, if it meets with your approval, I'll take you over 
 the house ; and when you've examined it, if you would like 
 a little shooting, one of our keepers shall attend you. The 
 covers are well stocked with pheasants. Or if you prefer a 
 ride, there are good hacks in the stable." 
 
 Thanking the old butler, Osbert told him he could amuse 
 himself very well about the place, and didn't care either to 
 ride or shoot. 
 
 An excellent and rather profuse breakfast was then set 
 before him, and the young man did ample justice to the 
 cold partridges, game pie, and other good things with which 
 the assiduous butler served him. Jodrell remained in the 
 room during the repast, and stationed himself near the side- 
 board, and whenever Osbert glanced in that direction, he 
 found the old man's eyes fixed upon him. 
 
 "Don't be offended if I look hard at you, Sir/' said 
 Jodrell. " I can't help it," 
 
The Picture in the Closet. 105 
 
 " Oh ! I'm not in the least offended," returned Osbert, 
 laughing. "I'm glad you take so much interest in me." 
 
 " I do take an interest in you, Sir a very great interest 
 and not without reason," rejoined the old man. 
 
 Breakfast over, Osbert called upon the old butler to fulfil 
 his promise of showing him over the house, and accordingly 
 Jodrell took him through the spacious apartments on the 
 ground floor. Osbert was charmed with these magnificent 
 but sombre rooms, and while looking round at the black 
 oak panels, at the furniture of the same material and the 
 same hue, at the heavy curtains, he seemed to be carried 
 back to a bygone age. The library, with its vast store of 
 ancient tomes, especially delighted him. After carefully 
 examining the long line of portraits of the Chetwynd family 
 which embellished the gallery, he remarked to his atten- 
 dant : 
 
 " I perceive a great resemblance to Sir Hugh in one of 
 the earliest of these portraits, but I do not find any portrait 
 of the baronet himself." 
 
 "There is none, 71 replied Jodrell. "Sir Hugh would 
 never be painted." 
 
 " That is a pity," remarked Osbert. " He has a striking 
 countenance, and it ought to be preserved." 
 
 " So my lady told him, but he wouldn't sit, even to please 
 her. You have remarked her portrait, no doubt, Sir, and 
 Miss Lucetta's, in your room." 
 
 "Yes. How beautiful Miss Chetwynd must be!" ex- 
 claimed the young man, rapturously. 
 
 "A lovely young lady indeed, Sir," rejoined Jodrell. 
 "She's in Brighton just now with her aunt, Lady Danvers, 
 enjoying herself, I make no doubt, much more than she 
 could do in this dull house. But we shall be very glad to 
 have her back. One of these days I hope you may see 
 her, Sir." 
 
 Osbert echoed this wish. 
 
 " Talking of portraits, Sir," pursued the butler, " there is 
 one I should like to show you. It's the portrait of Sir Hugh's 
 younger brother, Captain Chetwynd, who came to a very 
 sad end, as you may, perhaps, have heard. He was 
 murdered, near Aylesford, rather more than twenty years 
 ago. It was a frightful affair, and Sir Hugh has never got 
 
io6 Old Court. 
 
 over the shock which his brother's death occasioned him. 
 He can't bear the least allusion to it not even to hear the 
 captain's name mentioned. The portrait has been put 
 out of the way, but I know where to find it, and I'll show 
 it you." 
 
 Osbert expressing a great desire to behold the portrait, 
 the butler hobbled along the corridor as quickly as his 
 gouty feet would permit him, and conducted the young man 
 to Sir Hugh's dressing-room. In it there was a richly carved 
 chestnut armoire, and while the young man was examining 
 this fine piece of furniture, Jodrell opened a closet and 
 brought out the portrait, rearing it against a table, so that 
 when Osbert turned, it stood full in his view. It was a half- 
 length portrait, and painted by a skilful hand. 
 
 "Is that Captain Chetvvynd?" enquired Osbert, whose 
 looks betokened his astonishment. 
 
 "It is. Sir," replied Jodrell; " and now you'll understand 
 why I wished to show it to you, and why I couldn't take 
 my eyes off you during breakfast. Look at it, Sir. 
 Allowing for the dress, which makes no great difference, it 
 might be your own picture, Sir your own picture and it 
 was painted when the captain was about your age. There 
 are the same blue eyes, the same complexion, the same 
 straight nose, short upper lip, mouth, and chin. Hair also 
 of the same colour, though the captain wore his hair longer 
 than yours but that was the fashion in his day. What do 
 you think of it, Sir ? " 
 
 " Upon my word, I'm so astonished that I don't know 
 what to think," replied Osbert. "I can't be so un- 
 acquainted with my own features as not to perceive the 
 likeness that picture bears to them." 
 
 "The likeness is amazing," said Jodreli. "I'll tell you 
 what I think, Sir. I think nay, I firmly believe that this 
 is the portrait of your own father. It's not in nature that 
 two people can be so much alike without being nearly 
 related that's what I go on." 
 
 "You may be right," rejoined Osbert; "for I have never 
 yet been able to discover my father." 
 
 "Then here he is, Sir," cried the butler, triumphantly. 
 " I've found him for you." 
 
 " This likeness accounts for the strange interest that Sir 
 
The Picture in the Closet. Ic) 
 
 Hugh took in me when I accidentally encountered him," 
 said Osbert; " and was the motive, probably, that led him 
 to invite me here." 
 
 " Sir Hugh must have been just as much struck by your 
 likeness to his brother as I am," rejoined Jodrell, "and, 
 unless I'm greatly mistaken, the errand on which he and 
 Mr. Mainwaring are bound is to obtain proofs of your birth. 
 It's my hope and belief that you'll soon be acknowledged 
 as the captain's son, and Sir Hugh's nephew." 
 
 " I ask no brighter fortune ! " cried Osbert. " But leave 
 me for a moment, Jodrell. Surprise and joy almost over- 
 power me." 
 
 Thus enjoined, the old butler left the room, shutting the 
 door as he went forth. 
 
 "And this, then, is my father!" exclaimed Osbert, 
 examining the portrait. " I do not doubt it. All things 
 seem to confirm the supposition Sir Hugh's conduct the 
 hints dropped by Mainwaring this good old man's strong 
 convictions. Nature, too, speaks in my breast. My own 
 heart tells me it is the truth. But can my birth be 
 established? It can it will. I can have no doubts now. 
 The clouds that have hung over me so long are rolling off. 
 What a future rises before me ! " 
 
 The longer he looked at the portrait, the more firmly 
 convinced he became that he beheld his father. Proud 
 thoughts and new-kindled desires filled his breast. He was 
 no longer obscure. He was one of the ancient and haughty 
 line whose portraits he had just been contemplating. That 
 thought made his heart leap. He resolved to be worthy of 
 his race. 
 
 When he came out, he found Jodrell waiting for him. 
 The old butler noticed the proud expression of his coun- 
 tenance, and understood what it meant. 
 
 " Pray come with me to the housekeeper's room, Sir," he 
 observed. " Mrs. Mansfield has something to say to you." 
 Osbert willingly assented, whereupon they descended a 
 staircase at the further end of the gallery, which brought 
 them to the housekeeper's room an old-fashioned apart- 
 ment with a low ceiling, and a seat in the window. It 
 contained more than one cupboard, and a large chest of 
 drawers, and looked exceedingly comfortable. Over 
 
io3 Old Court. 
 
 the chimney-piece hung a little portrait, which at once 
 caught Osbert's attention. Mrs. Mansfield was arranging 
 some things in one of the cupboards when they entered, but 
 she immediately came out, and made a very respectful 
 curtsey to Osbert. 
 
 Having shown our young friend into the room, Jodrell 
 retired. 
 
 Begging her visitor to take a chair near the fire, and then 
 apologising for the liberty, Mrs. Mansfield sat down beside 
 him. The good dame looked so nice in her morning dress 
 and cap, and her ancient features wore such a kindly 
 expression, that Osbert could not fail to be pleased with 
 her. After gazing earnestly and affectionately at him for a 
 few moments, she exclaimed : 
 
 " Yes, yes, there can be no doubt about it. Your face 
 proclaims you Clarence Chetwynd's son. Jodrell whispered 
 to me before he left that you have just seen your father's 
 portrait for I won't hesitate to style him your father. Ah ! 
 my dear," she added, unable to repress her tenderness, " I 
 was so fond of him, that the very sight of you melts my 
 heart. While looking at you I could almost fancy I had got 
 him back again. Often and often has he been in this 
 room often and often as he sat in the very chair where 
 you're now sitting. Oh ! he was a gay, lively gentleman, 
 was Clarence quite free and easy very different 
 from Sir Hugh and so handsome. Little did I think 
 when he laughed so much what his mirth would end in ! 
 Little did I foresee his melancholy fate. Still less did I 
 foresee that years after he was gone to his grave, his son 
 his undoubted son would be sitting before me. Oh ! my 
 dear, you must excuse rne, but the joy is almost too much 
 for a poor old body like me. A gracious Providence has 
 brought you back when you might have been lost for ever. 
 You ought to feel grateful, my dear." 
 
 Osbert murmured that he did feel grateful very 
 grateful. 
 
 "And now, my dear, that you have discovered your 
 father," pursued the good old dame, " I think I can tell you 
 something about your mother." 
 
 And she proceeded to detail to him, with every minute 
 particular, the strange visit of the beautiful and suffering 
 
The Picture in the Closet. i o 9 
 
 lady, dwelling especially upon her mysterious disappear- 
 ance. 
 
 " Now, my dear," she said, in concluding her narration, 
 to which, as may be supposed, Osbert lent the deepest 
 attention, " though I didn't dare to say so at the time to Sir 
 Hugh, and though I've never ventured to mention the 
 subject to him since, I feel quite certain, from some 
 expressions that escaped the poor lady during her delirium, 
 that she was Clarence Chetwynd's wife, and I now feel equally 
 certain she was your mother. You had not seen the light 
 then, my dear, but the poor lady let me into her secret 
 when she groaned and prayed to be spared till her child 
 should be born. Heaven granted her prayer." 
 
 Here the old housekeeper ceased. Osbert made no 
 remark, but covered his face to hide his emotion. He was 
 roused at last by the good dame, who touched him gently 
 on the shoulder, and, as he looked up, kissed him 
 affectionately, saying, 
 
 " I can't help it. I must kiss Clarence's son." 
 
 Her looks were so full of maternal kindness, that Osbert 
 felt he could love her like a mother. 
 
 " All you have told me," he said, " agrees with the little 
 I know respecting my poor mother. That it was she whom 
 you tended on that night seems clear but whither she fled, 
 and what became of her, remains a mystery." 
 
 " Heaven in its own time will clear up the darkness/' 
 rejoined the old dame. "Mark my words. The day is at 
 hand when you will be recognised as a Chetwynd. You have 
 not yet seen your cousin Lucetta. There she is," she 
 added, pointing to the portrait over the mantelpiece. Is 
 she not a dear, sweet, lovely creature ? But, bless you ! 
 that picture doesn't do her justice not it! I'll tell you 
 what I did, my dear. I hung her portrait in your room that 
 you might see it." 
 
 " I did see it," cried Osbert, with a rapturous expression 
 that did not escape the housekeeper 
 
 " I hope she won't be snapped up by one of those fortune- 
 hunters in Brighton," said the old dame. "I'm told she's 
 greatly admired. I've got somebody else in my head for 
 her now. Can't you guess whom I mean, my dear? I see 
 you do, by your blushing. You'd just suit each other, and 
 
no Old Ccurt* 
 
 make such a charming young couple, I hope I may live to 
 see the day ! " 
 
 Osbert laughed, but the good dame's words found an 
 echo in his breast. 
 
 "And now I must become serious once more," she said. 
 " You have a duty to perform. Your poor father is buried 
 in our little church." 
 
 " I will go there at once," he cried. 
 
 " I felt quite sure you would, my dear. Jodrell will go with 
 you, and show you the vaults." 
 
 She then rang a bell, which was answered by the butler 
 in person, and on learning Osbert's wishes, which entirely 
 accorded with his own notions of propriety, he went for the 
 keys, arid having provided himself at the same time with si 
 lantern, conducted the young man to the church. 
 
 The ancient and beautiful little fane, as already 
 mentioned, was close to the mansion, and their way to it 
 led through the garden. As the old butler hobbled slowly 
 along, often halting from pain, he described the funeral of 
 the ill-fated captain, and painted Sir Hugh's affliction in 
 such moving terms, that the whole sad scene rose before 
 his listener. It was therefore in a frame of mind well 
 suited to the occasion that Osbert found himself, shortly 
 afterwards, in the large vault, standing by the coffin con- 
 taining the remains of his unfortunate father. He was 
 alone, for after unlocking the door of the vault, and 
 pointing out the coffin, Jodrell set down the lantern and 
 withdrew. 
 
 Fierce thoughts, excited by the descriptions he had heard 
 of his father's tragical fate, swept through the young man's 
 mind, and laying his hand upon the coffin, he exclaimed : 
 
 "Thou wert murdered, my father foully murdered 
 and thy blood still cries for vengeance. It may be reserved 
 for thy son to avenge thee. Heaven grant that the assassin 
 may fall into my hands ! " 
 
 But sadder and holier thoughts succeeded before he 
 quitted the vault and returned to Jodrell. 
 
 They had just got back to the house, and were still in the 
 large entrance-hall, when the noise of wheels was heard, 
 and the carriage drove up to the door. 
 
 "Why, bless me!" exclaimed the butler, "here's Sir 
 
The Picture in the Closet. 1 1 1 
 
 Hugh back again already. He must have succeeded," he 
 added, joyfully, " or he wouldn't have returned so soon. 
 Huzza ! huzza ! " 
 
 Hurrying forward, he opened the folding-door, but his 
 countenance fell as he perceived a stranger inside the 
 carriage. While he was swallowing his chagrin, the 
 carriage-door was opened by the officious Pigot, the steps 
 lowered, and the stranger alighted. Jodrell, of course, 
 advanced towards him. 
 
 " Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue," said Pigot to the butler. 
 
 u Who did you say ? " asked Jodrell. 
 
 Pigot repeated the name more deliberately. " Mr. 
 Vandeleur La Hogue." 
 
 " I am come to see Mr. Osbert Leigh," said that per- 
 sonage. " Mention my name to him, if you please. Not 
 that he knows me, but I was a very intimate friend of his 
 * of Captain Chetwynd." 
 
 " Oh, pray walk in, Sir," said Jodrell, bowing. " Mr. 
 Osbert Leigh will be very much pleased to see you, I'm 
 sure. He's in the entrance-hall." 
 
 " I suppose I had better bring in your things, Sir," re- 
 marked the footman. 
 
 " Bring them in, by all means, Pigot," replied Mr. La 
 Hogue. And he followed Jodrell into the entrance-hall. 
 
 On perceiving Osbert, he threw himself into a theatrical 
 attitude, and exclaimed, like the Prince of Denmark 
 addressing his father's shade, 
 
 "Can I believe my eyes? Angels and ministers! My 
 old friend Clarence Chetwynd stands before me ! " 
 
 "No, not the Captain, Sir, but his son," whispered 
 Jodrell. 
 
 " My dear boy, how delighted I am to see you ! " cried 
 La Hogue, rushing up to him, and seizing his hand, which 
 he shook most violently. "I was your father's bosom 
 friend, and by all that's wonderful ! I never saw a son so 
 like his father." 
 
 " Quite true, Sir," remarked Jodrell " quite true. 
 This is Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue, Sir," he added to 
 Osbert. " He appears to know all about you." 
 
 " Of course I know all about him," cried La Hogue, 
 with a wink. " My dear Osbert, I was your father's most 
 
H3 Old Court. 
 
 intimate friend the depository of all his secrets. I knew 
 of his secret marriage," he added, with another wink. 
 
 "Indeed ! " exclaimed Osbert, greatly surprised. " Have 
 you given this information to Sir Hugh ? " 
 
 " No, I met Sir Hugh at Aylesford, and ascertained his 
 errand, but I wouldn't tell him anything till I had seen you, 
 and satisfied myself that you are Clarence's son. I am 
 now perfectly satisfied. My dear boy, you are a Chetwynd, 
 and no mistake." 
 
 " No mistake about it, Sir those were my very words," 
 cried Jodrell, delighted. 
 
 " Now I'm here, my dear Osbert," pursued Mr. La 
 Hogue, "I'll stay and make all right with Sir Hugh." 
 
 " But I can't presume to ask you to stay, Sir," said 
 Osbert ; " I'm merely Sir Hugh's guest, as you are aware." 
 
 " Never mind that. I invite myself," rejoined the free- 
 and-easy gentleman. " Sir Hugh will be delighted to see 
 me, won't he, Jodrell ? " 
 
 "Yes, I think under the circumstances he won't be 
 very angry," replied the butler. 
 
 "Angry! no, I'll engage he won't/' replied La Hogue. 
 <( Here I stay. Let my things be taken up to a room. 
 You must have lots of rooms to spare, Jodrell. Fine old 
 place, but thunderingly dull. By-the-bye, Jodrell, my ride 
 has made me hungry. Luncheon as soon as possible." 
 
 " Directly, Sir. Please to step into the dining-room. 
 The room on the right, Sir." 
 
 "A very singular person, Jodrell," said Osbert, as La 
 Hogue strutted into the dining-room. " I don't much like 
 him." 
 
 " Humour him, Sir humour him," said the old butler. 
 " He evidently possesses the information you require. 
 Your father had some strange friends, and this must be one 
 of them. I have stretched a point in allowing him to 
 remain, but I don't think under the circumstances, as I 
 said before that Sir Hugh will be very angry with me." 
 
 So Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue established himself at Old 
 Court, and, what is more, made up his mind to remain 
 there. 
 
 ctf tije Jfiwt 
 

 BOOK II. 
 
 THE EXPEDITION, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE CONTENTS OF THE CASKET, 
 
 ijjEAVING Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue at Old Court, 
 we will now follow Sir Hugh and Mr. Main- 
 waring to the Bell at Aylesford, where we shall 
 find them established in the comfortable little 
 parlour occupied years ago by the luckless Clarence 
 Chetwynd. They had just finished breakfast, and Main- 
 waring, who was very hungry, had made a capital meal, 
 having got through the best half of a broiled fowl, 
 supplemented by a couple of eggs. A cheerful fire blazed 
 in the grate, and the old gentleman, whose appetite was now 
 fully satisfied, drew his chair beside it, and took up the 
 Times, which had just been laid upon the breakfast-table by 
 the waiter. 
 
 " Now this is what I call comfortable," said Mainwaring, 
 adjusting his eye-glasses preparatory to a scrutiny of the 
 " Latest Intelligence," and a perusal of the leading article. 
 " Nothing like an old-fashioned inn, after all. Though, for 
 the matter of that, I have never been in one of those grand 
 new hotels, but I feel quite sure they're too large to be 
 comfortable. Great halls, great staircases, vast rooms 
 
114 Old Court. 
 
 adorned with big mirrors, tables and chairs without end- 
 all gilding and glitter hundreds of waiters, but no 
 attendance ; that's what I'm told your grand hotel is like. 
 It wouldn't suit me." 
 
 " Nor me either," replied Sir Hugh, who had risen at the 
 same time as his friend and approached the fire. " I don't 
 mean to enter one of them. I am such a recluse, that I 
 know very little of the actual world, but, so far as I can 
 judge, everybody now lives for show, and comfort is entirely 
 sacrificed for splendour. Railways have totally changed 
 the old state of things. They have created the monster 
 hotels you describe, which are necessities to people ever- 
 lastingly moving from place to place but I neither like 
 railways nor monster hotels. The age is altogether too fast 
 for me. But I am quite content," he added, with a grim 
 smile, " to be left behind it." 
 
 " Railways may be very expeditious," said Mainwaring, 
 "but I wish we had the old stage-coaches back again. 
 When they were on the road we beat all the world in travelling, 
 just as we beat it, or could have beaten it, with our army 
 and navy. Now all that's upset. Time and distance are 
 annihilated, folks will tell you, by the electric telegraph, but 
 where's the gain if they are ? We were just as well off 
 better, I think before we had all this lightning-like intelli- 
 gence. Here they are ! " he added, glancing at the news- 
 paper spread out on his lap. " Telegrams from all parts of 
 the world India, America, Russia, Prussia, Turkey. Very 
 wonderful, very exciting, very useful, no doubt. But, in my 
 opinion, this rapid dissemination of news makes people 
 restless and dissatisfied. They would have telegraphic 
 messages every ten minutes if they could, and be in twenty 
 places at once, were it possible. I agree with you, Sir 
 Hugh. The pace at which the present generation goes is 
 too fast much too fast for safety and a crash will come 
 before long a stupendous crash. Fortunes are made in no 
 time by railway directors and promoters of public companies 
 how made we needn't inquire ! and spent as quickly as 
 made. Bubbles of all kinds are blown and burst. It is the 
 age of electricity, and everything must go like lightning. 
 Young men often contrast the present times with the past, 
 and think we must have been dull dogs, because we had no 
 
 
The Contents of the Casket. 115 
 
 railways, no telegraph wires, no powerful steamers. But I 
 can tell them differently. Not having any such wants not 
 perpetually craving for news not caring to travel three 
 hundred miles a day merely for the sake of travelling 
 we were content with our homes, attended to our own 
 affairs, and were far happier. We hadn't got the electric 
 fever, which now prevails to a far greater extent than the 
 cattle plague, and is likely to do far more mischief. What 
 is more, I believe we were a far greater nation then than 
 we now are, for I can't help thinking that the English 
 character is a good deal deteriorated." 
 
 " Nay, now you go further than I am disposed to follow, 
 my good friend," said Sir Hugh. " I certainly prefer the 
 former generation to the present, and think many so-called 
 improvements are no improvements at all; but we must not 
 expect the world to stand still, nor complain because our 
 old notions and old fashions are superseded. I should be 
 sorry to think the English character deteriorated, but I do 
 not believe it is so. I do not belong sufficiently to the 
 present age to understand it, and will not, therefore, offer 
 any opinion upon existing society. I have no desire to 
 mingle with it, but that is simply because society of any 
 kind is distasteful to me, as you know. The fault, therefore, 
 rests with myself." 
 
 " What I meant to say,' 1 observed Mainwaring, " is, that 
 Englishmen of the present day are not made of the same 
 stout stuff that their fathers were. There are no John Bulls 
 now-a-days." 
 
 " My good friend, you disprove your own assertion," re- 
 joined Sir Hugh, smiling. " You are a well-preserved 
 specimen of the genus. But we must cease this discussion. 
 Recollect that I came here on particular business. I am 
 about to summon the landlord. Amuse yourself with the 
 Times while I talk to him." 
 
 Being informed that one of the gentleman in the parlour 
 desired to see him, Mr. Plessets promptly obeyed the 
 summons. The waiter could not give him the gentleman's 
 name, so that Plessets was totally unprepared for a meeting 
 with Sir Hugh, whom he instantly recognised, though he 
 had not beheld him for many years scarcely, indeed, since 
 the inquest. Plessets had lost none of his bulk since we 
 
ii6 Old Court. 
 
 last met him in the same room perhaps he was even fatter, 
 but he looked tolerably well, all things considered. As he 
 stood in great awe of the baronet, he remained near the 
 door, until, being invited by Sir Hugh to come forward and 
 take a seat, he respectfully obeyed. 
 
 " It is in reference to my lamented brother that I desire 
 to speak to you, Plessets," commenced Sir Hugh. " He 
 was staying here on the night when when he met his death. 
 I believe you had some confidential conversation with him. 
 Speak freely before Mr. Mainwaring," he added, glancing at 
 that gentleman, who appeared to be occupied with the 
 newspaper, though he was listening attentively to what was 
 said. " He was Captain Chetwynd's intimate friend, and. is 
 almost as much interested as myself in the inquiries I am 
 anxious to make. Now then, be good enough to tell me, so 
 far as you can recollect, what passed betwean my brother 
 and yourself on that fatal night." 
 
 "You shall know all, Sir Hugh," replied the landlord. 
 " Every word that passed between us is graven on my 
 memory. I should have detailed the conversation at the 
 inquest, but I feared to distress you, and therefore held my 
 tongue. But the matter is so long past that it can scarcely 
 give you pain now." 
 
 " Whether it pains me or not, let me hear what you have 
 to relate, without any suppression," rejoined Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Then I'll come at once to the point, Sir Hugh. Your 
 brother told me that he loved a lady on whom your 
 affections were fixed that she preferred him to you and 
 that no power on earth should induce him to resign her to 
 you. You enjoined me to speak plainly, Sir Hugh," con- 
 tinued Plessets, noticing that the baronet had become pale 
 as death, " and I have done so." 
 
 " Don't mind me, man," cried Sir Hugh, wiping the 
 damps from his brow. "Cut as deeply as you will. I 
 shan't wince. Did he tell you more ? Did he inform you 
 that he had married the lady?" 
 
 "No, Sir Hugh," replied Plessets, amazed. "Was he 
 actually married to her ? " 
 
 " Ay, married," replied the baronet. 
 
 " Bless my soul ! this is a most astounding piece of in- 
 formation," cried Mainwaring, looking up. " I never heard 
 
'The Contents of the Casket. n) 
 
 even a hint of this before. Clarence Chetwynd married ! 
 To whom? in the name of all that's marvellous." 
 
 " Did you ever hear him speak of Amice ? " said Sir 
 Hugh. 
 
 " Yes. I think I have," returned Main waring, after a 
 moment's reflection. " Amice Bourne, eh ? " 
 
 " She was the person," replied Sir Hugh. 
 
 " But, if I recollect aright, she was a person of humble 
 condition," said Mainwaring; "a farmer's daughter, or 
 something of the sort. 'Sdeath ! did he marry her ? " 
 
 "Cast no reproach upon him for the step," cried Sir 
 Hugh, sternly. "Judge what she must have been when I 
 tell you that I myself would have married her if she had not 
 preferred him." 
 
 " Ten thousand pardons," cried Mainwaring, greatly 
 alarmed at the mistake he had committed, and dropping his 
 eye-glasses in his agitation. " I didn't at all understand 
 this I have no doubt Miss Bourne was a most fascinating 
 woman, or she couldn't have captivated you. Pray forgive 
 me!" 
 
 "Both she and Clarence are dead, and all might be for- 
 gotten," said Sir Hugh, " were it not necessary to make some 
 inquiries respecting her." 
 
 "By Jove! a. light breaks upon me," exclaimed Main- 
 waring. " How infernally stupid I have been, to be sure 1 " 
 
 Sir Hugh enjoined silence by a gesture. 
 
 "All this is no news to me, Sir Hugh," remarked Plessets. 
 "Your brother told me all particulars of the case, except 
 that he made no mention of his marriage with the lady. 
 Indeed, to speak the honest truth, I didn't think he was 
 married to her. And I'll tell you why. Shortly after the 
 lamentable occurrence at Kit's Coity House, I discovered 
 that the lady had resided at a cottage situated about half 
 way between this place and Maidstone, and it appears pretty 
 certain that the object that brought the captain to Aylesford 
 on that fatal night was to pay a secret visit to her. Now, 
 what does the poor lady do, after her husband's death if 
 indeed he was her husband ? Does she appear at the in- 
 quest ? Does she make any communication to you ? No, 
 she does nothing of the sort. She immediately disappears, 
 and it is only by accident that her connexion with Captain 
 
n8 Old Court. 
 
 Chetwynd is discovered. Does this look as if she were his 
 wife ? " 
 
 "Very shrewdly remarked, Mr. Plessets," observed Main- 
 waring. 
 
 " She was his wife, I tell you," said the baronet 
 
 " Well, you know best, of course, Sir Hugh," remarked 
 Plessets, rather sceptically. " But, to say the least of it, her 
 conduct seems scarcely consistent with the character.' 7 
 
 " Can you supply me with any information respecting 
 her subsequent to her flight from the cottage ? " said Sir 
 Hugh. 
 
 " Not much," replied the landlord. " Curiosity led me to 
 make enquiries about her, and I found out that she and her 
 old woman-servant went to Tonbridge, where they remained 
 in the strictest privacy for a week, when the lady again dis- 
 appeared, leaving the old woman behind her." 
 
 "Is this all?" demanded the baronet, anxiously. 
 
 " Not quite all, Sir Hugh. I did hear of her again. The 
 old woman, whose name was Margaret " 
 
 "'Margaret Leigh," supplied Sir Hugh, glancing at Main- 
 waring, who nodded his head in reply. 
 
 "Yes, that was the name. Well, as I was saying, old 
 Margaret was left behind at the obscure lodgings at Ton- 
 bridge, and when her mistress did not reappear, became 
 dreadfully uneasy, telling the landlady, Mrs. Bossall, who 
 related the circumstances to me, that she was sure some- 
 thing dreadful had happened. However, her apprehensions 
 in this respect were relieved, for a few days afterwards a 
 letter arrived from her mistress, ordering her to join her 
 without delay. The poor lady, it appeared, was at Ash- 
 ford, and thither old Margaret immediately proceeded. I 
 went over to Ashford on purpose to see her, being anxious 
 to have some conversation with her about the poor captain ; 
 and I may say," he added, looking down, "to offer her 
 assistance, in case she might need it ; but I regret to say 
 that I missed her. She was gone. It seems strange she 
 should have quitted Mrs. Thornhill, whose little dwelling, 
 humble though it was, had been a home to her, to seek 
 another asylum, where she could scarcely expect to meet 
 with so much kindness and attention, but she did so, and 
 quite suddenly. Restlessness appears to have been part of 
 
The Contents of the Casket. i i () 
 
 her malady, poor soul. She did not say where she was 
 going, nor how long she should be away, but she promised 
 to come back, and left a little box with Mrs. Thornhill, re- 
 questing her to take charge of it, but she never returned to 
 reclaim it." 
 
 "You awaken my expectations only to disappoint them," 
 cried Sir Hugh, rising, and pacing the room. 
 
 "Pray did Mrs. Thornhill examine the contents of the 
 box entrusted to her by the lady?" inquired Mainwaring. 
 
 " I believe not," replied Plessets. 
 
 " Then she must have less curiosity than the rest of her 
 sex." 
 
 "Is Mrs. Thornhill still alive?" demanded Sir Hugh, 
 halting. 
 
 "Yes, Sir Hugh, and she still dwells at Ashford, in 
 the same habitation in which Mrs. Bourne lodged with 
 her." 
 
 " I will go to Ashford and see her," cried Sir Hugh. 
 
 "I will go with you if you desire it, Sir Hugh," said 
 Plessets. " I quite understand that it is a delicate inquiry 
 that you are engaged upon, but you may rely on me." 
 
 Sir Hugh expressed himself greatly obliged by the offer, 
 and shortly afterwards the trio repaired to the station, and 
 proceeded by Maidstone to Paddock Wood, and thence to 
 Ashford. 
 
 They soon found themselves at Mrs. Thornhill's dwelling 
 a little detached cottage, near the bridge across the Stour. 
 Opening the door without knocking, Plessets went in, and 
 his companions followed. The little room which they 
 entered bore testimony to the tidy habits of its occupant. 
 Everything looked neat and orderly. Everything was in its 
 place. There was an old sofa, covered with chintz, with its 
 back towards the window, a curious old clock with a brass 
 face in one corner, a well-polished little table, and plenty of 
 glasses and crockery neatly arranged on the shelves. A 
 good fire burnt in the grate and shone on a clean hearth. 
 Mrs. Thornhili was seated by the fire reading the best of 
 books, but she immediately arose on the entrance of the 
 visitors. She was an elderly little woman, thin and withered, 
 and had a slight touch of palsy, but her features, though 
 deeply furrowed, still retained a pleasing and kindly ex- 
 
3t2o Old Court. 
 
 pression. She immediately recognised Plessets, and bade 
 hirn welcome, and, on learning the errand of the strangers, 
 begged them to be seated. Accordingly, they placed them- 
 selves on the sofa, while Plessets took up a position near 
 the fire. 
 
 When the errand of her visitors was more fully explained 
 to her she became greatly affected, and not being able to 
 recover herself, quitted the room for a few minutes. On her 
 return she brought a small ebony casket, which she placed 
 upon the table. 
 
 "Poor Mrs. Bourne entrusted this little box to my care," 
 she said, in a sorrowful tone, " desiring me to take charge 
 of it till her return, and I have kept it safely till now. But 
 since you tell me she is dead I have no longer any business 
 with it, and am ready to deliver it to those who have the 
 right to it." 
 
 " I have that right, Mrs. Thornhill/' said Sir Hugh, rising 
 to take the casket. 
 
 " I don't question your right, Sir," said Mrs. Thornhill, 
 "but I should like to feel sure that I am delivering it to the 
 proper person." 
 
 "I applaud your caution, my good woman," said Sir 
 Hugh. " But have no fear. The casket shall be opened 
 in your presence." 
 
 He then took up the little box and examined it. It was 
 locked, and there was no key; but Sir Hugh signifying his 
 wish that it should be broken open, Plessets produced a 
 case-knife, and quickly forced the lock. The box only 
 contained a few letters and a small pocket-book. The hand- 
 writing of all the letters which Sir Hugh took up was that 
 of his brother, and after glancing at them for a moment he 
 replaced them in the casket. His attention was next 
 directed to the pocket-book. In it he found a piece of 
 folded paper. Half guessing what it was, he eagerly opened 
 opened it, and, after a moment's scrutiny, called out, regard- 
 less of the presence of Mrs. Thornhill 
 
 " Here is proof positive of the marriage. Look, Main- 
 waring ! Look, Plessets ! Convince yourselves." 
 
 And he exhibited the document to their gaze. 
 
 It was the marriage certificate of Clarence Chet \vynd 
 and Amicia Bourne. 
 
'The Contents of the Casket. 121 
 
 Both persons pressed forward to look at it, and Mrs. 
 Thornhill regarded it from a distance with tearful eyes. 
 
 " All regular ! " exclaimed Mainwaring, who had put on 
 his glasses to examine the document. " Upon my soul ! 
 this is a most important discovery. They were married at 
 Croydon, I perceive, and by the Rev. Walter Liddulph. 
 This sets the matter completely at rest, but without this evi- 
 dence I must frankly own that I should never have believed 
 that the marriage actually took place." 
 
 "Neither should I," added Plessets. "But there's no 
 doubt about it now." 
 
 " Then the poor lady was really Mrs. Chetwynd, and not 
 Mrs. Bourne, as I supposed?" remarked Mrs. Thornhill. 
 
 "Ay," rejoined Sir Hugh. "There is no need now for 
 concealment. She was my brother's wife." 
 
 "I am very glad to hear you say so, Sir," rejoined Mrs, 
 Thornhill, " and I am also very glad that the certificate has 
 been found, for I was quite aware when she lodged with me 
 that she was likely to become a mother. I hope she didn't 
 die before the child was born ? " 
 
 "No, her son yet lives, my good woman/ 1 said Sir Hugh. 
 " It is on his account that I am making the present inquiry. 
 You have rendered him a most important service by so care- 
 fully preserving this box, What I require now are proofs of 
 the child's birth, and of the mother's death, neither of which 
 I possess." 
 
 " Would to heaven I could aid you, Sir ! " exclaimed good 
 Mrs. Thornhill. " But I have not the slightest notion what 
 became of her after she left this house. I constantly ex- 
 pected to hear from her, but no letter came." 
 
 And she again burst into tears. 
 
 "Here, then, we are at fault," cried Sir Hugh, securing 
 the pocket-book, in which he had replaced the precious 
 document. " How shall I continue the search ? " 
 
 " Perhaps something may be learnt from these letters," 
 said Mainwaring, taking them out of the box to examine 
 them. 
 
 " They are all from Clarence," said Sir Hugh, shuddering, 
 and averting his gaze from them. 
 
 " Not all," remarked Mainwaring. " I know Clarence's 
 hand well enough. Here's one not written by him, and 
 
12* Old Court. 
 
 addressed to Mrs. Bourne, with Mrs. Thornhill; near the 
 Bridge, Ashford." 
 
 " I recollect that letter," cried the good dame. " It 
 arrived three or four days before she left. I took it in 
 myself, and noticed that it bore the Dover postmark." 
 
 " This is it ! " exclaimed Mainwaring. " Let us see what 
 it says. Hurrah ! we've recovered the scent. This letter 
 is from John Baldwin, a house-agent, apparently informing 
 Mrs. Bourne that, according to her instructions, he has taken 
 Cliff Cottage for her at Sandgate. She must have gone 
 thither when she left." 
 
 " No doubt ! " cried Sir Hugh. " We will proceed to 
 Sandgate." 
 
 "First let us go to Dover, and look up the house-agent 
 Baldwin," said Mainwaring. " If he is alive he may give 
 us all the information we require." 
 
 Sir Hugh agreed, and it was settled that they should start 
 by the first train for Dover. While taking leave of Mrs. 
 Thornhill, and thanking her for the important service she 
 had rendered him, Sir Hugh made her a handsome present, 
 which the good dame very reluctantly accepted. Main- 
 waring took charge of the casket. Before parting with 
 Plessets, who accompanied them to the station, Sir Hugh 
 engaged him to come over in a few days to Old Court. 
 
 The two gentlemen had not to wait long for a train, 
 nor were they long on the way. In little more than half 
 an hour after quitting Ashford, they arrived at Dover,. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 HOW FURTHER INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED AT DOVER. 
 
 JIROCEEDING to that old and comfortable hotel 
 the " Ship/' which they selected in preference to its 
 ostentatious rival, they secured rooms, and then 
 repaired to Snargate Street, where the house- 
 agent's offices were situated. Mr. Baldwin still occupied his 
 old offices, but unluckily, he was not at home, and not 
 expected back till late at night ; and his clerk could give 
 Sir Hugh no information respecting Cliff Cottage, Sandgate. 
 He did not even know there was such a cottage, and so 
 many years had elapsed since the place was let that he 
 could not refer to the books. But he promised that Mr. 
 Baldwin should call upon Sir Hugh at the " Ship " about ten 
 o'clock next morning, and with this promise the baronet was 
 obliged to be content. Too impatient, however, to brook 
 so much delay, he took the railway to Folkestone, leaving 
 Mainwaring to amuse himself by watching the arrival and 
 departure of the packets, and desiring him to order dinner 
 at eight o'clock, by which hour he expected to be back. 
 
 This arrangement was very agreeable to the old gentle- 
 man, who, though eager for a solution of the mystery, had 
 had enough trouble for the day; so after a little con- 
 fabulation with the most obliging and intelligent of landlords, 
 whom he had known many years ago, and who recollected 
 him perfectly, he buttoned up his great-coat, put on his 
 shawl, and proceeded to the pier. 
 
 All was new to him, and so changed, that he scarcely 
 
124 Old Court. 
 
 knew the place. However, there was the proudly-situated 
 castle on the cliffs, looking down upon him majestically, to 
 convince him that he was in Dover, and he was obliged to 
 confess to himself that the changes which had taken 
 place in the town were for the better. As he walked 
 along the magnificent new pier, with the breeze blowing 
 against his face, and saw the waves dashing against the 
 granite masses, he was struck by the grandeur and solidity of 
 the work. Sharp though it was, the breeze inspirited him 
 and did him good, while every object he beheld sailors, 
 packets, shipping, craft of all sizes in the harbour had 
 a novelty for him. The bustle of the landing-places, the 
 shouts of the sailors, all amused him, and he began to 
 feel a strong inclination to cross over to France. 
 
 In this manner time slipped by insensibly, and it was 
 dark before he began to think of returning to the Ship. 
 Numberless lights marked the outline of the town, and the 
 noble old fortress was just distinguishable through the gloom, 
 looking like an enchanted castle on the lofty hill. 
 
 Much as he had enjoyed his stroll on the pier, and 
 invigorated as he felt by the sea-air he had inhaled, the old 
 gentleman was by no means displeased to find himself 
 seated by a good fire in a comfortable room, and none the 
 worse for the glass of fine old sherry administered by his 
 attentive host. Thus corroborated, and with the Pall Mall 
 Gazette to discuss, he felt well able to wait for dinner. 
 
 By-and-by Sir Hugh made his appearance, his looks 
 announcing ill success. He had searched Sandgate in vain. 
 No ClirT Cottage was to be found. Years ago there was a 
 small tenement so designated, but it had been pulled down 
 and a marine villa erected in its place. No one remembered 
 Mrs. Bourne. 
 
 The dinner was excellent : capital Dover soles fried to 
 perfection, a saddle of mutton roasted to a turn, a wood- 
 cock, and a savoury omelette all of which Main waring 
 enjoyed prodigiously, though they did not tempt the 
 abstemious baronet, who ate very sparingly. In con- 
 sequence of this, Mainwaring got considerably more than 
 his share of the sherry, and felt bound to finish the bottle of 
 old port brought for them by the host. Sir Hugh retired 
 early, and left him to the enjoyment of his wine, and at % 
 
Further Information at Dover. 125 
 
 later hour the old gentleman marched off to bed in a very 
 genial condition. 
 
 Habitually an early riser, Sir Hugh was out next. . 
 morning as soon as it was light, and this was past seven ' 
 o'clock, for we must not forget that it was mid-winter, and! 
 after visiting the pier, walking round the quays, and gazing 
 at the various objects which possessed as much novelty and 
 interest for him as for Mainwaring, he mounted to the castle 
 heights, and contemplated the almost unequalled sea view 
 which they command. It was a clear fresh morning, and 
 the French coast was perfectly discernible. A smart breeze 
 was blowing in the Channel, and numerous large ships were 
 in sight. Enthralled by the superb view, Sir Hugh for awhile 
 forgot his cares, and it was with a sigh that he prepared to 
 descend by the steep steps to the town. On his return he 
 found Mainwaring waiting for him, and looking none the 
 worse for his potations over-night. The old gentleman was 
 occupied with the paper, as usual. The breakfast equipage 
 was on the table, and the bell being rung, the materials for 
 an excellent repast were brought in broiled fish of two 
 sorts, cutlets, sausages, stewed kidneys, broiled ham and 
 eggs. At this profuse repast Mainwaring played an active 
 part, as was his wont, but Sir Hugh took nothing more than 
 a modicum of dry toast and a cup of tea, without either 
 cream or sugar. 
 
 " Sorry to find the sea air has not improved your appetite. 
 Sir Hugh," observed Mainwaring. '* It has made me 
 ferociously hungry. These broiled soles are capital. Do- 
 try 'em. You can't eat soles in perfection except here or at 
 Hastings, so don't throw away the opportunity. Our worthy 
 host says these are just caught, and I'll swear he's light, for 
 they're wonderfully full of flavour. Try 'em, I beg of you." 
 
 Sir Hugh shook his head. . 
 
 " I envy you your appetite, Mainwaring," he said. " I 
 have none. The daintiest dish fails to tempt me." 
 
 "I marvel you can exist on so little," remarked Main- 
 waring, helping himself to some stewed kidneys. 
 
 " Were I to eat those I should soon cease to exist," said 
 the baronet. "You must have marvellous powers of 
 digestion." 
 
 " So I have, Heaven be thanked ! Never ill in all my 
 
126 Old Court. 
 
 life that is, very rarely and only in consequence of 
 indiscretion. You would be all the better if you followed 
 my example," he added, again applying to the kidneys. 
 
 " I have done," said Sir Hugh. " But pray don't hurry 
 yourself." 
 
 And he got up and moved to the fire. 
 
 <; I never do hurry myself at breakfast, or any other meal," 
 remarked Mainwaring, attacking the cutlets, and pursuing his 
 course with unabated vigour. 
 
 The old gentleman had not quite finished, when Mr. 
 Baldwin was introduced by the waiter. He was rather an 
 elderly man, tall, thin, grey, and wore spectacles. He was 
 very civil, and regretted exceedingly that he had not been 
 at home when Sir Hugh did him the honour to call on the 
 previous day. He then proceeded to explain, that on 
 being informed of the object of Sir Hugh's inquiries, he had 
 refreshed his memory by reference to his books, and found 
 that it was about twenty-one years ago since he let Cliff 
 Cottage to Mrs. Bourne. 
 
 "I perfectly recollect the circumstance," he said. "She 
 wrote to me from Ashford, inquiring about a cottage near 
 the sea-side, and I replied that I had one to let at Sandgate, 
 which I thought would suit her exactly. The rent was very 
 moderate, and she agreed to take the cottage, and came to 
 it shortly afterwards with an old woman-servant. But she 
 didn't occupy the place lonej. She was out of health, and 
 Sandgate didn't agree with her, I suppose. She only 
 remained two months at Cliff Cottage." 
 
 "Whither did she go next, Mr. Baldwin?" demanded Sir 
 Hugh. " It is most important to me to ascertain that 
 point." 
 
 " I am happy to be able to give you further information 
 respecting her," replied Baldwin. " On quitting Sandgate, 
 Mrs. Bourne went to Hastings." 
 
 " To Hastings ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh. 
 
 "Yes, but she didn't remain there more than a week. 
 She then moved on to Lewes, and after staying there for 
 another week proceeded to Brighton. I am able to furnish 
 you with these particulars, because I corresponded with her 
 at the time, and have preserved her letters. As I have 
 stated, she proceeded from Lewes to Brighton." 
 
Further Information at Dover. 127 
 
 " Well, I trust she stopped at Brighton, Mr. Baldwin/' 
 observed Mainwaring from the breakfast-table. " We can't 
 follow her along the whole coast of Sussex." 
 
 " No, Sir, she did not stop at Brighton. She went on to 
 Portslade, a small village between Brighton and Shoreham." 
 
 "I know it," grunted Mainwaring. 
 
 " If you know Portslade, Sir, you may know a pretty 
 little house on the green near the church. Ivy Cottage it is 
 called. She took that house. There my information ends, 
 gentlemen ; I can tell you nothing further." 
 
 "Then you don't know whether she died at Portslade, 
 Mr. Baldwin ? " asked Sir Hugh. 
 
 ' : Till this moment, I was not even aware of her death," 
 replied the house-agent. "I received one letter from her 
 after her arrival at Portslade, but with that our cor- 
 respondence terminated. I know nothing more. But you 
 will easily obtain information on the spot." 
 
 " I will go to Brighton for that purpose to-day," said Sir 
 Hugh. " I am greatly obliged to you, Mr. Baldwin, and I 
 hope you will allow me to compensate you for the service 
 you have rendered me. I cannot take up your valuable 
 time for nothing." 
 
 " I am equally obliged to you, Sir Hugh," replied the 
 house-agent, " but I require no compensation. In the last 
 letter which I received from poor Mrs. Bourne, she re- 
 mitted me a five-pound note, which more than covered my 
 charges, so that in reality I have been all this time in her 
 debt. I wish you good-morning, gentlemen," he added, 
 rising and taking up his hat. " I trust your inquiries may 
 be successful." 
 
 " One word more, Mr. Baldwin," said Sir Hugh. " You 
 mentioned that you have preserved Mrs. Bourne's letters. 
 Should they be required, you will have no objection to 
 deliver them up ? " 
 
 " Not the slightest," observed the obliging house-agent. 
 
 And bowing to both gentlemen, he departed. 
 
 "A mighty civil fellow, remarked Mainwaring, as the 
 door was closed. "Well, I suppose we must be off to 
 Brighton, Sir Hugh, eh ? Can't you postpone the journey 
 till to-morrow ? We're very well off here, and I should 
 enjoy another day at Dover." 
 
123 Old Court. 
 
 "I'm sorry I can't oblige you," rejoined the baronet. 
 " We must go to Brighton. I detest the place, and sha'n't 
 stop there long." 
 
 " Long enough to see your daughter, I presume ? " re- 
 marked Main waring. 
 
 " Ah, Lucetta ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh, a sudden pang 
 shooting across his breast. " For the moment I had for- 
 gotten that she is in Brighton. I am not sure that I shall 
 see her. An unexpected visit from me would be anything 
 but agreeable to Lady Danvers, and I have no desire to 
 bore her ladyship. No, I don't think I shall call on them." 
 
 The bill was paid, and moderate enough it was, consider- 
 ing the quality of the wine which Mainwaring had imbibed, 
 the carpet-bags were expeditiously packed up and conveyed 
 to the station, and in less than half an hour the two gentle- 
 men had bidden adieu to Dover, and were dashing through 
 the tunnel which desecrates Shakspeare's Cliff. Our friends 
 had taken the South Eastern line to Red Hill, and in due 
 time reached their destinatipn. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE RENCOUNTER AT RED HILL. 
 
 ||T Red Hill junction they found, as 'many other 
 persons have found to their annoyance, that 
 there was no junction at all. The train they 
 expected to catch was just gone, and there was 
 no other train to Brighton for nearly two hours. This 
 was vexatious, but there was no hqlp. Wait they must. 
 The delay, however, Mr. Mainwaring thought, would 
 enable them to partake of a little luncheon, and the 
 baronet acceding to the suggestion, they repaired to Mr. 
 Laker's pretty little inn adjoining the station. The aspect 
 of the pleasant hostel, with its rustic porch and latticed 
 windows, favourably impressed them both, and they 
 entered a cheerful-looking room on the right, in which 
 blazed a good fire. 
 
 Mainwaring having most interest in the luncheon, 
 ordered some cold meat, and this done, marched to the 
 fire, and stood with his back before it in the Englishman's 
 most approved style, while Sir Hugh, who seemed in- 
 sensible to cold, took up a paper, and sat down in the 
 recess formed by a bay-window. There were only two 
 other persons in the room besides himself and Sir Hugh, 
 and these were seated at a table near the windows on the 
 opposite side looking upon the garden. No doubt they 
 were in the same predicament as our travellers, and were 
 beguiling the tedium of delay by luncheon. Mutton-chops 
 and pale ale, diluted with Seltzer-water, were before them., 
 
r3o Old Court. 
 
 Both were very handsome, stylish-looking men un- 
 mistakably military though of course in the ordinary attire 
 of gentlemen. We may as well state at once that they 
 were no other than Captain Fanshaw and his brother- 
 officer, Major Trevor. They were going on by the South 
 Eastern Railway, but, like our friends, had been brought to 
 a halt at Red Hill. When Mainwaring first glanced at 
 them, the two officers were talking of some military friends 
 whom they had just encountered at the station, and who 
 were proceeding to Aldershot. This did not much interest 
 the old gentleman, but he began to prick up his ears at 
 what followed. 
 
 " This stoppage will make us confoundedly late at Old 
 Court," said Fanshaw. "The place is most inconveniently 
 situated nearly an hour's drive from Edenbridge and we 
 shall be some time in getting a trap." 
 
 " Have you ever been to Old Court?" inquired Major 
 Trevor. 
 
 " Never," replied Rainald. " Lady Danvers describes it 
 as a most dismal place, but I have had a very different 
 description of it from some one else, who is much better 
 able to judge about it than her ladyship." 
 
 " What the deuce can take them to Old Court ? " 
 thought Mainwaring, glancing at Sir Hugh, who looked up 
 slightly from the newspaper he was reading. 
 
 " I tell you what, Major," said Fanshaw, lowering his 
 voice, but not so much so as to render what he said in- 
 audible to the listeners, " my courage begins to fail me. 
 Last night, at the Courcy Dormers', 1 felt as bold as a lion, 
 but now I am very much in the state of Bob Acres when 
 he went out to fight the duel. Upon my soul ! I'd rather 
 go through a second Balaclava charge than face this for- 
 midable baronet." 
 
 " Bah ! you'll go through the business well enough," 
 rejoined Major Trevor, laughing. "But what sort of 
 person is Sir Hugh, that you should stand in such awe of 
 him ? You're not generally timorous." 
 
 Here Sir Hugh glanced at Mainwaring, intimating that it 
 would be proper to interpose. 
 
 " Ahem ! gentlemen," said Mainwaring, coughing slightly 
 to attract their attention, " I fancy you are speaking of Sir 
 
The Rencounter at Red Hill. 131 
 
 Hugh Chetwynd, of Old Court. I think it right to mention 
 that he is my particular friend." 
 
 " We were not talking any harm of him, I hope, Sir," re- 
 joined Rainald. " I have not the pleasure of knowing Sir 
 Hugh personally, but as you say you are intimately 
 acquainted with him, perhaps you will be good enough to 
 tell us what he is like. Describe him, if you please." 
 
 " Perhaps you have got his photograph?" said Major 
 Trevor, laughing. 
 
 " No, Sir, I have not," replied Mainwaring, rather dryly. 
 " Sir Hugh never had his photograph taken." 
 
 " I'm aware of it," remarked Rainald. " Miss Chetwynd 
 informed me of his peculiarity in that respect. She never 
 could induce him, she told me, to sit for his portrait. 
 Strange repugnance, eh, Major?" 
 
 " Absurd ! " laughed Trevor. " An ill-looking fellow, I 
 should imagine." 
 
 " Soh ! then you know Lucetta ? " said Mainwaring, 
 glancing at Sir Hugh while putting the question. 
 
 " Slightly," replied Rainald. " I have met her out in 
 society at Brighton. A remarkably fine girl ! Don't you 
 think so ? " 
 
 " I never met her equal, and I've seen a good many fine 
 girls in my time," replied the old gentleman. 
 
 " We're all agreed about Miss Chetwynd," remarked 
 Major Trevor. " She's a monstrous fine girl the reigning 
 belle of Brighton. But tell us about her father. What's he 
 like? We're going to see him, and want to know what 
 sort of person we shall find." 
 
 "Are you going to him by invitation, gentlemen, may I 
 ask ? " said Mainwaring. 
 
 " No ; we're going to take him by surprise," responded 
 Rainald "by surprise, eh, Major?" 
 
 u Yes, we shall surprise him immensely," laughed Trevor. 
 
 ' Not more than you surprise me, gentlemen," said Main- 
 waring. " I can assure you that Sir Hugh Chetwynd is not 
 a person to be intruded upon." 
 
 An interruption was here offered rather opportunely by 
 the waiter, who brought in a fine cold sirloin of beef and a 
 bowl of smoking potatoes, and placed them on a table. 
 Ordering a tr^kard of Allsopp, Mainwaring sat down, and 
 
132 Old Court. 
 
 set vigorously to work upon the juicy sirloin, but Sir Hugh 
 declined to join in the repast. 
 
 "Bring the bill, waiter," cried Captain Fanshaw, con- 
 sulting his watch. " We must be off directly. I'll have 
 another turn with that old buffer," he whispered to the \ 
 major. " You haven't yet described Sir Hugh Chetwynd 
 to us, Sir," he continued, addressing Mainwaring. " He is 
 very haughty and reserved, eh ? " 
 
 "Quite the contrary," replied Mainwaring, who had 
 heard himself called an old buffer, and determined to be 
 even with them. " Extremely affable and agreeable. I 
 don't know a more courteous person than Sir Hugh. 
 Splendid sirloin this," he added, as he placed a couple of 
 slices on his plate. 
 
 " But he leads a very solitary unsociable life never has 
 any visitors, eh ? " 
 
 "Wrong again/' rejoined Mainwaring. "At this very 
 time he has a house full of company jolly doings, I can 
 promise you ha ! ha! I ought to know, for I've just left 
 Old Court." 
 
 " This is not at all what you led me to expect, Fanshaw/' 
 observed Major Trevor. "I understood from you that 
 Old Court was the dullest place imaginable, and Sir 
 
 Hugh " 
 
 " Hush ! " cried Rainald. " I suspect the old buffer is 
 chaffing us. I'm glad to hear what you tell me, Sir," he 
 added to Mainwaring* "Apparently Sir Hugh takes 
 advantage of his daughter's absence to invite his friends." 
 
 " That's it," rejoined Mainwaring. " He's in no hurry 
 for her return ha ! ha ! " 
 
 "And now as to his personal appearance ? " interposed 
 Major Trevor. "Since you can't show us his photograph, 
 tell us what he's like.'* 
 
 " He's rather like me only considerably fatter,*' replied 
 Mainwaring, taking a pull at the Allsopp which the waitei 
 had set on the table beside him. "He suffers terribly from 
 gout, and it's not to be wondered at, considering the 
 tremendous rate at which he lives drinks his two bottles oi 
 old port every day after dinner to say nothing of the hock 
 and champagne that have gone before. By-the-bye, I'll give 
 you a hint. Sir Hugh has some wonderful Serchial 
 
The Rencounter' at Red Hill 133 
 
 Madeira. I recommend you to try it, since you're going to 
 Old Court." 
 
 "Thank you," said Major Trevor. "I shall make a 
 point of doing so." 
 
 "Your description of Sir Hugh differs most materially 
 from all I have heard of him," said Ramald. " But I hope 
 it may prove correct. If so, we shall have a pleasanter 
 visit than we anticipated eh, Major?" 
 
 " Much pleasanter," replied Trevor. " I like the notion 
 of the Madeira immensely. It's a wine one don't get now- 
 a-days. Has the old boy a good smoking-room?'* he 
 added, taking out his cigar-case as he spoke. 
 
 " None in particular," responded M inwaring ; "but you 
 may smoke where you please, now that Miss Chetwynd is 
 away in the hall, in the library, in the dining-room, in the 
 billiard-room in your bed-room Sir Hugh doesn't object 
 rather likes it." 
 
 "Bravo!" exclaimed the major. "You incidentally 
 mentioned a billiard-room, Sir. Is Sir Hugh fond of 
 billiards?" 
 
 "Remarkably fond," replied the old gentleman, "and 
 plays a very good game, He'll give you ten, and beat yon." 
 
 "Will he?" cried the major. "I should like to see 
 him do it." 
 
 " If you care for whist," said Mainwaring, who, having 
 got into the vein, couldn't check himself, " you'll get a 
 rubber at Old Court. Sir Hugh sits down to whist every 
 night, and doesn't set his face against ecarte" 
 
 " I can stand this no longer!" cried the subject of the 
 conversation, getting up and stepping towards the table, at 
 which the officers were seated. " Gentlemen, my friend is 
 jesting with you. Sir Hugh Chetwynd is exactly the 
 reverse of what he has been represented. He keeps no 
 company, gives very bad dinners, drinks no wine, never had 
 a touch of gout in his life, never plays at cards or billiards,, 
 and detests smoking. I won't say that he is absolutely 
 inhospitable, but he is the next thing to it." 
 
 " Stop ! stop ! " cried Mainwaring. " I won't hear Sir 
 Hugh calumniated. I may have exaggerated a little,, 
 gentlemen, but my description is right in the main, as 5 you'll 
 find when you get to Old Court." 
 
134 Gld C'ourt. 
 
 "It may save you some trouble, gentlemen," said the 
 baronet, " if you will mention your business to me. 1 shall 
 see Sir Hugh before long, and will mention it to him." 
 
 "Are you his man of business, Sir?" inquired Major 
 Trevor, rather impertinently. 
 
 " He does nothing without consulting me," rejoined the 
 other. " Your business, whatever it may be, is sure to be 
 referred to me." 
 
 "No, it wouldn't be proper," said Rainald, after a 
 moment's reflection. " I must go to Old Court." 
 
 " I advise you not. You will be disappointed," said Sir 
 Hugh. " But since you are resolved, I'll give you a letter. 
 It will ensure your admittance to the hall, which might 
 otherwise be refused you. Favour me with your names ? " 
 
 " Captain Fanshaw and Major Trevor, 40th Hussars," 
 replied Rainald. 
 
 Sir Hugh sat down at a side-table, on which there were 
 writing materials, and traced a few hasty lines on a sheet of 
 note-paper, which he enclosed in an envelope, and then 
 directing the letter, gave it to Captain Fanshaw. 
 
 " A thousand thanks ! " exclaimed Rainald. " But this 
 letter, I observe, is addressed to Mr. Jodrell." 
 
 " Jodrell is Sir Hugh's butler his factotum, ui short," 
 returned the baronet. " If Sir Hugh should be from home, 
 pray stay till to-morrow. I'm pretty sure he'll be back 
 then. Make yourselves quite at home. Do just as you 
 please/ 
 
 " You speak as if the house were your own, Sir," re- 
 marked Rainald, laughing. 
 
 " I am accustomed to consider myself at home at Old 
 Court," rejoined Sir Hugh. "Perhaps we may meet again 
 .there." 
 
 While the two officers, aided by the assiduous waiter, 
 'were putting on their rough over-coats, and otherwise 
 .preparing to fence out the cold, Mainwaring called out, in a 
 jocular tone, 
 
 "Good-day, gentlemen. You'll soon find out whether 
 smy description of Sir Hugh, or my friend's, is the most 
 .accurate. Don't forget to ask Jodrell for the Serchiai 
 Madeira, and a bottle of Sir Christopher's old port." 
 
 After an exchange of parting civilities, the two officers 
 
The Rencounter at Red Hill. 1 35 
 
 quitted the room. While they were in the passage outside, 
 lighting their cigars, Mr. Laker came out of his room to 
 see them off, and Captain Fanshaw inquired if he knew the 
 two gentlemen in the coffee-room. 
 
 " The old gentleman with the purple face is Mr. Main- 
 waring rather a well-known man about town in former 
 days," replied Mr. Laker. " But I don't know his friend." 
 
 *' Ah ! it's the friend that I'm curious about, Laker," said 
 Captain Fanshaw "the tall dark gentleman. You don't 
 know him, eh ! " 
 
 " I do not, Sir," replied Mr. Laker ; " never saw him 
 before, that Pm aware of." 
 
 The cigars being lighted, the two officers departed, taking 
 their way to the station. 
 
 "An odd idea has occurred to me," remarked Rainald, 
 as they walked along. " I can't help thinking that tall dark 
 man must be Sir Hugh Chetwynd." 
 
 " The devil ! Let us go back and make sure." 
 
 " No, that would be a wrong move," rejoined Rainald. 
 " He would have made himself known if he had been so 
 disposed. I mustn't offend him. If it should be Sir Hugh, 
 he must be on the way to Brighton to see Lucetta. She 
 and her aunt will make all right, and obviate the necessity 
 of explanations on my part. We'll go on to Old Court, and 
 await his return." 
 
 " And have a jolly carouse," said the major, laughing. 
 "You've got a letter to the butler. We'll make him 
 produce some of that famous Serchial." 
 
 " Upon my soul, it will be quite an adventure some- 
 thing to talk about to Lucetta," said Rainald. " I shall be 
 charmed to visit every nook and corner of the old house in 
 which the dear girl has passed her life." 
 
 Chatting in this way they entered the station, and almost 
 before they had finished their cigars the train brought them 
 to Edenbridge, where they got out, and engaged a con- 
 veyance to Old Court. 
 
 " I tell you what, Sir Hugh," remarked Mainwaring, as 
 they were left alone in the coffee-room, " it's my belief that 
 Captain Fanshaw is going to Old Court to ask your consent 
 to his marriage with Lucetta. Well, he's a deuced fine- 
 looking fellow. Don't you think so ? " 
 
^6 Old Court. 
 
 "I think nothing about him," rejoined the baronet, 
 coldly. " You may be right, but if he had asked my 
 consent as he stood there, I should have refused him." 
 
 "Then I'm uncommonly glad he didn't," said Main- 
 waring. " See Lucetta, and hear what she has to say before 
 you decide. Perhaps her affections are engaged to this 
 handsome young fellow. He's just the man to win a girl's 
 heart." 
 
 " I shall bestow no thought on the subject till my present 
 inquiries are ended," said Sir Hugh. " Have you done ? " 
 
 " Quite," replied the old gentleman, rising from the 
 table. 
 
 The bill was paid, great-coats put on, the waiter gratified, 
 and in their turn they marched to the station, but without 
 cigars. They had not been long upon the crowded and 
 bustling platform, when they were greeted with cries of 
 " Train for Brighton ! " In another minute the train came 
 up, and entering a carriage, they were borne swiftly off to 
 the Queen of Watering Places. On arriving there, they 
 drove at once to the "Old Ship," in compliance with a 
 suggestion from Mainwaring, who retained a very agreeable 
 recollection of that excellent house. 
 

 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 MOW SIR HUGH AND HIS FRIEND WERE STOPPED ON THE 
 WEST CLIFF, AND WHOM THEY BEHELD DURING THE 
 STOPPAGE. 
 
 j]IR HUGH did not alight, but remained in the 
 hired carriage at the door of the hotel, while 
 Mainwaring secured rooms, and held a brief con- 
 ference with the complaisant Mr. Bacon on the 
 all-important subject of dinner. This point being settled 
 to his entire satisfaction Mr. Bacon had promised him a 
 bottle of '34 port he rejoined his companion, and the 
 coachman being ordered to drive to Portslade, set off at 
 the slow pace habitual to Brighton fly-drivers, who ought to 
 take a lesson from their London brethren of the whip. 
 
 The afternoon being very fine, nothing could be gayer 
 and more animating than the scene presented to them a 
 smooth sparkling sea spreading on the left crowds of well- 
 dressed people on the footways and a throng of splendid 
 equipages in the road. In fact, the carriages were so 
 numerous, that our friends, whose progress was slow 
 enough to begin with, could soon scarcely get on at all. 
 Everybody seemed cheerful : lively discourse and light 
 laughter continually caught the ear. Mainwaring, who had 
 not been in Brighton for some years, but who recollected it 
 well in George IV.'s time, was struck with the improve- 
 ments, and charmed with all he beheld. He was delighted 
 with the shops, with the multitudes of pretty women (where 
 are so many pretty women to be seen as at Brighton ?), with 
 
138 " Old Court. 
 
 the number and variety of the equipages above all, with 
 the horses. He declared he had never seen such horses, 
 and wondered where the deuce they all came from ? Mr. 
 March Ripley passed him in his well-appointed drag, and 
 the young banker's matchless turn-out and pair of chestnuts 
 elicited the old gentleman's warm approval "That young 
 fellow drives well," he said, "and has a capital pair of 
 light horses almost thorough-bred. My stars ! what's 
 that ? " he continued, as, having reached a somewhat more 
 open space just beyond the battery, a lightly built trap, 
 with large wheels, and drawn by a wonderful black horse 
 with flowing mane and tail, dashed past like a meteor, 
 scarcely allowing Mainwaring to notice the build of the 
 vehicle, or the appearance of the driver. All that Main- 
 waring could discern of the latter was, that he was a hand- 
 some man with a reddish-coloured beard. The gentleman 
 in question was no other than the hospitable Mr. Courcy 
 Dormer exercising one of his Russian horses. A hundred 
 eyes followed him in his rapid flight, but he was out of 
 sight in a second. 
 
 " By Jove ! that horse must be doing twenty miles an 
 hour," cried Mainwaring, who had thrust his head out of 
 the window to look after him. "I didn't think there was 
 such an animal," added the old gentleman, little dreaming 
 that Mr. Courcy Dormer had a dozen such. 
 
 Scarcely had the admiration excited by this spectacle 
 subsided, than the fly-driver came to a halt, and, on look- 
 ing out, Mainwaring perceived that two carriages, coming 
 from opposite directions, which had been drawn up close 
 together, to allow their fair occupants a moment's converse, 
 had occasioned the stoppage. Both were splendid open 
 barouches, well appointed in all respects, and vied with, if 
 they did not surpass in elegance, any that Mainwaring had 
 as yet seen on the Cliff. But it was not the carriages it 
 was not the portly and bearded Russian coachman on the 
 box of one of them nor the magnificent horses nor the 
 ladies who graced the carriages but a lovely girl who sat 
 in the barouche coming from the west, and who con- 
 sequently faced him, that attracted Mainwaring's special 
 attention. He knew this fair young creature, and he also 
 knew the lady by her side, but he did not know Mrs. 
 
The Stoppage on th& West Cliff. 139 
 
 Courcy Dormer, with whom they were conversing, though 
 he was struck by her attire, and by the amiable expression 
 of her countenance. 
 
 All the ladies were wrapped in velvets and furs but 
 they all wore charming bonnets, with the exception of 
 Lucetta, whose dark tresses were covered by a most be- 
 witching little hat. Unconscious of the admiration she 
 excited among the passers-by, many of whom stopped to 
 gaze at her, astonished by her beauty, she laughed and 
 talked to Mrs. Courcy Dormer, displaying fresh charms 
 every moment. A soft bloom dyed her cheeks, and gave 
 additional brilliancy to her eyes. 
 
 It was Sir Hugh's fortune once more to hear himself 
 discussed. The fly in which he and Mainwaring sat, had 
 stopped so close to the two carriages, that not a word 
 uttered by the ladies escaped them. 
 
 The moment Mainwaring had discovered Lucetta, he 
 called her father's attention to her, but Sir Hugh shrank 
 back, and desired him not to make himself known. Thus 
 the lovely girl, whose attention was otherwise occupied, 
 was wholly unaware of their propinquity. 
 
 " Ah ! my dear Miss Chetwynd," said Mrs. Courcy 
 Dormer, " you don't know what an amount of mischief you 
 did last night." 
 
 "Mischief!" exclaimed Lucetta, blushing. "Pray, what 
 did I do ? " 
 
 " You made many wretched to make one happy," 
 rejoined Mrs. Courcy Dormer, archly. u I've met dozens 
 of disconsolate beaux during my drive. Mr. Hunsdon is 
 broken-hearted, and has ridden off to Rottingdean, with the 
 avowed intention of throwing himself over the cliff, and Mr. 
 March Ripley looks the picture of despair." 
 
 " Why, Mr. Ripley passed us just now, and I thought 
 looked unusually cheerful," said Lucetta ; " and Mr. 
 Hunsdon will think twice before he throws away his 
 precious life in that absurd manner. You may be sure you 
 will see him at the Pavilion ball to-night." 
 
 "Are you going to the ball, my dear?" inquired Mrs, 
 Dormer. " I suppose not," she added, glancing at Lady 
 Danvers. 
 
 " No, it wouldn't be proper," said her ladyship, " Not 
 
140 Old Court. 
 
 that there can be any engagement," she added, leaning 
 forward, and lowering her voice, "till we hear from Sir 
 Hugh. Captain Fanshaw has gone to Old Court to-day to 
 ask his consent." 
 
 " I told you so," whispered Mainwaring to the baronet. 
 
 " My good wishes go with him, at all events," said Mrs. 
 Courcy Dormer, smiling. "I daresay Mr. Hunsdon and 
 Mr. Ripley, and some of the other disconsolates, wish he 
 may come to grief, as they would call it, but there's no 
 chance of that." 
 
 "There will ever be uncertainty where Sir Hugh is 
 concerned," rejoined Lady Danvers, again speaking in a 
 low voice. " IVe already told you he is a very odd man." 
 
 " Odd he may be, dear aunty," cried Lucetta, " but he's 
 the dearest and kindest creature in the world. His 
 slightest wishes are law to me, and I would never do 
 anything to displease him." 
 
 " There, do you hear that you fortunate papa ? " 
 whispered Mainwaring. 
 
 " We won't anticipate the slightest difficulty, for I'm sure 
 none will arise," said Mrs. Courcy Dormer. " Sir Hugh 
 cannot fail to be pleased with Captain Fanshaw, and the 
 connexion so far as I am able to judge, and my husband 
 concurs with me in opinion is altogether suitable. So I 
 make no doubt we shall have joyful tidings when the 
 captain comes back, and I trust he may bring Sir Hugh 
 with him, for then my curiosity will be gratified. I quite 
 long to see your papa, Miss Chetwynd." 
 
 " Call me Lucetta, please, dear Mrs. Dormer," said the 
 young lady. " I should like it so much better from you." 
 
 " Well, Lucetta, be sure to bring Sir Hugh to call upon 
 us when he comes and come he must. Mr. Dormer will 
 be delighted to see him. I hope he will dine with us as 
 quietly as he pleases." 
 
 "Papa never dines out, dear Mrs. Dormer," said 
 Lucetta. 
 
 " Perhaps he may on this occasion. Mind, I shall never 
 forgive you if you don't bring him." 
 
 "I will if I can, but I daren't promise," rejoined Lucetta. 
 " Besides, I haven't the slightest expectation that papa will 
 to Brighton. He never stirs from horn?," 
 
The Stoppage on the West Cliff. 141 
 
 " She little thinks that papa is so near hei," chuckled 
 Mainwaring. 
 
 " Ordinarily not, but this event ' will bring him out, be 
 sure," said Mrs. Dormer. 
 
 " My dear Mrs. Dormer, you don't know Sir Hugh, or you 
 wouldn't say so," exclaimed Lady Danvers. " I should just 
 as soon expect to see the Czar of Russia in Brighton as my 
 stay-at-home brother-in-law." 
 
 "Nevertheless, I hope to see him," said Mrs. Dormer. 
 " I have a message to you from my husband, Lucetta dear, 
 but I can't deliver it now." 
 
 "We saw him just now in his Baltimore gig with his 
 fly-away Russian horse, and he looked as if he had some- 
 thing to say, but couldn't stop to utter it," laughed Lucetta. 
 " That was five minutes ago. He must be at Newhaven by 
 this time." 
 
 Adieux were then exchanged by the ladies, and the 
 carriages moved on in opposite directions, enabling the slow- 
 going fly to crawl on. Occupied with other matters, neither 
 Lucetta nor Lady Danvers had noticed the fly or those 
 inside it. 
 
CHAPTER. V. 
 
 THE GRAVE IN PORTSLADE CHURCHYARD. 
 
 ilHILE Lucetta was proceeding towards Kemp 
 Town, giving new life to the Eastern Cliff, and 
 receiving homage from a hundred cavaliers, her 
 father and his old friend were creeping on in the 
 opposite direction totally unregarded. Past the Grand 
 Hotel they went, past the New Pier, past Brunswick Terrace, 
 and then leaving the gay crowd behind, past the ranges of 
 houses and villas, which, disdaining the homely designation 
 of Hove, have adopted the fine-sounding title of Clifton- 
 ville. Quitting this rapidly-increasing suburb, which looks 
 like St. John's Wood transported to the sea-side, they 
 attained a little elevation commanding the whole line of 
 coast as far as Worthing, together with the inlet forming 
 Shoreham harbour. The coast here is vr y flat, and not 
 particularly interesting as most of our readers may be 
 aware* but the day being remarkably fine, it was seen to 
 advantage, and Mainwaring enjoyed the drive in spite of the 
 taciturnity of his companion. The pretty little village of 
 Portslade, with its ancient church on a gentle hill 
 surrounded by trees, had been visible long before they 
 reached it, and as they now turned off on the right, and 
 came to the green, Sir Hugh ordered the driver to stop, 
 and alighted with his companion. 
 
 As they walked across the green, Sir Hugh glanced around 
 at the different habitations, and soon selected one answering 
 to the description he had received of Ivy Cottage. On 
 proceeding to the little tenement, the walls and chimneys of 
 

 The Grave in Portslade Churchyard. 143 
 
 which were overgrown with the dark green plant, he found 
 he had guessed right. It was the cottage he was looking 
 for, but the persons who dwelt there had only recently 
 taken the house, and had never heard of Mrs. Bourne. 
 However, he ascertained from a woman who answered his 
 inquiries that the best person to apply to was the parish 
 clerk and sexton, who was bom in Portslade, and knew all 
 that happened in the village for the last sixty or seventy 
 years. 
 
 " Old Nathan Moulscombe can give you the information 
 you require, Sir, if any one can," said the woman. "I saw 
 him go up to the church not a quarter of an hour ago. 
 You'll find him there." 
 
 Sir Hugh thanked her, and he and Mainwaring ascended 
 the eminence on which the grey old pile is built. In 
 summer, when the trees are in full leaf, this reverend 
 structure has a picturesque appearance, and even now, 
 though robbed of half its' beauty, it had a deep interest in 
 the eyes of one of those who approached it. On reaching the 
 porch they found that the door was open, and they had 
 scarcely set foot in the sacred building, when an old man 
 with a large key in his hand came from the chancel and 
 saluted them. Though verging on fourscore, old Nathan 
 Moulscombe looked hale and hearty, and likely to last for 
 a few more winters. His locks were white as snow, but his 
 brows even now were black and bushy. Old Nathan had 
 thought that the gentlemen merely came to look at, the 
 church, but, on learning their errand, he conducted them to 
 the vestry, and then supplied them with very important 
 information. 
 
 " I recollect poor Mrs. Bourne very well," he said. " She 
 came to Portslade rather more than twenty years ago, and 
 lived in Ivy Cottage with her old servant Margaret Leigh. 
 She was a piously inclined lady, and there wasn't a person 
 in the village came more reg'lar to church then she did at 
 first. I'm partikler in sayin' * at first,' because you'll see what 
 happened afterwards, gentlemen. Though reg'lar, as I've 
 said, at her devotions, she declined to see the vicar, Mr. 
 Fairbanks, when he called, upon her. Well, this dis- 
 inclination on her part was soon accounted for. I don't 
 know whether I shall hurt your feelings by what I'm about 
 
-^ Old Court. 
 
 to say, gentlemen, but it's the fact. Her appearance 
 showed that if she warn't married she ought to have been, 
 and folks began to talk about it, and shake their heads, and 
 I suppose some of the women tossed up their heads at her, 
 for after that she came no more to church. But I used 
 often to see her at eventide in the churchyard, and some- 
 times on moonlight nights she would come there and wander 
 about like a troubled sperrit. One night I remember it 
 well I was in the churchyard, and seeing her flitting about, 
 I tried to avoid her, but she beckoned me to follow her, and 
 I did so in fear and tremblin' in fear and tremblin,' as I'm 
 a sinner, gentlemen until she led me to a partikler spot, 
 where she told me she would like to be buried, and made 
 me promise that her wish should be complied with. Well, 
 gentlemen, I was as good as my word. She were buried in 
 that identical spot. Bat I musn't anticipate. I almost 
 wonder the poor lady remained at Portslade, for she had not 
 even an acquaintance, much less a friend. But she seemed 
 to like the village, and perhaps had a motive for staying 
 here. After a time she began to discontinue her evening 
 rambles, and was never seen outside the cottage. I pretty 
 well guessed what this meant, and my conjectures proved 
 right. Doctor Hurdis was suddenly sent for one night, and 
 before morning she was brought to bed of a fine boy." 
 
 " A boy ! mark that," said Sir Hugh to Mainwaring. 
 
 " I do," replied the old gentleman. 
 
 " A boy it was, and a very fine boy into the bargain," re- 
 sumed Moulscombe. " I can speak to it, for I held the babby 
 in my own arms. Poor lady! she didn't live long to taste a 
 mother's happiness, but was removed to a better world. 
 Only three days after the infant was born she was taken 
 dangerously ill with fever, and the moment he beheld her, 
 Doctor Hurdis declared she couldn't recover. Poor soul ! 
 she knew that as well as the doctor, for she told him she 
 shouldn't live many hours, and what is more, she didn't 
 desire to live. ' You tell me the babe is strong and healthy, 
 and likely to do well. That is enough.' Those were the 
 very words used to the doctor. But she could not be 
 content till the child was christened ; and our good vicar, 
 taking the circumstances into consideration, consented to 
 baptise it privately in her room. I went with him, and a 
 
The Grave in Portslade Churchyard. i <J 
 
 more affecting scene I never witnessed. You know how 
 beautiful she was, and as she lay there in her bed, propped 
 up by pillows, with her dark hair floating about her shoulders, 
 with her dark eyes fixed upon the child she was so soon to 
 leave, she formed a picter such as I never beheld and can 
 never forget. Her piteous looks went to my heart." 
 Here the old man paused to brush away a tear. 
 " How was the child named ? " asked Sir Hugh, in as firm 
 a tone as he could command. 
 
 " Clarence," replied Moulscombe. " His mother named 
 him. After the ceremony was over, and the exhortation 
 pronounced, we all left the room, except the vicar, who re- 
 mained with the poor dying lady, being anxious to prepare 
 her for her end. She must have unburdened an afflicted 
 heart to him, and told him a most sorrowful tale, for he 
 appeared deeply moved. He prayed long by her side, 
 administered the last rites, and received her latest breath. 
 She died in peace." 
 
 " Is Mr. Fairbanks still alive ? " inquired Sir Hugh, after 
 another pause. 
 
 "Alas! no, Sir," replied Moulscombe. "We lost him 
 more than ten years ago. He was a good man, and regretted 
 by all. I have little more to add, gentlemen. The poor 
 lady was buried in the spot she had selected for a grave. I 
 mentioned the circumstance to Mr. Fairbanks, and he took 
 care that her wish should be complied with." 
 
 " And now what of her child ? " asked Sir Hugh. 
 " I can tell you little about the child, Sir," replied Mouls* 
 combe. " It was looked after by old Margaret Leigh, who 
 had it nursed by a labouring man's wife. Mr. Fairbanks 
 often urged the old woman to take the infant to its father's 
 brother, as he knew she was acquainted with his name, 
 though Mr. Fairbanks himself was ignorant of it ; but he 
 could not prevail upon her to do so, and at last she disap- 
 peared, taking the infant with her. That is all I have to 
 relate, gentlemen." 
 
 For a minute or two there was a profound silence. Both 
 listeners were too much moved by the old man's simple 
 story to speak. At last, Sir Hugh arose, and said, 
 "Show me the poor lady's grave." 
 " Readily, Sir," replied Moulscombe. 
 
i4<? Old Court. 
 
 They then went forth into the churchyard. 
 
 " The grave is yonder not far from that tree," said Mouls- 
 combe, perceiving from Sir Hugh's manner that he did not 
 desire to be attended. " You will easily find it." 
 
 At a sign from the baronet, Mainwaring remained with 
 the old clerk, and Sir Hugh walked on alone. 
 
 The resting-place of her he had loved best was soon dis- 
 covered. It was a retired spot, shaded and sheltered by 
 tall trees, and the plain stone bore this simple inscription, 
 already nearly obliterated by lichens : 
 
 Neither surname nor date. This had been done in ac- 
 cordance with her own last injunctions, faithfully carried out 
 by old Margaret Leigh. 
 
 As Sir Hugh stood by the lowly tomb his heart smote 
 him, and he groaned aloud. 
 
 " It was my hand mine that brought her to this early 
 grave ! " he ejaculated. " She was my victim as well as my 
 brother, and her death, like his, lies at my door. Yet why 
 should I bewail her fate ? She is at peace. She has re- 
 joined him she loved. Would I were likewise at rest! 
 Why do I linger on earth merely to endure anguish like the 
 present a prey to ceaseless remorse ? To me the grave 
 would be truly a refuge. Yet, though I long tor death, I 
 shrink from self-destruction, and will never, while reason re- 
 mains to me, rush unsummoned into the presence of my 
 Maker. Grievous though the burden of existence may be, 
 I will bear it till it shall please Heaven to release me from 
 my sufferings. Oh ! forgive me, Amice ! " he passionately 
 exclaimed. " You can now read my inmost heart, and know 
 how deeply I suffer. Long ere this, I would have made 
 reparation for the wrong I have committed, but the power 
 of doing so has been withheld from me. There is yet time 
 for atonement there is yet time to cleanse my soul from its 
 stains. Heaven has heard my prayer, and has mercifully 
 delayed the stroke till the work can be achieved. The 
 history which was involved in darkness has been made 
 clear. The child whom I vowed to make my heir, and 
 whose birth even was unknown to me, has been found, 
 
The Grave in Portslade, Churchyard. 1 47 
 
 Every link in the chain of evidence required has been sup- 
 plied. Step by step have I advanced till I have come to 
 this spot." 
 
 Then, kneeling down by the grave, he exclaimed : 
 
 "Hear me, injured saint, while I renew the vow I made 
 to thee in life ! Thy son, wham I have just discovered, 
 shall be my son. All my possessions shall be his 
 possessions, and I feel that it will not be long ere he will 
 inherit them. This I swear. Nor will I rest till my oath 
 shall be fulfilled. Intercede for me, I implore thee, at the 
 throne of Mercy, so that my sins may be forgiven me, and I 
 may depart in peace." 
 
 With a bosom somewhat lightened, he arose from his 
 kneeling posture, but he could not tear himself from the 
 spot. His thoughts wandered back to the past, and his 
 imagination became so 1 strongly excited, that he fancied that 
 she who lay beneath rose before him in alt her former beauty 
 nay, in more than earthly beauty. All traces of sadness 
 which her features wore when he last beheld her in life 
 had disappeared, and given place to a bright celestial 
 smile. Thus did fancy cheat him into the belief that he 
 held momentary communion with the departed, and that 
 the benign smile with which she regarded him proved he 
 was forgiven. 
 
 The vision faded away, and would not be recalled by any 
 effort, but he still lingered, as if spell-bound, on the spot, 
 and would not have moved if he had not heard footsteps 
 approaching, while a cough announced Mainwaring. 
 
 The old gentlemen, though respecting his friend's feelings, 
 thought that an hour's indulgence of grief was quite long 
 enough rather too long, indeed ! Besides, it was very cold, 
 and had become nearly dark ; so, getting tired of waiting, 
 he ventured, not without some misgiving, to disturb the 
 baronet. Sir Hugh, however, manifested no displeasure, 
 but inquired for Moulscombe, whom he did not see, and 
 learnt that the old man had been gone some time. 
 
 " I'm sorry for it," remarked the baronet. " I must find 
 him before I leave." 
 
 The old clerk spared him the trouble of search, for he re- 
 appeared as they quitted the churchyard, and received a 
 very handsome gratuity. 
 
148 Old Court. 
 
 "It may gratify you, Mr. Moulscombe," said the baronet, 
 " to learn that the son of the poor lady about whom I have 
 been inquiring is alive and well, and has grown into a very 
 fine young man." 
 
 "I'm heartily glad to hear it, Sir," rejoined the old clerk. 
 " And so he's grown into a young man, eh ? Lord bless 
 me ! it seems only the other day that he was a babby. 
 How time flies, to be sure ! Well, if the young gentleman 
 be any connexion of yours, Sir, as I reckon he must be from 
 the interest you take in his poor mother, he'll be well off." 
 
 " He is my nephew," replied Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Then he's got a very liberal uncle, that's all I can say," 
 rejoined the old clerk, 
 
 "There you're right, Moulscombe there you're right," 
 said Main waring. 
 
 " Perhaps 1 may require to see you again," said Sir Hugh 
 to the clerk. 
 
 " I shall be proud to attend to you, Sir," replied the old 
 3nan, " and will procure copies of the registers of birth of 
 child and death of mother should you require them." 
 
 "Have them ready," rejoined Sir Hugh. "Good-even- 
 ing." 
 
 As they walked across the green, Mainwaring remarked 
 to Sir Hugh, 
 
 " Now that your inquiries have so successfully terminated, 
 and proofs of my young friend's birth have been obtained, 
 I presume you mean to recognise him as a member of your 
 family ? " 
 
 " Most certainly," replied the baronet. " Henceforth he 
 is Clarence Chetwynd." 
 
 " Bravo ! this is worthy of you ! this is noble ! " exclaimed 
 Mainwaring. " From what I have seen of him, I am satis- 
 fied your nephew will do you credit But what will Lucetta 
 say to her new cousin ? " 
 
 " No more on that subject," rejoined Sir Hugh, sharply. 
 
 So no more was said, and they got into the fly, and drove 
 back. 
 
 Very brilliant looked Brighton, as they approached it, 
 with its three miles of gas-lamps distinctly marking the out- 
 line of the cliffs, and extending from Hove to Kemp Town ; 
 ap^ very gay looked the well-lighted shops, as they entered 
 
?he Grave in Portslade Churchyard. 149 
 
 the town. Even at that hour there was considerable stir on 
 the West Cliff, and no end of carriages, broughams, and flys 
 dashed past, conveying their occupants to dinner-parties in 
 Brunswick Terrace, Brunswick Square, and thereabouts. At 
 last, to Mainwaring's infinite delight, they reached the " Old 
 Ship." 
 
 Some amends was made the old gentleman for the toilf 
 and troubles of the day by a capital dinner oyster soup, a 
 Dublin Bay haddock, a loin of Southdown mutton, and a 
 blackcock. Mr. Bacon was as good as his word, and gave 
 him an admirable bottle of '34 port. It was pleasant to 
 witness the old gourmet's satisfaction as he held up his glass 
 to the light, and noted the ruby glow of the wine, pleasanter 
 still, to witness his extraordinary enjoyment as he slowly 
 sipped it. We regret to add, however, that, failing to en- 
 gage his companion in converse, he fell asleep in his arm- 
 chair near the fire, and .when he awoke, Sir Hugh had 
 retired. So he betook himself to bed. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 
 
 CURING breakfast next morning, Mainwaring ques- 
 tioned Sir Hugh as to his plans for the day, and 
 learnt that he intended to return forthwith to Old 
 Court. But the baronet added that, before leav- 
 ing, he should call upon his daughter ; with which piece of 
 information the old gentleman was well pleased. 
 
 Mainwaring accompanied Sir Hugh to Adelaide Crescent, 
 where, as we have previously mentioned, Lady Danvers 
 resided, but he left him at the dojr of the house, and 
 returned by the promenade near the beach, greatly amused 
 by all he beheld, for the morning was fine, and the cliff 
 already crowded. 
 
 Meanwhile, a servant out of livery had opened the door, 
 and quite started on beholding Sir Hugh. Lady Danvers, 
 it appeared, had not quite finished breakfast, but Miss 
 Chetwynd was up-stairs in her own room, so Sir Hugh was 
 ushered into the spacious and sumptuously furnished dining- 
 room, where he found her ladyship. If the butler had been 
 astonished at the sight of Sir Hugh, Lady Danvers was 
 much more so. She could scarcely repress a cry of surprise. 
 However, she professed to be enchanted to see him. 
 
 " How kind of you to come, Sir Hugh how extremely 
 kind ! " she exclaimed. " Lucetta will, indeed, be delighted 
 and surprised too, for she doesn't in the least expect you. 
 I really think I ought to prepare her." 
 
 " On no account," said Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Ah ! I understand/' cried her ladyship. " You desire 
 
Father and Daughter. 151 
 
 to give her an agreeable surprise. Well then, Hardman," 
 she added to the butler, " merely let Miss Chetwynd know 
 that I wish to see her presently. Say nothing about Sir 
 Hugh." 
 
 The butler bowed and retired. 
 
 "Have you breakfasted, Sir Hugh?" continued her lady- 
 ship, as soon as they were alone. " Do take a cup of 
 tea. You're not looking quite so well as I could wish 
 to see you," she remarked, in a tone of affected concern 
 " rather pale and fatigued. I must repeat how very, 
 very kind it is in you to come. So much better than 
 writing. I know what an effort it must have been to you 
 to leave home, and therefore appreciate your kindness. 
 I hope you like Captain Fanshaw nay, I am sure you 
 do. He is a charming young man, and eligible in all 
 respects. Very well he is so, for he has contrived to win 
 Lucetta's affections. You will laugh when I tell you she 
 had two other offers on the same night that Captain 
 Fanshaw proposed. One of them was from young March 
 Ripley, the banker. Entre nous, I almost wish he had 
 been preferred, for his father is a millionnaire. But of 
 course the young banker had no chance, since, as I have 
 just remarked, Rainald Fanshaw was already lord and 
 master of Lucetta's little heart. However, I mustn't 
 appear in the slightest degree to disparage Rainald. He 
 is all that could be desired, as you know excellent 
 position in society, excellent connexions, excellent pros- 
 pects. Not an objection to be made, I believe, on any 
 one point. I hope, Sir Hugh, that you entirely approve 
 of what I have done for your daughter. I have taken 
 the greatest care of her, and have never thought of look- 
 ing out for a husband for her. But since the dear girl 
 has appeared at Brighton she has created an unprece- 
 dented sensation, and been run after in an extraordinary 
 manner. I would rather it had not been so, but I 
 couldn't help it. I can't make her less captivating. And 
 I really think it just as well that she should be married 
 and off your hands, for she could scarcely have settled 
 down again at Old Court." 
 
 " You think so ? " remarked Sir Hugh, managing at last 
 to get in a word. 
 
*f j Old Court. 
 
 "I am sure of it," replied her vivacious ladyship. " How 
 could she, after the life she has led here. No, no you 
 must reconcile yourself to parting with her, Sir Hugh. 
 The separation has come sooner than we expected but 
 what of that? Sooner or later it must have come. 
 Lucetta is not a girl to be moped up in a country-house. 
 I've found that out. She likes society likes gaiety and 
 amusement." 
 
 " Somewhat too much, perhaps," remarked Sir Hugh. 
 
 "No, not at all too much for a person of her age. 
 Lucetta hasn't a fault that I can discover. But I'm sure 
 you couldn't bear to see her spirits droop, as they in- 
 evitably must if she returned to the old mansion, and 
 therefore, on your own account, an early marriage is 
 desirable." 
 
 At this juncture the door opened, and the object of 
 their discourse came in, looking charming in her morning 
 toilette. 
 
 "You have sent for me, aunty dear," she cried, stop- 
 ping suddenly on perceiving a gentleman in the room. 
 
 " Who have we here, do you think, Lucetta ? " said her 
 ladyship. 
 
 " I see ! " she cried, flying towards her father, who rose 
 to embrace her. 
 
 " This is, indeed, a delightful surprise ! " exclaimed 
 Lucetta. " Dear, dear papa, how good of you to come ! " 
 
 "I told him so, my love," remarked Lady Danvers. 
 "But I'll leave you together. You have much to talk 
 about, and I should only be in the way." 
 
 " But you haven't finished breakfast, aunty. We can go 
 into the drawing-room." 
 
 "No, indeed you sha'n't," said Lady Danvers. "I've 
 quite done. But, before I go, let me add one word, Sir 
 Hugh. We can make a most agreeable day for you. I 
 know you don't care for society. But there are some 
 charming people here the Courcy Dormers they reside 
 at Kemp Town whom we visit quite enfamille you must 
 dine with them. They've the prettiest house imaginable, 
 and keep the best cook in Brighton a veritable cordon bleu. 
 Among their other merits is an extraordinary fondness for 
 Lucetta, On her account you must go. But you shall 
 
Father and Daughter. 153 
 
 decide presently," she added, observing a shade gather on 
 Sir Hugh's brow. " When your tete-a-tete is over you will 
 find me in my boudoir. It's all right, my dear," she whis- 
 pered to Lucetta as she quitted the room, and closed the 
 door after her. 
 
 When they were left alone together, a sudden embarrass- 
 ment took possession of both father and daughter. Neither 
 spoke for a few moments. At last Lucetta, who had 
 stationed herself behind Sir Hugh's chair, looked over his 
 shoulder and said, 
 
 " So you have seen Captain Fanshaw, papa. I hope you 
 like him?" 
 
 ''Yes, I have seen him," replied Sir Hugh. "I en- 
 countered him at Red Hill. I learnt his name where he 
 was going, and what about but I did not make myself 
 known to him." 
 
 " Dear me ! what a- pity ! " exclaimed Lucetta. " So you 
 let the poor fellow go on to Old Court ! That was very 
 cruel of you. And you say you knew what took him there. 
 That makes it still more cruel. You are perfectly barbar- 
 ous, papa." 
 
 " I have contrived that he shall stay at Old Court till my 
 return," said Sir Hugh. "I didn't wish to give him an 
 answer till I had seen you." 
 
 " Oh, that was your motive! Then your conduct was not 
 quite so bad as I supposed. You're quite sure he'll stay at 
 Old Court till you get back ? You return to-day, don't you ? 
 Rainald could manage to amuse himself for one night, I 
 daresay. Under the circumstances, it's lucky that Major 
 Trevor went with him. Did you see Major Trevor, papa ! 
 How very stupid in Rainald not to recognise you. I shall 
 tell him so when I see him." 
 
 " You have caught some of your aunt's prolixity, Lucetta," 
 said Sir Hugh. " Come and sit down beside me. I've a 
 good deal to say." 
 
 " There," she replied, bringing a chair near him. " Now 
 we'll settle it all nicely. Sha'n't we, papa ? " 
 
 "You treat the matter very lightly, Lucetta," said 
 Sir Hugh, gravely. "But it is really a very serious 
 business." 
 
 " I don't see anything serious in it/ 1 she rejoined. "You 
 
154 Old Court. 
 
 have only to give your consent, and the thing is done. And 
 you mean to consent, I'm sure," she added, in a coaxing 
 tone, scarcely to be resisted. " You wouldn't break your 
 daughter's heart." 
 
 "You almost make me think you haven't a heart to 
 break, Lucetta," rejoined Sir Hugh; "and it might perhaps 
 be better for you if you had not." 
 
 " You'll make me very serious, indeed, papa, if you talk 
 so. I hoped Rainald would have spared me the necessity 
 of this interview, and that, when I met you, it would only 
 be to receive your sanction. I do not mean to trifle in a 
 matter in which I am so deeply interested but you know 
 my manner, and will forgive me. Besides, you have 
 always allowed me to talk to you as I please, and I presume 
 on former indulgence. You sometimes look stern and cold, 
 papa, when I know your heart is overflowing with tender- 
 ness. I look gayest, perhaps, when most inclined to be 
 sad. And so I feel just now. But I will be gay, or affect 
 to be gay, or else I shall cry outright." 
 
 "Nay, not so, my child," said Sir Hugh, taking her hand. 
 " I was wrong to check your spirits. May you ever retain 
 them. And so you really love Captain Fanshaw ? " 
 
 " Yes, I really do love him, papa. And I hope I say so 
 seriously enough." 
 
 " And you think he loves you ? " 
 
 " Think, papa ! I'm quite sure of it." 
 
 " I also must be quite sure. I shall put his sincerity to 
 the test." 
 
 " Now you begin to alarm me, papa. What sort of test 
 do you propose ? Something formidable, I imagine. 
 However, Rainald's love will stand any ordeal." 
 
 " If his love can stand that to which I shall put it, I shall 
 say it is sterling love, and that he deserves you," rejoined 
 Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Now you are serious, I perceive, papa perfectly 
 serious. But why should you put Rainald's professions to 
 such a severe test? Why can't you be satisfied if / 
 believe him? I'm quite sure he is sincere. But you shall 
 be convinced from his own lips. Oh, how I wish he had 
 spoken to you at Red-hill! Then all would have been 
 settled so nicely, and this unpleasantness avoided/' 
 
Father and Daughter. 1 5 5 
 
 r " You are mistaken, my dear child. Had he spoken to 
 me then, I tell you frankly I should have declined the 
 offer." 
 
 " Oh no, papa, don't say so ! " 
 
 "Lucetta," said Sir Hugh, regarding her with inex- 
 pressible tenderness, " it has been my chief study to make 
 you happy, but I feel that I have imperfectly succeeded. 
 My solitary mode of life is unsuited to you, and now that 
 you must needs contrast it with gayer scenes and gayer 
 people, Old Court will be unsupportable. I know this 
 must be the case, for your aunt has just told me so, and I 
 feel she has reason on her side. I had no right to expect 
 that when you grew up and saw more of the world you 
 could live for me alone, or that you could be content with 
 so dull a home as I could offer you. My moody dis- 
 position renders all society painful to me. I do not 
 wonder, therefore, that you should be glad to exchange such 
 a life as you have hitherto led, for a gayer and brighter 
 existence. Nor am I selfish enough to wish to detain you. 
 But in making the change, be sure you act judiciously. 
 Do not rush from one extreme to the other. Because with 
 me you are too dull, do not let your whole life be occupied 
 by frivolous pursuits. I have somewhat mistaken your 
 character. I thought your tastes and predilections different 
 from what I find them. I thought you loved the country, 
 liked country people, and were content with a mode of life 
 in which, I realiy believe, most happiness is to be found. 
 I ought to have known better, and have waited to see how 
 your character would be developed by circumstances. I 
 did not expect that my quiet country-girl would rush head- 
 long into a vortex of dissipation." 
 
 " Now, dear papa," said Lucetta, looking at him so 
 charmingly that he almost felt sorry for what he had said, 
 " let me venture to say, in reply to your lecture, that I am 
 still fond of the country, and love dear, dull no, not dull - 
 dear, delightful Old Court just as much as ever. As to 
 you, Sir, with your moody disposition, as you term it, 
 though I never perceived any such moodiness, I won't say 
 how much I love you. I am not so dreadfully dissipated 
 as you imagine, and, to tell you the truth, am well-nigh 
 surfeited with concerts, dinners, and balls, and begin to 
 
i$6 Old Court. 
 
 sigh for the country, which you say most improperly, Sir 
 that I dislike." 
 
 " But your aunt says differently " 
 
 "My aunt understands my character quite as little as you 
 do, papa," interrupted Lucetta. " You are neither of you 
 quite right in your judgment of me nor yet quite wrong. 
 I certainly do enjoy society. I like a gay scene of any 
 kind. I like pleasant people. Music enchants me, and 
 therefore I like a concert. Dancing delights me, and there- 
 fore I dote upon a ball, and the more brilliant the ball the 
 better I like it. Now, isn't this natural ? You know it is, 
 you dear old cross-patch. But because I like concerts and 
 balls, that is no reason why I shouldn't like the country and 
 quietude. Everything in its turn. There now, are you 
 answered, Sir? Do you begin to understand your daughter's 
 character a wee bit better than you did ? " 
 
 " I fear you are grown too fond of admiration, Lucetta," 
 remarked Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Not too fond. I own that I like to be admired a little. 
 What girl does not? My head, though none of the 
 strongest, has not been turned by all the flattery I have 
 received, for I fancy I can appreciate compliments at their 
 right worth. I hope you don't mean to imply that I have 
 become a flirt, or I should be positively angry with you, for 
 I detest that heartless character. I am frank with all 
 perhaps too frank. Men are so uncommonly vain, that if 
 you only talk to them civilly they fancy it encouragement, 
 but I have always quickly undeceived those who so pre- 
 sumed. I never led any man to believe that I cared a 
 pin's head about him. Yes, I must make one exception," 
 she added, correcting herself. 
 
 " I am almost sorry you should have to make an excep- 
 tion," said her father. 
 
 " Why should you be sorry, papa ? " she rejoined. " I 
 should never have allowed myself to fall in love with 
 Rainald Fanshaw if he had not been superior to the rest of 
 his sex. He is high-spirited, generous, well-bred, and and 
 devoted to me. As to his position, that is perfectly un- 
 exceptionable." 
 
 " Are you quite sure, Lucetta, that he has not offered you 
 Vi? band because he believes you heiress of Old Court ? " 
 
father and Daughter. 157 
 
 14 1 am quite sure that Rainald's love for me is perfectly 
 disinterested.' 7 
 
 " You believe he loves you so well, that he would have 
 proposed if you had no fortune ?" 
 
 " I believe he would. But it is rather a puzzling 
 question to answer. Every man now-a-days seems to 
 expect a fortune." 
 
 " Even the disinterested," remarked Sir Hugh. " Well, 
 we shall see by-and-by what Captain Fanshaw does expect." 
 "Is this the test you mean to put him to, papa?" 
 inquired Lucetta, turning pale. 
 
 " I see you are uneasy, my child. You have some mis- 
 givings about your disinterested lover." 
 
 "Perhaps he may be disappointed, and think he has 
 been misled." 
 
 " You have not misled him, Lucetta nor your aunt, 
 ha?" 
 
 " Neither of us have said a word to him on the subject." 
 "Then he cannot complain. If he has raised his 
 expectations too highly, he has only himself to blame." 
 
 " But he may justly complain, papa, that I have always 
 been regarded as an heiress. My aunt considered me so, 
 and so represented me." 
 
 " Then your aunt is to blame. I shall take care to give 
 Captain Fanshaw full explanation when he speaks to 
 me." 
 
 " What is the meaning of this, papa ? " 
 " It means, my child, that I may not be able to leave 
 Old Court to you. Circumstances have arisen that may put 
 it out of my power to do so, and I cannot promise Captain 
 Fanshaw more than I can perform." 
 
 " Oh dear, papa, this is terrible ! " exclaimed Lucetta. 
 " But you shall not frighten me thus. I see it all. This is 
 part of your scheme to test Rainald's affection." 
 
 Here they were interrupted by the entrance of Lady 
 Danvers. Her intelligent ladyship saw at a glance that 
 something had gone wrong, and hastened towards her 
 niece. 
 
 " What's the matter, Lucetta?" she inquired, anxiously. 
 " Nothing, aunty nothing whatever/' rejoined Lucetta, 
 vainly struggling with her emotion. 
 
158 Old Court. 
 
 " You can't deceive me. A great deal appears to be the 
 matter. Where is Captain Fanshaw, Sir Hugh ? " 
 
 "At Old Court," he replied. "I am going thither 
 immediately to meet him." 
 
 " All is not settled, then ? " cried her ladyship, in con- 
 sternation. 
 
 " Nothing is settled," returned Sir Hugh. "Nothing 
 can be settled till I have spoken to Captain Fanshaw. I 
 have some preliminary explanations to give him." 
 
 "Preliminary ! why I thought the business had been fully 
 discussed," cried Lady Danvers. " Everything you do is 
 mysterious and unaccountable, Sir Hugh. Do tell me what 
 it all means." 
 
 " I have not time now," he rejoined. " Lucetta will explain 
 all to you. I am going back by an early train. I will write 
 to you after I have seen Captain Fanshaw," he added, to his 
 daughter. " Excuse me for hurrying away thus," he said to 
 Lady Danvers. " I must go." 
 
 " Since you must, I won't attempt to detain you," said 
 her ladyship, ringing the bell. 
 
 Bidding a hasty adieu to both ladies, Sir Hugh took his 
 departure. 
 
 " Now, my dear child," said her ladyship, " pray tell me 
 the meaning of this extraordinary occurrence. Has Sir 
 Hugh taken leave of his senses?" 
 
 " I don't know, aunty," replied Lucetta " but I'm very 
 much afraid the match will be broken off. Our only chance 
 of preventing such a dreadful consummation will be to go to 
 Old Court." 
 
 " Go to Old Court ! " exclaimed Lady Danvers. " Not 
 for the world." 
 
 " Not to oblige me, dear aunty?" said Lucetta, with one 
 of her irresistible looks. " Yes, you will." 
 
 " I cannot leave Brighton, with all its attractions, and go 
 to that dismal old house, even to please you, Lucetta," 
 replied her ladyship, in a half-yielding voice. 
 
 "Yes you will, aunty dear -yes you will. It will only be 
 for a day." 
 
 " What good shall we do by going?" inquired Lady 
 I>.nvers. 
 " That remains to be seen. It's the only chance. Papa 
 
Father and Daughter. 150 
 
 has got some strange quixotic notion into his head about 
 testing Rainald's affection." 
 
 " What nonsense ! Just like him ! " cried Lady Danvers. 
 " If that's the case, I will go. A stop must be put to such 
 folly." 
 
 " Oh, thank you, dear aunty thank you ! " cried 
 Lucetta. 
 
 " Don't be uneasy, my love. I'll soon set the matter 
 right," said Lady Danvers, kissing her. 
 
 Orders were then issued by her ladyship to the effect that 
 immediate preparations should be made for the journey. 
 But before these were completed, her excitement had worn 
 off, and she began to regret her hasty compliance with her 
 niece's request. However, it was now too late to retract the 
 promise she had given, and eventually she and Lucetta, 
 attended by Hardman and a lady's-maid, drove to the 
 station, and started for Old Court. 
 
 Full two hours before this, Sir Hugh and Mainwaring had 
 set off in the same direction, and in a much quicker 
 train. 
 
 of tfie Sf con* 
 
BOOK III. 
 
 CLARENCE CHETWYND. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 MR. LA HOGUE MAKES A DISCLOSURE TO CLARENCE. 
 
 jjANY hours did not elapse after Mr. La Hogue's 
 arrival at Old Court, before he had visited almost 
 every part of the premises, including the stables; 
 and during his survey of the latter, he satisfied 
 Drax and his helpers that he was a very good judge of 
 horseflesh. He also paid a visit to Mrs. Mansfield, who was 
 by no means pleased with his free-and-easy manner, and 
 quite shocked when he proposed to come and smoke a 
 cigar in her room in the evening. However, she civilly 
 declined the proposition, on the plea that she could not 
 allow smoking, for the good old dame, though disliking his 
 manner, was anxious not to give him offence. All the house- 
 hold were astonished by the gentleman's extraordinary 
 assurance, and wondered what Sir Hugh would say to him 
 when he came back. Poor old Jodrell began to be 
 apprehensive that he should incur his master's displeasure 
 by the step he had taken, but he comforted himself by 
 reflecting that he had acted for the best. Besides being 
 excessively familiar, Mr. La Hogue was very prying and 
 inquisitive, and examined all the papers lying on the 
 
Mr. La Hogue Makes a Disclosure to Clarence. i6i 
 
 writing-table in Sir Hugh's study. When Pigot went 
 up-stairs with him, he asked the young man to show him Sir 
 Hugh's bed-room, and the door being open, he marched in 
 and gazed around as curiously as if he were taking an 
 inventory of the furniture. An old desk in one corner 
 particularly attracted his attention. 
 
 As will have been conjectured, Mr. La Hogue had a 
 design upon Clarence as we shall henceforth style that 
 young gentleman, now that his right to the appellation is 
 fully established but he postponed the execution of the 
 plan until after dinner. First satisfying himself that there 
 was no one behind the large screen which was drawn round 
 the table, he began : 
 
 " I've a few words to say to you on a very serious subject 
 no less than your father's murder. That is a very 
 mysterious affair. There's more in it than has yet come out. 
 A very important person, to whom no suspicion attaches, 
 was the main actor in the terrible business. The murderer, 
 I say, was a person of importance a near relative of the 
 victim." 
 
 " I can come to e other conclusion," rejoined Clarence, 
 looking fixedly at Ms companion, " than that your dark 
 suggestion refers to the master of this mansion." 
 
 " Ah ! you fancy so, eh ? " observed La Hogue. 
 
 "And therefore I dismiss it as improbable, almost 
 impossible," pursued Clarence. " Sir Hugh Chetwynd can 
 never be guilty of so terrible a crime." 
 
 " You bring the accusation against him, not I," remarked 
 La Hogue. " I never said he murdered his brother." 
 
 " Not directly, but you implied it," said Clarence. 
 
 " If you will draw such an inference from the few words I 
 let fall, I cannot help it. You don't seem inclined to move 
 in the matter, so we'll let the subject drop." 
 
 " No, you have gone too far. It cannot be dropped now/* 
 cried Clarence, vehemently. " I do not believe Sir Hugh 
 can be guilty ; but if I did, nothing should prevent me from 
 bringing him to justice." 
 
 " Really, my dear boy, I must call you to order," remarked 
 Mr. La Hogue. " Consider what you are saying, and where 
 you are saying it. Recollect that Sir Hugh is your uncle 
 your nearest living relative and that you are under his 
 
1 62 Old Court. 
 
 roof. Above all, recollect that your future prospects depend 
 entirely on him." 
 
 " But you have hinted more than hinted that he is my 
 father's murderer," rejoined Clarence. "I repeat that I do 
 not believe the foul charge; but were I satisfied of its 
 truth, I would not screen him from the consequences of his 
 crime, where he thrice my uncle. My father must and shall 
 be avenged." 
 
 " Very proper," said the imperturbable listener ; " but I 
 will show you the best way of avenging him. Listen to me, 
 my dear boy, and listen patiently. It is useless to excite 
 yourself, because excitement answers no purpose. I can 
 assist you to obtain money from your uncle, but nothing 
 more. Vengeance is against my principles. Of course it 
 will be necessary to alarm Sir Hugh, but this you may leave 
 to me. Have I not said enough ? You must be monstrous 
 slow if you don't comprehend me." 
 
 " I see plainly what you mean," cried Clarence, scarcely 
 able to conceal his disgust. " But what proofs have you of 
 the truth of your assertion ? " 
 
 " Proofs are unnecessary. A few words from me will 
 suffice to produce the desired effect on Sir Hugh, and 
 compel him to agree to our terms." 
 
 The young man shuddered, for he felt, from the ex- 
 pression of La Hogue's face, that that unscrupulous 
 personage believed Sir Hugh to be completely in his 
 power. 
 
 " You pretend to have been my father's friend," he said, at 
 Ssngth ; " but how comes it, if you are in possession of this 
 terrible secret connected with his fate, that you have kept 
 silence so long ? " 
 
 " I do not feel called upon to explain the cause of my 
 silence,'* said La Hogue, " but I had no particular motive 
 for revealing the secret. I have no grudge against your 
 uncle. But I have a hold upon him a tremendous hold 
 and must turn it to account. I had fixed with myself the 
 sum I intended to demand. I shall double it, and give half 
 to you. You look indignant, but you ought really to be 
 obliged to me for procuring you a frxtune. Your father was a 
 deuced knowing fellow, and nevfc/ threw away a chance. 
 He would always make a bargain where a bargain was 
 
Mr. La Hogue Makes a Disclosure to Clarence. 163 
 
 practicable, and saw in a moment what line of conduct 
 would pay best. He might have thought revenge sweet, 
 but he thought money a great deal sweeter. And in my 
 own opinion that was a very sensible way of viewing things. 
 An important secret is very valuable to its possessor, and if 
 my sharp-witted friend, Clarence Chetwynd, had had such a 
 secret as this in his keeping, he would have made the most 
 of it, you may depend. Remember, my dear boy, I knew 
 him well.' 1 
 
 "Answer me one question, Sir," said Clarence. "Was 
 my father on bad terms with his brother ? " 
 
 " On very bad terms, and I'll tell you why. Your father 
 lived fast spent a great deal and Sir Hugh had to pay 
 his debts more than once. Well, a brother might do this 
 and get over the annoyance, but your father mortally 
 offended Sir Hugh by supplanting him in the affections of a 
 lady of your mother, in short." 
 
 "Was Sir Hugh attached to her?" demanded Clarence. 
 
 " He would have married her if his brother had not been 
 in the way," replied La Hogue. 
 
 " This, then, was the motive for the dreadful deed ? " 
 cried Clarence, astounded. 
 
 "Now you begin to see it. But don't be downcast. 
 Take a glass of claret, and cheer up. No use in fretting 
 about a matter that occurred before you were born. Nothing 
 we can say or do will bring your worthy father to life again, 
 but he has left you a nice little legacy a nice little legacy, 
 my boy which I, as his executor, will take care shall be 
 duly paid by your uncle. Don't be foolish enough to 
 interfere with the testator's intentions. Place the matter in 
 my hands, and as soon as your uncle comes back I'll 
 arrange it to your entire satisfaction." 
 
 Clarence made no reply, and seemed completely over- 
 come by painful emotions. 
 
 "Well, we won't say any more on the subject to-night," 
 said La Hogue, feeling certain he had produced the desired 
 effect. "Very likely Sir Hugh may return to-morrow, but 
 let him come back when he will, he shall find us prepared. 
 Rest quite easy as to the result. Your fortune is made, my 
 dear boy and so is mine," he added to himself. " This 
 claret is deuced good, but I've had enough of it* I'll go 
 
1 64 Old Court. 
 
 and smoke a cigar on the terrace. Will you come? No ! 
 Then adieu, for the moment." 
 
 So saying, he quitted the dining-room. In the entrance- 
 hall he encountered Jodrell and Pigot, who were bringing 
 in coffee, so he stopped for a moment to help himself, and 
 then passed out into the garden, where he remained for 
 nearly an hour, pacing to and fro on the terrace. 
 
 When he re-entered the house, he found that Clarence 
 had retired for the night, and, not knowing exactly what to 
 do with himself, determined to follow the young man's 
 example. 
 
 Previously, however, to ascending the grand staircase, he 
 accepted Jodrell's offer of a glass of soda and brandy. 
 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 A MYSTERIOUS OCCURRENCE. 
 
 JAIN would Clarence have disbelieved the re- 
 velation made to him, but he felt there must be 
 truth in it, or La Hogue would never have 
 ventured to cast such a terrible imputation on 
 Sir Hugh. Neither, if Sir Hugh were guiltless, would the 
 plan of intimidation be successful. 
 
 Startling and improbable as was the statement unworthy 
 of credit as appeared the accuser Clarence nevertheless 
 believed the charge, for Sir Hugh's solitary life and moody 
 fits, of which he had heard, seemed to proclaim that the 
 unhappy man had a heavy weight upon his soul. That no 
 suspicion had fallen upon him of his connection with the 
 tragical affair might be accounted for in many ways. 
 Perhaps he had already purchased La Hogue's silence, and 
 the villain had returned, at a most opportune moment, to 
 claim a further reward, and sought to increase his demands 
 by linking him in the plan. It might be so. 
 
 While thinking over the accidental meeting with Sir ' 
 Hugh, Clarence began to persuade himself that the baronet's ! 
 strange and startled looks, which had surprised him at the 
 time, evidenced his guilt. And Sir Hugh's subsequent 
 conduct, otherwise inexplicable, tended to confirm the idea. 
 Why had he shunned him throughout the day of his arrival, 
 except that his presence was unsupportable ? 
 
 Not for a moment did Clarence dream of becoming a 
 party to the infamous scheme proposed by La Hogue, but 
 
1 66 Old Court. 
 
 he felt the necessity of caution while dealing with so un- 
 scrupulous a person. 
 
 The position in which the young man was placed was 
 beset with difficulties, and, on whichever side he turned, 
 they rose before him. Impressed with the idea that a stern 
 duty was imposed upon him, and that he ought to be 
 inflexible in its discharge, he yet felt unequal to the 
 formidable task. To undertake it he must harden his heart 
 check all natural feelings disgrace a proud and honour- 
 able family and for ever destroy the peace of her who 
 owed her being to Sir Hugh. 
 
 Could he do this ? Could he rise up as an inexorable 
 avenger and strike a terrible blow, the results of which must 
 be fatal to the happiness of one in whom he was already 
 deeply interested ? Could he destroy her father ? 
 
 And yet his own father must be avenged. He could not 
 suffer the murderer to escape. 
 
 Occupied by such thoughts, he remained seated in an 
 arm-chair by the fireside. More than once he had re- 
 plenished the andirons with logs of wood taken from a 
 basket standing near the mantelpiece, and the flames for a 
 time gave a cheerful air to the sombre room. At last, 
 Nature asserted her sway, and he fell asleep. How long he 
 slumbered he could not tell, but he was aroused by the 
 opening of the door. It was opened very cautiously, but 
 nevertheless the sound disturbed him. His taper was still 
 burning, but it was placed at the further end of the room, 
 and gave a dim light, and the logs had burnt down to ashes. 
 He fancied he saw some one look into the room, but the 
 figure instantly disappeared, and the door was closed. 
 
 As soon as he could collect his senses he went out to 
 ascertain who was the intruder. It was a bright moonlight 
 night, and every object was clearly distinguishable in the 
 corridor. But no one was there. His room adjoined that 
 of Sir Hugh, and it occurred to him to go in. The door 
 was fastened. He had every reason to believe the room 
 unoccupied, but as he listened he felt convinced that some 
 one was moving about inside. Resolved to satisfy himself 
 on this point, he tapped at the door, but no answer was re- 
 turned, and the noise instantly ceased. He knocked again 
 yet more loudly, and called out. Still no answer was 
 
A Mysterious Occurrence. 167 
 
 returned, and all remained perfectly quiet. Suddenly 
 recollecting that Sir Hugh's dressing-room communicated 
 with the bed-chamber, he flew to the latter, and meeting 
 with no obstruction, entered it. The window-curtains were 
 undrawn, and the chamber was flooded with moonlight, and 
 appeared entirely deserted. There stood the old armoire, 
 with the portrait on which he had gazed in the morning 
 reared against the table. No living thing met his eye. 
 
 Casting a hasty look around, he then went to the side- 
 door. It was fastened. Again he knocked, but with the 
 same result as before, and alter waiting for a minute or two, 
 he returned to his own room. 
 
 Puzzled by the occurrence, and not altogether satisfied, 
 he was considering whether to retire to rest, or keep watch, 
 when his door, which was left ajar, was opened, and Jodrell 
 came in with a lighted candle. The old butler, who did 
 not look more than half awakened, had only partially 
 huddled on his clothes, and presented a very grotesque 
 appearance in his tall cotton nightcap. 
 
 " What ! not a-bed, Sir ? " he cried. " Why, it's past two 
 o'clock. Nothing the matter, I hope ?" 
 
 "Were you here just now, Jodrell?" asked Clarence. 
 " Here ! " exclaimed the butler, staring. " Lord bless 
 you ! no. I'm only just out of my warm bed. Hearing a 
 noise below, I came down to see what caused it" 
 
 "You heard me knocking at Sir Hugh's door," replied 
 Clarence. "There's somebody in the room somebody 
 locked in and the person came to my room first." 
 
 " There ought not to be anyone in Sir Hugh's room," 
 cried Jodrell, now fully awakened. " I must find out who's 
 there instantly." 
 
 " I'll go with you," replied Clarence. 
 So they sallied forth, each provided with a candle. Sir 
 Hugh's room was but a few steps off. and on arriving at it, 
 to Clarence's great surprise the door instantly yielded to 
 Jodrell's touch, and they both went in. No one was in the 
 room, and there was no appearance of anyone having been 
 there. 
 
 "You must have been mistaken. Sir/' remarked the 
 butler. 
 
 " I could not have been mistaken/ 1 rejoined Clarence. 
 
1 68 Old Court, 
 
 "The door was certainly locked, and so was the side- 
 door." 
 
 Jodrell examined the door in question, and finding it un- 
 fastened like the other, shook his head as sagaciously as 
 Lord Burleigh. They then proceeded to search the* room, 
 looking behind the heavy curtains of the old oak bedstead, 
 under the bed, behind the window-curtains, into the closets ; 
 looking everywhere, in short, where it was possible for a 
 person to be concealed, but without making any dis- 
 covery. 
 
 "Well, Sir," said Jodrell, with a comical expression, "if 
 you had gone to bed, I should say you had been dreaming." 
 
 " I have been sleeping in my chair," replied the young 
 man, " and I may have fancied that some one looked into 
 my room, but I could not have been mistaken about the 
 doors. They were both locked a few minutes ago." 
 
 Just then, a cough announced that some one was outside, 
 and immediately afterwards Mr. La Hogue entered, bearing 
 a light, and imperfectly costumed in a pair of loose Turkish 
 trousers, with slippers attached to them. 
 
 " What's the row ? " he cried, with a yawn. " Why have 
 you disturbed me from my peaceful slumbers ? I thought 
 robbers must be breaking into the house." 
 
 " Robbers may have broken in, Sir, only we can't find 
 'em," replied Jodrell. "There have been mysterious 
 noises in this room, and the doors have been locked 
 inside." 
 
 " Locked inside, eh ? then how the deuce did you get 
 in ? Is the room haunted ? " 
 
 "I don't know," replied Jodrell. "It's Sir Hugh's 
 room." 
 
 " The ghosts must have taken advantage of his absence 
 to visit their old quarters/' said La Hogue. " When he's at 
 home, he frightens 'em away. But as I don't like their 
 company, I shall be off. I must have an hour's extra sleep 
 in the morning," he added, with a tremendous yawn. 
 "Good-night." 
 
 With this he departed, and made his way back to his own 
 room, which, we may presume, he had just quitted. 
 
 " I'll lock up the room now, at any rate, and take the 
 keys with me/' said Jodrell. "Ghosts or no ghosts, they 
 
A Mysterious Occurrence. 
 
 169 
 
 shall remain here till morning, unless they can get through 
 the keyhole.' 1 
 
 This done, he attended Clarence to his room, and then 
 bade him respectfully good-night. Though by no means 
 satisfied, the young man postponed all further reflection tili 
 ths morrow, and shortly afterwards sought his pillow. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 A TELEGRAM FROM LUCETTA. 
 
 jjOTHING further occurred during the night to 
 alarm the inmates of Old Court, and when Jodrell 
 and Mrs. Mansfield examined Sir Hugh's room 
 next morning, they could not discover that any- 
 thing had been disturbed in it. 
 
 Notwithstanding his short allowance of sleep, Clarence 
 arose early, and wishing to have as little as possible of Mr. 
 La Hogue's company, took breakfast with Mrs. Mansfield, 
 for whom, as we have intimated, he had conceived an 
 almost filial regard. Gladly would he have made her his 
 confidante, and asked her advice, but this being impossible, 
 he contented himself with talking to her about Sir Hugh, 
 and the description she gave of the baronet's mode of life 
 convinced him that the unhappy man was suffering from the 
 pangs of remorse. 
 
 "Ah! my dear," she said, quite unconscious that she 
 was confirming her hearer's suspicions, " Sir Hugh has been 
 a changed man ever since your poor father's death. He 
 might reproach himself for some unkindness shown to his 
 brother I can't say, though his manner looked like it but 
 he couldn't bear to hear Clarence's name mentioned, and 
 became liable to terrible fits of despondency. It is true that, 
 during my poor lady's lifetime, he got rid in some degree of 
 his melancholy ; but even then he was far from happy." 
 
 " I suppose he is fond of his daughter ? " inquired 
 Clarence. 
 
 " Fond of her ! he dotes upon her. And well he may, 
 
A Telegram from Lucetta. 171 
 
 for there isn't her match in all England. Talking of her, 
 I'll show you a letter which I received only a few days ago, 
 She constantly writes to me. Here it is," she added, after 
 rummaging her capacious pocket. " She calls me by a pet 
 name, which she has used ever since she was a child. You 
 may, perhaps, think she writes too freely but it's excusable, 
 for I was her nurse." 
 
 On opening the letter, Clarence was struck with the beauty 
 of the handwriting. He then read as follows : 
 
 " Old Goody will think I have quite forgotten her. But 
 the darling old creature will be quite wrong. Were I to tell 
 you all I have been doing, I must send a letter longer than 
 you would have patience to read, or than I could find time 
 to write, so I must content myself with saying that I have 
 been excessively gay, and have been to dinners, concerts, 
 and balls innumerable. Sometimes to as many as four balls 
 in one night. Are you not shocked, Goody ? To tell you 
 the truth, I did find this rather too much of a good thing. 
 But the parties at Brighton are very agreeable- especially 
 those given by the Courcy Dormers, which are really 
 splendid. They do everything in the Pvussian style. I 
 shall astonish you by describing their concerts and suppers 
 when I come back. What do you think, darling Old Goody ? 
 I went out the other day with the Southdown fox-hounds, 
 and brought away the brush. I mean to hang it up in the 
 entrance-hall at Old Court as a trophy. Well, now, I dare- 
 say you will ask how I like Brighton. I'll tell you. It's 
 a charming place for a couple of months, but I don't desire 
 to live there. I prefer our dull Old Court. However, it is 
 very pleasant to ride and drive upon the cliffs to see so 
 many brilliant equipages and to meet hundreds of people j 
 whom one knows ; and I do so enjoy a gallop on the 
 downs. ' 
 
 " There, I don't think I have anything more to tell you. 
 Oh ! yes, the 4oth Hussars are here, though 1 don't suppose 
 the information will interest you much. But the officers are 
 very agreeable, and make a great addition to our balls and 
 parties. In fact, I don't know what we should do without 
 them, for most of the other men one meets are tiresome and 
 insipid. Two in particular a Mr. March Ripley, and a 
 
ij2 Old Court. 
 
 Mr. Gerard Hunsdon, who pester me with their attentions 
 are dreadful plagues. They form a perfect contrast in looks 
 and manner to Captain Rainald Fanshaw, one of the 
 officers I have alluded to, whose attentions are rather 
 marked, and whom I don't find altogether disagreeable. 
 Captain F. has a very distinguished appearance, and is cer- 
 tainly the most agreeable person I have met. He is the 
 only son of Sir Nevil Fanshaw, Bart. 
 
 " Now I have told you all, or nearly all. So adieu, 
 dearest old Goody ! Your affectionate 
 
 " LUCETTA. 
 
 "P.S. Don't imagine that Captain R. F. has produced 
 any decided impression upon me. I think him very hand- 
 some and very agreeable that's all. I shall meet him to- 
 night at the Capenhursts' ball, and to-morrow at the Courcy 
 Dormers'. Once more, adieu ! " 
 
 The concluding portion of the letter gave Clarence ex- 
 quisite pain, and he exclaimed, 
 
 "It is plain this Captain Fanshaw has gained her affec- 
 tions." 
 
 " I hope not, my dear," replied Mrs. Mansfield. " She 
 is pleased with him, no doubt, but -" 
 
 " She is in love with him, I tell you," interrupted Clarence. 
 "This is a bitter disappointment to me, for I will own 
 to you that the image of my lovely cousin has haunted 
 me ever since I first gazed upon her portrait. Yet what 
 \^t have I to complain? She has never seen me, and 
 is not even aware of my existence. I have allowed myself 
 to indulge in an idle dream about her, and am now rudely 
 awakened." 
 
 " I shall be very sorry if your notion should prove correct, 
 my dear," said Mrs. Mansfield. "Captain Fanshaw may 
 be all your cousin Lucetta represents him, but I am sure I 
 shall never like him." 
 
 "Whatever he may be, it is certain he has won her 
 heart," sighed Clarence* 
 
 " I won't believe it," cried the old housekeeper. " She 
 has only written this silly nonsense to make me laugh, And 
 I do laugh at it." 
 
A Telegram from Lucetta. 1*73 
 
 Sut her looks contradicted the assertion, for she appeared 
 uncommonly serious. 
 
 Just at this moment Pigot entered the room with a 
 letter. 
 
 " A telegraphic message for you, Ma'am," he said. 
 " Please to sign the receipt for the messenger." 
 
 Mrs. Mansfield having complied, the footman departed, 
 and the old dame, having put on her spectacles and opened 
 the letter, cried out, 
 
 " Bless me ! it's from Lucetta." 
 
 The despatch was thus worded 2 - 
 
 "FROM Miss CHETWYND 
 , To MRS. MANSFIELD, 
 
 WITH SIR HUGH CHETWYND, BART., 
 
 OLD COURT HOUSE, KENT* 
 
 14 R. F. will come to see papa to-day. Prepare." 
 
 " R* F. ! That must be the odious Captain Rainald 
 Fanshaw himself," cried Mrs. Mansfield, dropping the dis- 
 patch, which Clarence picked up. " What business can he 
 have with Sir Hugh, I wonder ? " 
 
 "He can only have one business/' rejoined Clarence, 
 sadly* "This brief message speaks volumes. Coupling 
 these few words with Lucetta's letter, you are given to under- 
 stand that Captain Fanshaw has been accepted by her, 
 and is coming hither to ask her father's consent to their 
 marriage. That's the explanation," he added bitterly. 
 
 " Oh, dear ! oh dear ! I shall go distracted 1 " exclaimed 
 Mrs. Mansfield, "Such a nice plan as I had formed and 
 to have it frustrated ! What a lucky thing Sir Hugh is not 
 at home." 
 
 "He may return before Captain Fanshaw arrives," re- 
 marked Clarence. " Besides, his absence will only cause a 
 little delay. All my hopes are destroyed." 
 
 " Don't say so," cried the good old dame. " Something 
 unexpected may turn up. Sir Hugh may refuse his consent 
 and, indeed, that's not at all improbable." 
 
 " But if she loves this Captain Fanshaw, I must think of 
 her no more," said Clarence. " I ought never to have as- 
 
174 Old Court. 
 
 pired to her even in thought, and am properly punished for 
 my presumption." 
 
 " Presumption, indeed ! You deserve her a great deal 
 better than the captain. I shan't be able to be decently 
 civil to him when he comes." 
 
 At this moment Jodrell entered the room, and, addressing 
 Clarence, said, 
 
 "Mr. La Hogue is just come down to breakfast, Sir, and 
 is inquiring for you." 
 
 "I don't want to see him," replied the young man. 
 " Captain Fanshaw ought not to find that person here," he 
 added, significantly, to the housekeeper. " Can't you give 
 him a hint to depart, Jodrell ? " 
 
 " Not I, Sir," rejoined the butler. " It would require a 
 pretty strong hint, I suspect, to make him go. But who 
 is the gentleman you were speaking of Captain Fanshaw ? 
 I never heard of him." 
 
 "You'll hear enough about him presently," rejoined 
 Clarence. " But, I repeat, he must not meet Mr. La 
 Hogue." 
 
 " If the captain is coming here, I don't see how a meet- 
 ing is to be avoided, Sir," said Jodrell, " for it's quite certain 
 Mr. La Hogue won't remain in the background." 
 
 " It must be managed, even if you give him offence," said 
 Clarence. " Mrs. Mansfield will tell you more about Cap- 
 tain Fanshaw. I am going out into the park." 
 
 So saying, he hastily quitted the room, leaving the 
 astounded butler to ask for some explanation from Mrs* 
 Mansfield. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 MR, LA HOGUE MANAGES TO MAKE ACQUAINTANCE WITH 
 CAPTAIN FANSHAW AND MAJOR TREVOR. 
 
 jj;R. LA HOGUE had gone very leisurely through 
 his breakfast, and was leaning back indolently in 
 an easy-chair, thinking how delightful a cabina 
 would be, but not venturing to indulge in one 
 there, when Jodrell entered, and as he hobbled towards 
 him, the old butler's countenance betokened that he had 
 something to communicate. Noticing this, Mr. La Hogue 
 inquired, with some appearance of interest, whether he had 
 heard from Sir Hugh. The butler replied in the negative. 
 A telegraphic message, however, had been received from 
 Miss Chetwynd, announcing that a visitor might be expected 
 in the course of the day. Mr. La Hogue was curious to 
 know who the visitor could be, and learnt that it was Cap- 
 tain Fanshaw, of the 4oth Hussars, who was coming from 
 Brighton. 
 
 " I shall be delighted to see Captain Fanshaw," said 
 La Hogue. "You have no idea what brings him here, 
 Jodrell?" 
 
 " Not the slightest, Sir. His visit is quite unexpected. 
 But I think, Sir, that Sir Hugh will hardly like to find you 
 here as well. He dislikes much company." 
 
 " Don't trouble yourself about me, Jodrell. I have made 
 up my mind to stay, and stay I shall. Attend to your 
 young lady's recommendation, and do the best you can 
 for the captain. Now what's your own opinion about him, 
 Jodrell ? don't you fancy he's a suitor ha ? " 
 
i-}6 Old Court. 
 
 ;c T never venture to have an opinion on such points, Sir.* 
 
 u ' '1 en to one he is. I'll soon settle the point when he 
 arrives." 
 
 " Really, Sir, if you'll allow me I think you'd much 
 better pack off after luncheon." 
 
 " Pack off, you impertinent rascal. Mind your own 
 business. Take care we have a good dinner. By-the-bye, 
 have you found out the cause of the disturbance last night ? 
 Something supernatural eh ? " 
 
 " I don't know what to think of it," replied the butler. 
 
 " Bat I do," rejoined La Hogue. " You don't suppose 
 I'm such an ass as to believe in ghosts ; but I do believe 
 in somnambulism. Mr. Chetwynd must have been walking 
 in his sleep. No other explanation is possible. If you want 
 to keep him quiet, I would recommend you to lock him in 
 his room to-night." 
 
 " Shall I lock your door as well, Sir ? " inquired Jodrell, 
 dryly. 
 
 " In my case the precaution is unnecessary. I don't walk 
 in my sleep. Indeed, I walk as little as I can, at any time. 
 And that reminds me that I shall ride to-day after luncheon. 
 Sir Hugh's horses want exercise so do I. Tell Mr. Chet- 
 wynd, when he comes in, that I hope he'll ride with me." 
 
 The butler promised compliance, but his manner seemed 
 to intimate that the proposition would very likely be de- 
 clined. And so i<- turned out. 
 
 Mr. La Hogue spent the interval between breakfast and 
 luncheon in the stables, for which part of the establishment 
 he evinced a great predilection, and where he seemed to 
 be quite at home. Seated upon a corn-bin, he chatted 
 familiarly with Drax, critically examined the horses, smoked 
 several cigars, admired a couple of bull-terrier pups belong- 
 ing to the coachman, and having gained an appetite in this 
 way, went back to luncheon. Again Clarence did not make 
 his appearance. He had not returned from his walk in the 
 park, Jodrell asserted but the sly old fellow knew better. 
 Mr. La Hogue looked surprised, and rather vexed, but he 
 sat down to luncheon by himself, and did tolerably well. 
 He had ordered horses to be ready for himself and the 
 young gentleman at half-past two, and a couple of excellent 
 backs were brought round at that hour ; but as Clarence did 
 
Making Acquaintance, 177 
 
 not turn up, he was obliged to set off with no other company 
 beyond that of a groom. 
 
 " He sits a horse uncommon well, that 'ere lively blade," 
 remarked Drax to Jodrell, as they stood together at the door 
 looking after him, "and he knows quite as much about 
 horses as I do myself. He's werry agreeable and con- 
 versable, I must say." 
 
 " I wish we were rid of him, Drax," rejoined Jodrell. 
 "There'll be a pretty to-do, I expect, when Sir Hugh 
 returns." 
 
 "Why didn't our young gent ride wi' him?" asked the 
 coachman. 
 
 " 'Cos he don't like him, that's why, Drax," replied the 
 butler. 
 
 " Well, I do like him ; he makes hisself so remarkable 
 pleasant," replied the coachman. And he trotted off to 
 the stable. 
 
 Mr. La Hogue enjoyed his ride very much, but only 
 accomplished a few miles, for the ground being frosty and 
 hard, he could not go fast with safety, so, having reached 
 an eminence crowned by a windmill which he had fixed as 
 his limit, he turned back. When he was within a mile of 
 the park, and walking his horse slowly along, he heard the 
 sound of wheels behind, and, looking back, perceived a 
 small open phaeton, in which two gentlemen were seated. 
 
 From the military appearance of these gentlemen he 
 entertained no doubt whatever that one of them was 
 Captain Fanshaw, and determined to make his acquaintance 
 without loss of time. Accordingly, he halted to let the 
 phaeton come up. Seeing our free-and-easy friend mounted 
 on a remarkably handsome bay horse, and attended by a 
 groom, the two officers naturally supposed him to be a 
 gentleman. Besides, Mr. La Hogue looked much better 
 on horseback than in any other position, and his grey 
 French paletot, tight blue trousers, and Parisian hat, gave 
 him rather a stylish air. Motioning the driver to stop, and 
 politely raising his hat as he approached the phaeton, La 
 Hogue inquired whether one of the gentlemen was not 
 Captain Fanshaw. 
 
 " I am Captain Fanshaw, Sir," replied Rainald, removing 
 a cigar from his lips, and returning La Hogue's salute, 
 
178 Old Court. 
 
 "I felt quite certain of it," said La Hogue, "and have 
 therefore taken the liberty of addressing you. I am staying 
 at Old Court, whither, I conclude, you are bound, and 
 where you are expected. Allow me to introduce myself to 
 you as Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue." 
 
 " Upon my honour, Mr. La Hogue, you quite astonish 
 me," replied Rainald. " I had no idea I was expected. 
 My brother-officer, Major Trevor." 
 
 Salutes were then exchanged, and Rainald continued : 
 " Now do tell me, my good Sir, how it comes to pass 
 that I am expected at Old Court?" 
 
 "The explanation is very simple, Captain," replied La 
 Hogue, smiling. " A telegraphic message has been 
 received from Miss Chetwynd." 
 
 La Hogue noticed the look that passed between the two 
 officers, and felt that his conjecture as to the captain's 
 errand was correct. 
 
 " Is Sir Hugh Chetwynd at home, may I inquire, Mr. La 
 Hogue ? " said Rainald. 
 
 " He is not," replied the personage addressed, " but he 
 may return at any moment." 
 
 " Twas he we met at Red Hill ! I told you so," 
 observed Rainald to the major. 
 
 * You have seen him, then ? " cried La Hogue. 
 "Accidentally," replied Captain Fanshaw. "And I am 
 able to tell you that he is gone to Brighton, and will not be 
 back till to-morrow." 
 
 " I hope you will stay till then," said La Hogue. " You 
 won't find the place very lively, but we'll do our best to 
 amuse you.'* 
 
 " Oh yes, we'll stay! " rejoined Rainald. 
 The phaeton moved slowly on, and Mr. La Hogue kept 
 near it, talking to the officers. 
 
 " Are there any guests at the house just now ? " inquired 
 Major Trevor, who, judging from the specimen before him, 
 began to think Mainwaring's description of the place might 
 be correct after all. 
 
 "Only myself and Sir Hugh's nephew," replied La 
 Hogue. 
 
 " His nephew ! " exclaimed Captain Fanshaw, surprised, 
 " I was not aware that Sir Hugh had a nephew*" 
 
Making Acquaintance. 179 
 
 " Sir Hugh was not aware of it himself two days ago/' 
 rejoined La Hogue, laughing. 
 
 And he then proceeded to narrate, in his own way, all 
 the particulars connected with Clarence that had come to 
 his knowledge, increasing the wonderment of both his 
 listeners by the singular details he gave them. 
 
 " Clarence has not yet been formally acknowledged by 
 Sir Hugh as his nephew, but he will be so immediately, I 
 suppose," he said, in conclusion. " He is a devilish good- 
 looking young fellow, as I am sure you will admit the 
 image of his father, my old friend, Captain Chetwynd." 
 
 " I am curious to see him," replied Rainald. " Upon 
 my soul, this is a very curious story you have told us 
 quite a romance. No doubt Sir Hugh was about this 
 business when we met him at Red Hill with Mr. Main- 
 waring," he observed to the major. 
 
 By this time they had reached the park gates, and the 
 driver of the phaeton, on entering the noble domain, 
 increased his speed, and left Mr. La Hogue behind ; but 
 that gentleman came up again presently, and renewed the 
 conversation, rather to the annoyance of Rainald, who had 
 no sooner caught sight of the picturesque old mansion, 
 than he was seized with a sentimental fit. Meantime, the 
 groom had ridden on to announce the visitors, so that on 
 their arrival they found the principal members of the house- 
 hold waiting at the door to receive them. 
 
 " Mr. Jodrell, I suppose," said Rainald, as the old butler 
 advanced with Pigot. " I have a letter for you." 
 
 " From Sir Hugh, I perceive," replied Jodrell. " Excuse 
 me, Sir," he added, opening the letter. "Ah! I see, he 
 merely recommends me to pay every attention to Captain 
 Fanshaw yourself, I presume, Sir," bowing, "and Major 
 Trevor," bowing again, " who will remain till his return. 
 Rely upon it, gentlemen, I'll do my best to carry out my 
 master's orders." 
 
 The officers then alighted, and Rainald, having paid the 
 driver of the phaeton and dismissed him, threw his over- 
 coat to Pigot, but, instead of entering the house at once, 
 he walked to a short distance along the broad gravel drive 
 to gaze a* the picturesque fagade, and indulge ?*?? -^s 
 fancies. 
 
180 Old Court. 
 
 "And this, then, is the house in which she has dwelt ! " 
 he mentally ejaculated. "A fine old place exactly what 
 she described it and I trust we shall pass away many 
 years of happiness beneath its roof. But what a strange 
 story is that I have just heard of the newly discovered 
 nephew ! I can't get it out of my head. I wonder how I 
 shall like our new cousin. Ah ! this is he, I'll swear," 
 he added, as a tall youthful figure appeared upon the 
 terrace. 
 
 It was Clarence. He had been in the garden, and hear- 
 ing the arrival of the new comers, was returning to the 
 house. As he approached, Rainald scrutinised him with a 
 critical eye. There was no want of breeding about the 
 young fellow, the captain thought, and if his manner was a 
 little boorish, it was wholly free from awkwardness and 
 embarrassment. There could be no question about his 
 good looks. While noting all this, Rainald felt he didn't 
 exactly know why repelled by the young man. On his 
 part, Clarence was similarly influenced, but in a much 
 stronger degree, for the moment he set eyes upon the tall 
 and graceful figure of the young officer, he knew it must be 
 his rival, and conceived an aversion to him. 
 
 Just before Rainald came up, Mr. La Hogue, who had 
 dismounted and given his horse to the groom, hurried 
 forward, and, whispering to Rainald that it was Sir Hugh's 
 nephew whom he saw, went through the ceremony of 
 introducing the young men to each other. This inter- 
 ference was displeasing to Clarence, and made his manner 
 appear so stiff and cold that he sank greatly in the estima- 
 tion of the polished officer of hussars. " Nature has done 
 a good deal for him, but he is sadly deficient in manner," 
 thought Rainald. And as he allowed the opinion to be 
 rather too plainly expressed in his looks, Clarence read it 
 there, and at once set him down as a supercilious puppy. 
 Under these somewhat unfavourable circumstances the 
 introduction took place. The young men shook hands, 
 and after a few words of common civility drew back from 
 each other, and it was rather a relief to Rainald when La 
 Hogue proposed that they should go into the house. 
 
 Meanwhile, Major Trevor had been standing on the 
 st^ps with Jodrell, and availed himself of the opportunity of 
 
Making Acquaintance. 181 
 
 questioning the old butler about the Serchial Madeira and 
 Sir Christopher's port. 
 
 "Ah, Sir!" exclaimed Jodrell, "Mr. Mainwaring likes 
 both of those wines. Many a bottle of Roritz port has he 
 crushed in this house, and Sir Christopher he was the 
 late baronet, Sir used to say that there wasn't so good a 
 judge of port wine in the kingdom as Mr. Mainwaring." 
 
 <k l daresay Sir Christopher was no bad judge himself," 
 remarked the major. 
 
 " Not equal to Mr. Mainwaring, Sir. You shall taste the 
 Roritz port and the old Madeira, and any other wines you 
 may choose, for we have a famous cellar, thanks to Sir 
 Christopher." 
 
 "I'm delighted to hear it, Mr. Jodrell," observed the 
 major. " I leave the choice of the wines entirely to you. 
 Serve me as you would Mr. Mainwaring." 
 
 "Then you must stick to the Roritz port, Sir." 
 
 " Don't omit claret altogether, my good friend. Captain 
 Fanshaw is not a port-wine man." 
 
 " Never fear, Sir," replied the old butler. " I can suit all 
 tastes." 
 
 By this time the others had come up, and the major in 
 his turn was introduced to Clarence. In this case there 
 was no antagonistic feeling, so they got on very well 
 together, and the whole party went in. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 WHAT MRS. MANSFIELD THOUGHT OF THE CAPTAIN. 
 
 j|FTER they had inspected the martial implements 
 and knightly accoutrements with which the 
 entrance-hall was bedecked, the newly arrived 
 guests were conducted up the great staircase by 
 Jodrell. On reaching the principal corridor they were met 
 by Mrs. Mansfield, who, though strongly prejudiced, as we 
 know, against Captain Fanshaw, desired to see what he was 
 like ; and now that he stood before her, she was rather 
 vexed than otherwise that she could not find fault with his 
 personal appearance. 
 
 " So you are Mrs. Mansfield," said the handsome captain, 
 regarding her with a look of great interest, whether feigned 
 or real we won't pretend to determine. " I must shake 
 hands with you, my dear Madam I must, upon my soul. 
 I've often heard Lucetta speak of her dear Old Goody 
 that's her pet name for you, eh ? She sends her love to 
 you, and would have sent something more, I'm quite sure, 
 if she could have trusted me with it. D ) you know, 
 Mansfield," he continued, looking hard at her, " I felt quite 
 jealous of you; but now I perceive what a nice old body 
 you are, upon my soul I don't wonder at Lucetta's fondness 
 for you. I shall become very fond of you myself." 
 
 " And then somebody else will become jealous," laughed 
 the major. 
 
 There was no resisting such an address as this. Rainald 
 had conquered. Mrs. Mansfield could not call up a single 
 frown. Such good nature and good humour as the captain 
 
What Mrs. Mansfield 'Thought of the Captain. \ 83 
 
 evinced would have disarmed a stronger-minded woman 
 than our old housekeeper. But the captain pursued his 
 victory. When Mrs. Mansfield showed him the room she 
 had prepared for him, and in which a fire was blazing, he 
 detained her, made her sit down, and after talking in 
 rapturous and perhaps extravagant terms of her young 
 mistress though the language did not seem at all too high- 
 flown to his listener concluded by explaining to her the 
 object of his visit to Old Court. 
 
 Thus treated, thus flattered by being taken into the 
 confidence of her young lady's lover, what could tender- 
 hearted Mrs. Mansfield say and do ? Only what she did 
 say and do. She could not belie her conscience, and 
 affirm that she hoped, for her young lady's sake and his 
 own, that the match might take place, but she somehow 
 contrived to persuade Rainald that he had her best wishes 
 for the consummation of his happiness. And, in reality, 
 the good old dame began to feel that the dreams she had 
 indulged in with regard to Clarence were at an end. Now 
 that she had experienced the influence of Rainald's refined 
 and captivating manner, she did not wonder that Lucetta 
 had accepted him, and was forced to admit that Clarence 
 would have had a very poor chance with such a rival, even 
 if matters had not gone quite so far as they had done. 
 Besides, if the decision had rested with herself, instead of 
 with Sir Hugh, she could never have opposed her darling 
 Lucetta's inclinations. Here was the man of the dear 
 girl's choice, and so far as appearances went, a very good 
 choice had been made. No, no poor Clarence's chance 
 if he had ever had a chance was utterly gone. 
 
 Little had the good old dame anticipate that such would 
 be the result of her first interview with the handsome 
 captain. Little did she imagine that her loyalty to Clarence 
 would be shaken by a few honeyed words. She went down- 
 stairs to her own room not altogether satisfied with herself, 
 and feeling that her sympathies were enlisted on the wrong 
 side. She went to her own room, we say, and there found 
 Clarence. 
 
 "Well, have you seen him, Mansfield?" cried the young 
 man, eagerly. 
 
 ** Yes, I have just left him," she replied, knowing that he 
 
i&4 && Court. 
 
 alluded to Captain Fanshaw. " It is just as we suspected. 
 I have heard all about it. He has been telling me of his 
 attachment to your cousin Lucetta." 
 
 " She loves him- feen ? 7> cried Clarene^ 
 
 "Yes, yes, se foves him," replied the good woman, 
 deeming it right to crush his hopes effectually. " She has 
 accepted him. I now feel, my dear, that it was very foolish 
 in me very wrong to put any notions into your head 
 respecting your cousin. I ought to have known better. 
 But I sha'n't forgive myself for my folly, if I have caused 
 you any real disappointment. You must not view the 
 matter too seriously. The prize for my darling young lady 
 is an inestimable prize which I hoped was reserved for 
 you, has fallen into other hands. But that can't be helped. 
 You must reconcile yourself to the loss." 
 
 "But I cannot reconcile myself to it," exclaimed 
 Clarence. "Lucetta has obtained complete mastery over 
 me. I know this is madness, or the next thing to it, and 
 that I ought to overcome the feeling, but I cannot. I hate 
 this Captain Fanshaw, who has robbed me of the being 
 whom I feel I could have loved, and who but for him might 
 have been mine. I hate him, Mansfield. I won't meet 
 him again." 
 
 As he gave vent to this almost boyish ebullition of anger, 
 the old housekeeper thought him more than ever like "his 
 father. 
 
 " You must not talk in this way, my dear," she said, in a 
 gentle persuasive voice, and with a kindly maternal look, 
 drawing him as she spoke towards a chair. "There, sit 
 down and listen to me. You have raised your expectations 
 too high, and gone too fast. But the fault is mine. To 
 lament over impossibilities would be idle, and I am sure you 
 are incapable of such weakness. You must manage to endure 
 Captain Fanshaw's society. The feelings of dislike you 
 entertain for him will speedily wear off. You will find him, 
 I am sure, a perfect gentleman, and I persuade myself you 
 will shortly become great friends." 
 
 " Never ! Mansfield," exclaimed Clarence, energetically. 
 "Never!" 
 
 " Yes, you will," she rejoined. " Now, be a good boy, as 
 I used to say to your poor father when he was self-willed, 
 
What Mrs. Mansfield Thought of the Captain. 185 
 
 and do as you are bid. Make yourself agreeable to the 
 captain." 
 
 " I can't, Mansfield." 
 
 " You mean , you won't. But I say you must. All will 
 then be right, and I shall have the consolation of reflecting 
 that if I have acted unwisely, I have made amends for the 
 indiscretion. You won't make me unhappy, I am sure. 
 Promise me not to quarrel with the captain." 
 
 " Well, I will promise/ 1 replied Clarence, rather re* 
 luctantly. " But I won't promise not to quarrel with Mr. 
 La Hogue." 
 
 " Don't quarrel with him or with any one else, I entreat," 
 said the kind-hearted old dame. " I have no very exalted 
 opinion of the gentleman in question, from what I hear of 
 him from Jodrell. But a misunderstanding with him might 
 lead to unpleasant consequences. Don't meddle with him, 
 my dear, but leave Sir Hugh to settle with him on his 
 return." 
 
 " You are right," rejoined Clarence. " I will follow your 
 advice." 
 
 " It is dictated by real love for you, my dear," said the 
 old dame, with a truly motherly look. " I cannot do all I 
 could wish for you, but I will do the best I can. And now 
 go and look after the guests. Remember, you are your 
 uncle's representative in the house, and act accordingly. 
 Ah ! who's there ? " she exclaimed, as her quick ears caught 
 the sound of footsteps outside. 
 
 No one answered. Mr. La Hogue, however, had been 
 listening at the door, which was left ajar, and had heard all 
 that had passed between the young man and the house- 
 keeper. 
 
 Before Clarence came out he was gone. The young 
 man's disappointment at the loss of Lucetta gave him a hint 
 for a slight modification in his plans. 
 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 TEMPTATION. 
 
 UR military friends passed the rest of the day more 
 agreeably than they had anticipated. Accom- 
 
 panied by Mr. La Hogue and Jodrell, they 
 explored the old house, looked at the portraits in 
 the gallery, admired the old furniture in the dining-room, 
 lounged about the library, but did not trouble the goodly 
 tomes upon the shelves. Major Trevor, indeed, wondered 
 who the deuce was going to read all those big books ; 
 whereupon Mr. La Hogue shrugged his shoulders, and said 
 he was not the man to do it. 
 
 After pointing out several objects which appeared to have 
 a special interest to Rainald, the old butler happened to 
 mention that Miss Chetwynd's portrait was hung up in the 
 room occupied by Clarence, upon which the captain went 
 there at once, and was so charmed with the picture that he 
 took it down, with the intention of conveying it to his own 
 room. Just as he was moving off, Clarence made his 
 appearance, and looked disposed to repossess himself forcibly 
 of the treasure. 
 
 "Excuse me," rejoined Rainald, who, though inclined to 
 resent the young man's rudeness, thought it best to treat the 
 matter as a joke. "I daresay you value the portrait. But 
 I think I have a better title to it than you have. Be so 
 good as to place it in my room, Mr. Jodrell," he added, 
 giving it to the old butler. " Come along, Major. Let us 
 go down-stairs." 
 
 As they paced along the corridor, he remarked to Trevo- 
 
Temptation. 187 
 
 that he was afraid he should have to give the young fool a 
 lesson. 
 
 Meanwhile, Clarence, irritated with himself for so soon 
 breaking his promise to good Mrs. Mansfield, walked to the 
 further end of the room, and flung himself into a chair. 
 Thinking his opportunity had arrived, La Hogue whispered 
 to Jodrell to take away the picture, engaging to set all right, 
 and then, closing the door after the butler, went up to the 
 young man. 
 
 " I see you are put out, my dear boy, and I understand 
 why," he said. " You have fallen in love with your charm- 
 ing cousin don't interrupt me, if you please but you 
 won't gain your object by quarrelling with the captain. I'll 
 show you how to throw him over," he added, with a sig- 
 nificant smile. 
 
 Clarence looked inquiringly at him, but did not speak. 
 
 "Shall I tell you what I would do, if I had a hated 
 rival?" continued La Hogue. 
 
 "You would kill him, I suppose?" rejoined Clarence. 
 " Few scruples, I should think, would restrain you." 
 
 " No, I wouldn't kill him, but I would get rid of him just 
 as effectually. Captain Fanshaw loves your cousin Lucetta, 
 and feels certain of obtaining her hand. Everything justifies 
 the expectation. The young lady has accepted him at 
 least, I suppose so and her father is not likely to refuse 
 his consent." 
 
 "Why tell me this? I know it," cried Clarence, im- 
 patiently. 
 
 "Stop a minute," rejoined La Hogue, with a smile, 
 "There is an obstacle on which the captain has not 
 counted. He has omitted me in his calculations. Safe as 
 he deems himself, he will find that I can thwart him. He 
 is coming in easily, but he won't win. A young untried 
 horse, whom nobody thought worth backing, will beat 
 him." 
 
 And he laughed merrily at his own conceit. 
 
 " Now listen to me, my dear boy," he continued. " The 
 odds are fearfully against you at this moment; but I'll show 
 you how to beat the favourite. You shall carry off your 
 cousin. You shall wed her, my boy wed her." 
 
 Clarence's flushed cheek and flashing eyes betrayed his 
 
' i88 Old Court. 
 
 excitement, and La Hogue hastened to improve the effect 
 which he saw he had produced. 
 
 " Only say the word," he continued, more earnestly than 
 before, " and I will force Sir Hugh to refuse Captain Fan- 
 shaw and give Lucetta to you." 
 
 " I doubt your power," said Clarence. 
 
 "You doubt it, eh? Well, you shall see. Say the word, 
 and this haughty captain, who would deride your preten- 
 sions, shall go back discomfited." 
 
 " I should like to mortify him, I own, but not in this 
 way," said Clarence. 
 
 " You can mortify him in no other way. He is vulnerable 
 in one point only, my dear boy. Hit him there, or you do 
 nothing. You ha*re too much pluck to let him get the 
 better of you. I see we are agreed," he added, clapping 
 the young man on the shoulder. 
 
 " Agreed to what ?" demanded Clarence, shrinking from 
 him almost with loathing. 
 
 " To act in concert, for the purpose of bringing Sir Hugh 
 to book. The management of the business may be safely 
 left to me, but I shall require your aid. In addition to 
 whatever else you may acquire by the arrangement, you will 
 gain Lucetta and balk your rival. It doesn't appear to re- 
 quire a moment's consideration, but think it over. And 
 now, dear boy, let me give you a word of caution. Play 
 your cards carefully. Don't quarrel with the captain. You 
 may be well content to let him have the picture, since you 
 will have the original. Meet him in good humour 
 you come down. You'll soon have your revenge." 
 With this, he relieved Clarence of his presence. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 DINNER, AND A LITTLE ECARTE AFTER IT. 
 
 j|N going down-stairs, La Hogue found that the two 
 officers had walked out into the garden in order 
 to smoke a cigar, and he presently joined them 
 there. Captain lunshaw was talking to Simp- 
 son, the head gardener a very intelligent man, and an 
 especial favourite with Lucetta who showed them over the 
 hothouses and greenhouses, and, while exhibiting many rare 
 and beautiful plants, talked a great deal about his young 
 mistress, and her fondness for flowers. The garden inves- 
 tigated, the party repaired to the stables and looked at Sir 
 Hugh's horses, with which the two officers, who were both 
 very good judges, were tolerably well pleased. Unluckily, 
 the pride of the stable, Mazeppa, was in Brighton, with two 
 other nearly thorough-bred hunters, so they could not be 
 admired. But Drax, who had got his cue, having learnt 
 from the captain that Lucetta had gained the brush with the 
 Southdowns, launched into such a panegyric of her horse- 
 manship, declaring that no young lady in the whole county 
 of Kent could ride like her, that Rainald could not help 
 tipping him handsomely. Thus they beguiled the flagging 
 hours, until the first bell announcing that it was time to 
 dress for dinner, they returned to the house. 
 
 Small as the party was, such a dinner had not been given 
 at the Hall for many years, for Sir Hugh rarely entertained 
 a friend, and lived very simply. On the present otf *sion$ 
 as he had directed that every attention should be ^ud hiS 
 guests, Mrs. Mansfield determined to give them a really ' 
 
190 Old Court. 
 
 good dinner a dinner that should do credit to her master. 
 Accordingly, some of the best of the old family plate was 
 displayed, and very handsome it looked, and very much 
 Rainald and the major admired it for they both liked old 
 plate. Then, though no disciple of Francatelli, the cook 
 was far from deficient in skill, and, under the guidance of 
 Mrs. Mansfield, produced a series of old-fashioned dishes, 
 very different from the everlasting French entrees the noix 
 de veau \hzfilets de bceuf pique the canetons anx petits pois 
 the vols au vent a la bechamel the salmis, the sautes, the 
 timbales, souffles, the croquenbouches, and the plombieres, to 
 which the two officers were accustomed at the grand dinners 
 at Brighton but all excellent of their kind, and a very 
 agreeable change to men tired of cotelettes de lievre, dindes en 
 daube, and galantines. Major Trevor, indeed, who was no 
 bad judge, declared he had rarely dined so well. And 
 yet the cook had only the resources of a large country-house 
 to apply to. To be sure, there was plenty of mutton, 
 poultry, and game, and even a cochon de lait, ready for the 
 spit, so what more could be desired. Jodreli took care that 
 the best wine the cellar afforded should be produced. The 
 Serchial Madeira was introduced at the right moment, and 
 Sir Christopher's old Roritz port elicited the fastidious 
 major's unqualified approbation. There was no mistake 
 about it, he said, and he only wished they had a good 
 stock of it at the mess. As a matter of curiosity, and 
 perhaps to please Jodreli for he wished to stand well 
 in the old butler's good graces Captain Fanshaw tried 
 this famous wine, but he quickly deserted it for the 
 claret, which was Lafitte of the first growth. In other 
 respects, the dinner passed off pleasantly enough. Mr. La 
 Hogue talked about racing and steeple-chasing at Paris, 
 Chantilly, Dieppe, and Baden-Baden, and related a good 
 many anecdotes which amused his hearers. Major Trevor, 
 who was of a jovial turn, rattled away very easily and 
 agreeably, so that there was no flagging in the conversation. 
 Even Clarence was not proof against .Rainald's refined and 
 prepossessing manner, and took quite a liking to the cheery 
 major. As his ill humour wore off his manner improved, 
 and Rainald thought that something might be made of him 
 in time. 
 
'j and a Little Ecarte afar it. 191 
 
 After a while, the p&rty adjourned to the back part of th^ 
 foouse, where a comfortable smoking-room had been im- 
 provised by Jodrell. Here they not only smoked, but 
 played a little ecarte, cards having been provided for therw 
 ,3y the obliging old butler. The major piqued himself, and 
 with good reason, on his play, but he was no match for Mr. 
 La Hogue, and lost five-and-twenty pounds to that per- 
 sonage, who proved to be an adept in the game. Rainald 
 wa*; equally unsuccessful in fact, the luck seemed to be 
 entirely on Mr. La Hogue's side. 
 
 Clai ence withdrew as soon as the cards were introduced, 
 not liking to confess that he could not play. His education 
 had been somewhat neglected, Mr. La Hogue observed. 
 
 It was quite the witching hour when the others retired t6 
 t A st, and as they passed through the gallery, the grim oki 
 ai*Jly portraits seemed to frorirn upon them for their us- 
 Licensed intrusion. 
 
 If Rainald formed any such fancies, they were dispelled 
 by Cke sight of Lucetta's portrait, which he found in hig 
 room. Whatever her ancestors might do. she seemed to 
 mile, upon him, and so sweetly, that he could not help 
 pressing his lips t? *e picture. 
 
 ftVaui we inquire t T whom L^ 'learned ? 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A SECOND TELEGRAM FROM LUCETTA. 
 
 jjAINALD was awakened next morning by Pigot, 
 and his first thought being of the portrait, he 
 directed his eyes towards the spot where he had 
 placed it overnight, but not discerning it, he 
 questioned Pigot, who informed him that he had seen it, 
 not many minutes ago, in Mr. Clarence Chetwynd's room. 
 All the household, we may incidentally mention, had agreed 
 at Mrs. Mansfield's request to give the young gentle- 
 man that designation. Very much surprised, and rather 
 angry, the captain wanted to know how it came there, but 
 this was more than Pigot could explain. 
 
 "Mr. Clarence was just as much surprised as you appear 
 to be, Captain, when he found it," said the footman. " The 
 ghosts seem to be playing strange tricks just now. The 
 night before last both doors of Sir Hugh's bed-room were 
 locked inside nobody could tell how and now a picture 
 flies from one room to another without anybody touching it. 
 Very mysterious, ain't it, Captain ? " 
 
 "Net in the least mysterious, man," rejoined Rainald, 
 sharply. "I have my own opinion as to the way in which 
 the trick has been performed. Ghosts don't amuse them- 
 selves by carrying off pictures. Step to Mr. Clarence Chet- 
 wynd's room, and bring back the portrait directly." 
 
 " Sorry I can't do it, Captain," rejoined Pigot, with 
 difficulty suppressing a laugh. " Mr. Chetwynd has just 
 gone out, and has locked his door." 
 
 Happily, our armies no longer swear terribly in Flanders 
 
A Second Telegram from Lucetla. 193 
 
 or anywhere else, or Rainald, who was greatly exasperated 
 by the information, might have given vent to a few well- 
 rounded oaths. As it was he sent for Jodrell, and he 
 could not have adopted a wiser course, for the old butler 
 presently answered the summons, and brought with him the 
 missing portrait. Clarence, it appeared, on going out, had 
 left the key of his room with him, and Jodrell was thus 
 enabled to appease the captain's anger by bringing back the 
 treasure. However, he declared positively that Mr. Chet- 
 wynd had had no hand in the mysterious affair, and that if 
 a practical joke had been played, that young gentleman was 
 not the actor. 
 
 When Rainald went down-stairs, after completing his 
 toilette, he found the major and La Hogue in the dining- 
 room, where the breakfast equipage was set out, and they 
 both laughed immoderately on hearing of the mysterious 
 abstraction of the portrait. Their merriment had not ceased 
 when Clarence came in. He looked grave, but, when 
 rallied by the major, felt that the incident was too absurd to 
 be treated seriously, and laughed like the others. As to 
 Rainald, though by no means satisfied, he thought it best 
 not to trouble himself further about the matter. When Mr. 
 La Hogue had done laughing, he expressed his firm con- 
 viction that Clarence was a somnambulist, and Rainald 
 began to think that this was the true solution of the 
 difficulty. 
 
 So many good things had been provided by Mrs. Mans- 
 field for their breakfast, that their discussion took up a 
 long time, but the repast being at length ended, havannahs 
 became the order of the day, and it was very well that 
 Sir Hugh did not see the party while thus employed upon 
 the terrace, or his peace of mind might have been grievously 
 disturbed. By this time Rainald began to feel quite at 
 home at the old place, and told the major, as they sauntered 
 along the broad terrace, ever and anon stopping to con- 
 template some of the beautiful architectural details of the ' 
 mansion, that he liked the place so much that he should 
 certainly pass three or four months there in every year. 
 
 "A month, I should say, would be quite long enough," 
 rejoined the major, who didn't see it in the same light. 
 " Even with a daily allowance of the Roritz port, I should 
 
194 Old Court. 
 
 die of ennui in a week. You might manage to spend your 
 honeymoon here, and all that sort of thing, but I shouldn't 
 advise it. You'd be dreadfully bored perhaps even with 
 your wife." 
 
 " Impossible, Major ! " cried Rainald. " Lucetta would 
 make a wilderness enchanting. My only misgiving is in 
 regard to Sir Hugh. No getting rid of him, I fear, and not 
 much chance of getting on with him either. Fancy a 
 tete-a-tete dinner with him in that large dining-room. It's too 
 dreadful to contemplate. Yet I have many such before 
 me." 
 
 " I can't say I envy you, my dear fellow," rejoined the 
 major. "A father-in-law is a confounded nuisance. If ever 
 I commit matrimony, it shall be with a wealthy widow, 
 without incumbrances, and without father or mother, who are 
 worse than incumbrances. As I am not likely to meet with 
 such a paragon, I don't suppose I shall marry at all. But 
 the thought doesn't afflict me much. Ask me down here 
 for a couple of days not longer when you want cheering 
 up. A propos of Sir Hugh, has anything been heard of him 
 this morning ? " 
 
 " Nothing whatever, so Jodrell tells me. We shall have 
 him here soon enough, no doubt. I wish to Heaven my 
 interview with him were over ! I dread it more than I did 
 yesterday." 
 
 The party remained for some little time on the terrace, 
 chatting on various matters, and looking about them. The 
 morning was very fine, and despite the rigour of the season, 
 the park, with its thick groves and long sweeping vistas, 
 looked beautiful at least, it would have looked so in the eyes 
 of true lovers of nature but none were there save Clarence, 
 and he was in no mood then for enjoyment of scenery. 
 Though he contrived to maintain a tolerably calm exterior, 
 his breast was in a turmoil, and he looked forward with 
 feverish impatience for Sir Hugh's return, though he could 
 not foresee what would happen then. That a most im- 
 portant crisis was at hand, as far as he himself was con- 
 cerned, he felt assured, but how others would be affected 
 baffled his powers of calculation. La Hogue's society was 
 almost insupportable, and even that of Rainald was dis- 
 tasteful to him, but he determined to submit to both annoy- 
 
A Second Telegram from Luc el t a. 195 
 
 ances for a time ; however, as he had not much practised the 
 art of self-command, he was in constant danger of losing his 
 temper, and, aware of this, he was glad when La Hogue 
 suggested a ride, and the two officers agreed to the pro- 
 position. He had then a reasonable excuse for quitting 
 them, and declined to be of the party. Accordingly a visit 
 to the stables was paid, and a selection from Sir Hugh's 
 stud made, and by-and-by the horses were brought round. 
 
 Just as the cavaliers were about to mount, a messenger 
 was descried galloping up the ascent to the Hall, and as he 
 might bring a telegram from Sir Hugh, it was thought ad- 
 visable to await his arrival. In a few minutes the man came 
 up, and proved to be the bearer of a telegraphic despatch 
 for Mrs. Mansfield. Jodrell at once carried off the letter, 
 but presently returned, saying that Mrs. Mansfield desired 
 to speak with Captain Fanshaw, whereupon Rainald im- 
 mediately accompanied him to her room. Apologising for 
 the liberty she had taken in sending for him, but persuaded 
 he would excuse her, the old housekeeper showed him the 
 telegraphic message, which was from Lucetta, and ran as 
 follows : 
 
 " Papa has just started from Brighton. I am coming by 
 next train with Lady D. Send the carriage to meet us at 
 Edenbridge." 
 
 " I do not desire to alarm you, Sir," replied Mrs, Mans- 
 field, "but I fear something has gone wrong. What it is I 
 can't pretend to say, but it is certain that Miss Chetwynd 
 and her aunt deem their presence necessary here, or they 
 would not follow Sir Hugh so quickly. Lady Danvers, I 
 am sure, would not have come at all, unless compelled. 
 Most likely Sir Hugh is unaware of their design, or he would 
 have escorted them ; at least, I fancy so. My belief is that 
 this message, though addressed to me, is sent as a caution 
 to you, Sir. Unless I am mistaken, my dear young lady 
 evidently fears that some misunderstanding may occur be- 
 tween you and her father, and wishes to put you on your 
 guard. If I may venture to advise, I would recommend 
 you not to see Sir Hugh until after her arrival.' 1 
 
 " I am quite sure you are right, Mansfield, and I will act 
 
196 Old Court. 
 
 as you advise," replied Rainald. " I won't return from the 
 ride I am about to take till the ladies have returned." 
 
 "You might meet the carriage," said Mrs. Mansfield. 
 " You know the road to Edenbridge. You came from the 
 station yesterday e " 
 
 "An excellent suggestion. I'll do it," cried Rainald. 
 
 He then left the room, and returned to the party 
 assembled at the door, who were curious to know the 
 purport of the telegraphic message. On learning that Sir 
 Hugh was expected, and that Miss Chetwynd and her aunt 
 were coming by the next train, Mr. La Hogue made an 
 excuse for not joining the equestrians. As the officers were 
 not particularly desirous of his company, this made no 
 difference whatever to them, so they set off without him, 
 attended by the groom. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 MR. LA HOGUE COMMENCES OPERATIONS. 
 
 |T was about two o'clock when Sir Hugh and Main- 
 waring arrived. 
 
 Mr. La Hogue was at luncheon in the large 
 dining-room, but he did not think it necessary to 
 disturb himself in the least, but went on quietly with his 
 repast; and even when, a few minutes afterwards, Sir Hugh, 
 followed by Mainwaring, entered the room, manifesting by 
 his looks and manner surprise and anger at the stranger's 
 intrusion, he did not betray the slightest confusion, but, 
 rising from the table in the easiest manner possible, sa'uted 
 the baronet, saying he was very glad to see him back again. 
 
 Astounded by his coolness, Sir Hugh repressed the angry 
 words that rose to his lips, and seemed to be considering 
 what course he should pursue. Mr. La Hogue, however, 
 did not give him much time for reflection, but went on : 
 
 "Jodrell will have mentioned my name to you, Sir 
 Hugh," he said. "Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue. I was a 
 very intimate friend of your brother Clarence." 
 
 11 1 knew all Clarence's friends," interposed Mainwaring, 
 "and I never heard him mention your name that Til 
 swear." 
 
 "Mr. Mainwaring, I presume," said La Hogue. "I've 
 often heard Clarence speak of you. You did not know all 
 his friends, Sir." 
 
 " Possibly not," returned that gentleman, gruffly. "But 
 I knew all the respectable part of his acquaintance." 
 
 "What brings you here, Sir?" demanded Sir Hugh. 
 
198 Old Court. 
 
 sharply. " How is it that I find you installed in my house 
 uninvited ha ? " 
 
 "I have perhaps presumed too much on your hospitality, 
 Sir Hugh, by taking up my quarters here," replied La 
 Hogue, with inimitable coolness, "but I feel sure you will 
 forgive me when I explain that I have come here on very 
 important business connected with your late brother." 
 
 Slightly changing his tone as he pronounced the latter 
 part of the sentence, he succeeded in producing an im- 
 pression on the baronet. 
 
 " Even if you have business with me, Sir, that circum- 
 stance does not warrant your extraordinary intrusion," said 
 Sir Hugh, haughtily. " But I am not aware of any business 
 that you can have connected with my late brother." 
 
 " My business is of a strictly private nature," said La 
 Hogue, significantly. " I have a communication to make 
 to you. You will recognise its importance when I have an 
 opportunity for explanation." 
 
 "Til leave you with him and go to your nephew," said 
 Mainwaring to the baronet. " What the deuce has he got 
 to tell, I wonder?" muttered the old gentleman, as he 
 withdrew. 
 
 As soon as the door was closed, La Hogue glanced round 
 the room as if to satisfy himself there was no listener, and 
 then, fixing his keen eye upon the baronet, said, 
 
 " I think I have a right to complain of the way in which 
 you have received me, Sir Hugh, and I feel persuaded you 
 will regret your want of courtesy. You may be quite sure 
 that I did not come here on any idle errand." 
 
 "To the point, Sir!" cried Sir Hugh, impatiently. 
 " Your business ? " 
 
 " Permit me to proceed in my own way/' rejoined the 
 other, with provoking calmness. " However, I won't keep 
 you in suspense, but state at once that I am in possession 
 of a most important secret a secret which you believe 
 known only to yourself a secret affecting your character, 
 your position, your very life. Now that you begin to under- 
 stand my business, you will perhaps think it worth while to 
 treat me with a little more consideration." 
 
 " Go on, Sir," said Sir Hugh, who had become pale as 
 death. 
 
Mr. La Hogue Commences Operations. 199 
 
 " 1 must go back a long time, Sir Hugh some two-and- 
 twenty years and take you on a dark night to a solitary 
 spot on the downs near Aylesford. You have heard of Kit's 
 Coity House, I daresay ? Well, it was at that old cromlech, 
 on the night in question, that a meeting took place between 
 two brothers between two brothers, Sir Hugh. They 
 quarrelled yes, they quarrelled about a lady Amice her 
 name, if I recollect right and the elder brother shot the 
 younger shot him dead." 
 
 The unhappy baronet groaned aloud, but offered no other 
 interruption to the narrator. 
 
 "The murderer then fled," pursued La Hogue, after 
 pausing to give full effect to his words, " thinking the 
 bloody deed had been unwitnessed. But he was mistaken. 
 There were two witnesses. One is dead, but the other sur- 
 vives, and stands before you." 
 
 "And you unblushingly avow, villain, that you are one of 
 the wretches who plundered my brother's lifeless body," 
 cried Sir Hugh. " You have long evaded justice, but you 
 will not escape now." 
 
 " I laugh at the threat," rejoined the other, in a tone of 
 defiance. " My crime if I have committed any is not of 
 the magnitude of yours. I am not a fratricide. I heard 
 you exclaim on that fatal night that the curse of Cain would 
 be on you evermore and so it will be and so it will be ! " 
 
 As if struck by a mortal blow, Sir Hugh caught at a chair 
 for support. La Hogue laughed internally. 
 
 "Mark the consequence of that crime," he continued. 
 <c Another life besides that of your brother was sacrificed 
 on that fatal night. A poor wretch was drowned in the 
 Medway. To whom was his death attributable? You 
 can answer that terrible question, Sir Hugh. But this 
 was not all. You artfully contrived to fix the guilt of 
 your foul crime upon an innocent man, and would have 
 brought him to the gallows if you could." 
 
 " No, no, you wrong me there," cried the wretched man. 
 " That would never have happened." 
 
 "Excuse my doubts. Luckily for both of us, the op- 
 portunity did not occur. Now, though you intended to 
 deal with me thus though you forced me to fly from 
 my country for safety, and undergo a long exile in foreign 
 
y'Cd Old Court. 
 
 parts I bear you no malice, Sir Hugh. On the whole, 
 my expatriation has been of service to me. My circum- 
 stances are considerably improved since I left England 
 twenty-two years ago, and I have mixed with rather better 
 society. I have changed my name, as you are aware, so 
 that my identity with the proscribed Neal Evesham is lost, 
 and personally I am so much altered and, without vanity, 
 I may say so much improved that I have no fear of being 
 recognised as that individual. But to business. We are in 
 ciach other's power, and therefore bound together but I 
 liave the stronger hold upon you. Agreed. I am willing 
 to keep your secret, and to let you live on in peace and 
 comfort, and go to the grave with an unblemished character, 
 but I must be paid for my forbearance handsomely paid. 
 Do we say ' Agreed* to that, Sir Hugh?" 
 
 " What do you require ? " demanded the baronet. 
 
 "It is rather difficult to estimate the value of such a 
 lecret as I possess, and the bargain cannot be concluded in 
 a moment. But if we can come to a distinct understanding, 
 it will be sufficient, for I know you are a man of honour. 
 Whatever the arrangement may be, your nephew must be 
 included in it." 
 
 " My nephew ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh, fiercely. " Is he 
 leagued with you in this infernal plot against me ? " 
 
 " It was necessary to my safety to have him with me," 
 replied La Hogue. " Besides, I wished to provide for the 
 son of my old friend." 
 
 " And you have told him that I " 
 
 "I was obliged to tell him that you murdered his 
 father." 
 
 " You lied, villain," cried the baronet, seizing him by the 
 throat. " I did not murder him. His death was accidental, 
 and you know it." 
 
 " Hands off, Sir Hugh, or you will have another murder 
 to answer for ! " cried La Hogue, disengaging himself. 
 " This prevarication is useless with me. The deed was not 
 premeditated, I know, and if you desire to have a salvo for 
 your conscience, you may call it accidental. But I know 
 better. The pistol was in your hand when your brother 
 dropped." 
 
 " No more of this," cried Sir Hugh, passionately, " I 
 
Mr. La Hogue Commences Operations. 20 i 
 
 will give you the sum you may require. But leave the house 
 instantly." 
 
 " Don't think to get rid of me quite so easily, Sir Hugh. 
 We have not come to any definite arrangement as yet, and 
 we cannot do so without a good deal of discussion. Your 
 nephew has to be consulted. You must be content to 
 tolerate my society a little longer. I will do my best to 
 make myself agreeable to you and your guests," 
 
 " Begone, I say," cried Sir Hugh, " or you will force me to 
 do something desperate." 
 
 "For your own sake let me counsel calmness," rejoined 
 La Hogue. " When you are disposed to listen to me, I 
 will show you how to settle matters satisfactorily to your 
 nephew and myself. But you musn't order me to leave the 
 house, for that I can't stand. Any concession I may make 
 must be purchased by civility." 
 
 An interruption was offered at this juncture by Clarence, 
 who closed the door as he entered the room. 
 
 As he advanced, Mr. La Hogue signed to him that he 
 had spoken to Sir Hugh, and then moved off towards a 
 window, feigning to be looking out at the garden ; but he 
 kept his ears wide open, and ever and anon stole a sidelong 
 glance at the others. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 UNCLE AND NEPHEW. 
 
 J1IR HUGH did not offer his hand to his nephew, 
 and indeed scarcely saluted him. But his looks 
 were so sad, so full of mental anguish, that 
 Clarence could not help being deeply touched 
 by them. There was a painful pause, during which they 
 regarded each other in silence. At length Sir Hugh spoke, 
 but his voice sounded strange and hollow. 
 
 " Mr. Main waring, I suppose, has informed you of the 
 result of our expedition ?" he said. " He has told you that 
 I have obtained undoubted proofs of your birth, and that I 
 design to recognise you as my brother's son ? " 
 
 " He has told me this," replied Clarence, " but I would 
 rather have remained for ever in ignorance of my relation- 
 ship to you than have learnt the terrible secret connected 
 with my father's fate. The proofs you have obtained that I 
 am of your own blood, Sir Hugh, and your intended recog- 
 nition of me as your nephew, compel me to become the 
 avenger of my father." 
 
 "You have nothing to avenge," rejoined Sir Hugh, 
 mournfully. 
 
 " Dare you affirm your innocence ? " cried Clarence. 
 " Say that the accusation is false say so, and I will believe 
 you, even against the oath of yon man, who has preferred 
 the charge against you. Say that my father did not fall by 
 your hand, and you will take a weight from my soul." 
 
 " I cannot say that," replied Sir Hugh, sadly. 
 
 " Then you are guilty ? " cried Clarence. 
 
Uncle and Nephew. 203 
 
 " Not of murder," rejoined Sir Hugh. " Your father was 
 accidentally killed." 
 
 " That assertion will not avail you, Sir Hugh," said La 
 Hogue, stepping towards them. " I have proofs that will 
 convict you of the crime." 
 
 " What proofs ? " demanded the baronet, sternly. 
 
 " They are here," replied the other, producing a small 
 note-book. " In these leaves are confessions of guilt under 
 your own hand." 
 
 " How came you by that book? " cried Sir Hugh, fiercely. 
 "You have stolen it from my desk, and now seek to use it 
 as an evidence against me." 
 
 "No matter how I came by it," rejoined La Hogue. 
 " The book is here to confound you. You cannot deny 
 that the confessions, which you have been indiscreet enough 
 to commit to these pages, though you did not imagine they 
 would meet any eye but your own, are in your own hand- 
 writing." 
 
 "They are no confessions," cried Sir Hugh. " They are 
 outcries of a troubled spirit supplications for mercy to 
 Heaven." 
 
 " Your nephew shall hear a few passages and judge," said 
 La Hogue. " When a man is perpetually praying for for- 
 giveness for shedding his brother's blooJ, it appears to me 
 that he confesses to the murder of his brother. Is not that 
 your opinion ? " he added, appealing to Clarence. 
 
 " I am convinced," replied the young man. 
 
 "Convinced of my guilt?" cried his uncle, quickly. 
 
 "Ay," rejoined Clarence, sternly. 
 
 " Heaven rejects me," cried the unhappy man, in a 
 despairing voice, and sinking into a chair. " All my efforts 
 at atonement are frustrated." 
 
 " He is ours," whispered La Hogue, with a grin worthy 
 of Mephistopheles. 
 
 But Clarence turned from him in disgust. 
 
 Presently Sir Hugh recovered himself, and in a firm but 
 profoundly melancholy voice said to his nephew : 
 
 " Think of me as you please, Clarence act towards me 
 as you will it matters little now. But understand that the 
 course I am about to pursue in regard to you is not 
 occasioned by the discovery you have made of my secret, or 
 
204 Old Court. 
 
 by any apprehension of your threatened vengeance. Under- 
 stand that distinctly. My determination has long been 
 made. Years ago, in my last interview with your mother, 
 which occurred here in this house and before your birth 
 I solemnly promised that her child should be heir to all 
 my possessions. I mean to fulfil my promise." 
 
 "Do I clearly understand you, Sir Hugh?" cried La 
 Hogue, eagerly. " Do you mean to make Clarence your 
 heir?" 
 
 " I intend to put him in immediate possession of this 
 house, and of the bulk of my property," replied the baronet, 
 gravely and deliberately. 
 
 " Well done ! " exclaimed La Hogue. " After that, I am 
 sure he will feel that you make complete atonement, and 
 behave most handsomely. As to the painful occurrence to 
 which we have been compelled to advert, it will be buried 
 in oblivion. I sincerely congratulate you, my dear boy," he 
 added, turning to Clarence. " You're the luckiest dog in 
 the world, and have the best and most generous of uncles." 
 
 The words fell idly. Clarence was so overcome by con- 
 flicting emotions that he scarcely heard them. 
 
 " Accept the offer, my dear boy accept it at once, or it 
 may be withdrawn," urged La Hogue, in a whisper. " Ask 
 him for his daughter. Now's your time ! He can't refuse 
 you." 
 
 He might have said more, but a look from Clarence 
 checked him. 
 
 " Have you no word for me ?" said Sir Hugh, regarding 
 his nephew with a look of disappointment. "It is not a 
 slight gift that I am about to make." 
 
 " Slight gift ! " exclaimed La Hogue. " It is princely 
 regal orientally magnificent. Your nephew is intensely 
 grateful, Sir Hugh, but he has an odd way of showing his 
 gratitude. For Heaven's sake, thank him, my dear boy, or 
 he'll retract to a certainty." 
 
 "What answer do you make, Clarence?" said Sir Hugh 
 to his nephew, who continued silent, and apparently 
 irresolute. 
 
 " I can make none now," replied the young man. " I 
 am fully sensible of the importance of the offer, and 
 appreciate the motive with which it is rnade. But I am 
 
Uncle and Nephew, 205 
 
 too bewildered to come to any decision, and must have time 
 for reflection." 
 
 " Take time, then," said Sir Hugh. " When you have 
 decided, come to me." 
 
 So saying, he arose, and went out by a side-door com- 
 municating with the library. 
 
 "What the devil are you thinking about, my dear boy? " 
 cried La Hogue, angrily. "You ought to have jumped at 
 the offer. If it should go off, you'll lose the best chance 
 man ever had. This house and the bulk of the property ! 
 and to hesitate about their acceptance. Such folly is enough 
 to drive a sensible man frantic. After him at once, and 
 close with him. And don't forget his daughter. Mind, if 
 he gives you the bulk of his property he can't make any 
 settlements, and consequently will be unable to marry her 
 to Captain Fanshaw, so he will be glad to let you have her. 
 Don't you see, my dear boy ? don't you see ? " 
 
 " I did not think of that," rejoined Clarence. " I'll go to 
 him at once." 
 
 He stepped towards the entrance to the library, but 
 suddenly changing his mind, went out by the principal 
 door. 
 
 Rather perplexed, Mr. La Hogue helped himself to a 
 gla-s of sherry. 
 
 "That obstinate young fool will require some manage- 
 ment," he thought, " or my promising scheme may miscarry. 
 I must also keep a careful watch upon Sir Hugh. I know 
 how to get into the library unperceived." 
 
CHAPTER XT. 
 
 THE MEETING BETWEEN THE COUSINS. 
 
 JIBOUT an hour later Clarence entered Mrs. Mans- 
 field's room. She was alone. From his looks 
 the good old dame perceived that he was greatly 
 troubled. 
 
 " Do tell me what is the matter with you, my dear ? " she 
 said, kindly. " Something, I see, has gone wrong. If I 
 know what it is, I may perhaps be able to set it riGjht." 
 
 " It is not in your power to help me," returned Clarence. 
 " I am placed in a very difficult position. I wish I could 
 have your advice but that is impossible." 
 
 '' I do not seek to be taken into your confidence," she 
 said ; " but since you tell me you are in a difficulty, I coun- 
 sel you to act in such a manner as will cause you no regret 
 hereafter. Try to act rightly, and Heaven will direct you." 
 
 " I am about to depart immediately," rejoined Clarence. 
 " My little luggage is ready, and I shall ride to Edenbrid^e. 
 One of the grooms will go with me, and bring back the 
 horses. You know how anxious I was to see my cousin 
 Lucetta, but now I am just as anxious to avoid her." 
 
 "What for, in the name of goodness?" cried the old 
 housekeeper. "Why should you run away in this foolish 
 manner ? " 
 
 " Don't ask me, Mansfield. I can't explain. Believe 
 me, I have good reasons for what I do." 
 
 " I won't believe it," said the old dame. " I now perceive 
 what's the matter with you. You are piqued and disap- 
 pointed, and can't bear to witness the captain's success. 
 But that's very silly." 
 
The Meeting bdwteft the Cousins. 207 
 
 "You are quite wrong, Mansfield," rejoined Clarence. 
 "" I have conquered my feelings for Lucetta, and most sin- 
 cerely hope she may be united to Captain Fanshaw, as I 
 think he is worthy of her, and will make her happy." 
 
 " Now. indeed, you perplex me," said the old dame. 
 " But if you must go, you will soon come back, will you 
 not?" 
 
 "I cannot say," rejoined Clarence, moodily. 
 
 Just then, light quick footsteps were heard in the passage, 
 and a pleasant musical voice exclaimed : 
 
 " No, don't call her. I'll go myself." 
 
 " Why, there she is, I declare ! There's my dear young 
 lady ! " cried Mrs. Mansfield, rising joyfully from her chair. 
 " Stay where you are, I entreat ! " she added to Clarence. 
 
 With this, she hurried to the door, and just reached it in 
 time to meet Lucetta, who sprang into her arms, and almost 
 smothered her with kisses. 
 
 " Dear, dear Old Goody ! how delighted I am to see 
 you ! " cried Lucetta, following the exclamations with fresh 
 kisses. " And now let me come in and talk to you. I've 
 a hundred questions to ask. Dear me ! who's this ? " she 
 added, perceiving Clarence, who had risen on her entrance. 
 
 "This is your cousin, Mr. Clarence Chetwynd," rejoined 
 the old housekeeper. 
 
 It is scarcely to be wondered at that Clarence's self- 
 possession should desert him when he was thus unexpectedly 
 brought face to face with his lovely cousin. He blushed 
 deeply, and scarcely dared to raise his eyes towards her. 
 As to Lucetta, though greatly surprised, she was not in the 
 least embarassed. 
 
 " Is this my new-found cousin ? " she exclaimed, regarding 
 him with unaffected interest. " I had heard of him, but did 
 not expect to find him here." With charming frankness she 
 then extended her hand to him, saying, " I am very glad to 
 see you, cousin very glad indeed." 
 
 "And I am equally glad to see you, cousin," rejoined 
 Clarence. 
 
 And as he took the little hand offered him, its pressure 
 vibrated to his heart. 
 
 " I have just heard something of your extraordinary 
 Story," she said, " but I must have all particulars by-and-by 
 
 p 
 
2c8 Old Court. 
 
 from your own lips. How did you contrive to hide yourself 
 for so many years ? And how fortunate it is that we have 
 discovered you at last. Really, you have a Chetwynd face. 
 Don't you think so, Mansfield ? " 
 
 " Indeed I do, Miss," replied the housekeeper. " Mr. 
 Clarence is the exact image of his father." 
 
 "So Jodrell told me just this moment," said Lucetta. 
 
 Clarence smiled, and was about to quit the room, but she 
 stopped him. 
 
 " Don't go just yet," said she. "You are one of the 
 family, and I need have no secrets from you. You have 
 seen Captain Fanshaw, I am aware, and of course know why 
 he is here. He is going to ask papa an important question, 
 and upon the answer to that question the future happiness 
 of two young people mainly depends. I'm sure you hope 
 it may be favourable, cousin ? " 
 
 " I do," he replied, earnestly. 
 
 " I didn't feel the slightest doubt on the subject until this 
 morning," continued Lucetta, "when papa unexpectedly 
 called on us at Brighton, and intimated, in a mysterious sort 
 of way, that he meant to test the sincerity of Rainald's 
 affection for me. This naturally alarmed me, for I feared 
 
 " That Captain Fanshaw would not be able to stand the 
 test," supplied Clarence, with a faint smile. 
 
 " No, not that exactly," continued Lucetta. " But I 
 feared papa might do something odd. Therefore I resolved 
 to follow at once and prevent mischief, and I persuaded my 
 aunt, Lady Danvers, to accompany me." 
 
 " You did quite right, Miss," said Mrs. Mansfield ; " and 
 I am exceedingly glad, on all accounts, that you have come. 
 Have you seen Sir Hugh ? " 
 
 " Not yet," replied Lucetta. " We took the carriage round 
 to the back of the house, so that he is not even aware of 
 our arrival. On consideration, we thought it desirable that 
 Rainald should see papa first, and then we could act ac- 
 cording to circumstances. Now, my dear cousin Clarence," 
 she added, laughingly, " isn't it absurd to think of testing a 
 man's affections? As if any of you were disinterested. 
 Such an idea would never have entered any other head but 
 papa's." 
 
The Meeting between the Cousins. 209 
 
 " There is danger greater danger than you imagine," said 
 Clarence. 
 
 " You alarm me ! " she cried. " Has papa said anything 
 to you ? " 
 
 " Enough to enable me to judge of his intentions. But 
 do not be uneasy. I can serve you in the matter serve 
 you effectually and I will." 
 
 " Oh, thank you ! thank you a thousand times ! my dear 
 cousin," she rejoined. "If you have any influence with 
 papa, pray exert it now." 
 
 " I will go to him at once. I must see him before he 
 has an interview with Captain Fanshaw. You may depend, 
 on me." 
 
 " I feel I may, cousin. You have a loyal look." 
 
 And she gave him her hand once more, which Clarence 
 now pressed warmly. 
 
 With a heart throbbing with emotion, he was about to 
 quit the room, when the door opened and admitted Lady 
 Danvers. Her ladyship, who was greatly surprised at see- 
 ing the young man, stared very hard at him, but he merely 
 bowed and passed out. 
 
 "That is your new cousin, I'm certain, Lucetta," re- 
 marked Lady Danvers. " Upon my word, he is very good- 
 looking." She then addressed herself to Mrs. Mansfield, 
 and after a few condescending observations to the old house- 
 keeper, and inquiries after her health, sat down. Turn- 
 ing to her niece, she then continued : " Well, Lucetta, your 
 fate will soon be decided perhaps it is decided by this 
 time. Captain Fanshaw is now with Sir Hugh in the 
 library." 
 
 "Oh dear, is he, aunt?" cried Lucetta, turning pale. 
 " How unlucky ! Then my Cousin Clarence won't see 
 papa first. 
 
 "What does that matter?" rejoined her ladyship. "I 
 don't suppose Sir Hugh will consult him on the subject." 
 
 " He appears to have considerable influence with papa, 
 from what cause I know not." 
 
 "Well, it may be so," rejoined Lady Danvers. "Sir 
 Hugh never acts like other people, so the young man may 
 have an influence with him though it seems unlikely." 
 
 " I'm sure Mr. Clarence would never say more than he is 
 
2io Old Court. 
 
 justified in saying," interposed the housekeeper. " I am 
 glad your ladyship is pleased with him." 
 
 "I am extremely pleased with his appearance, Mans- 
 field," replied Lady Danvers, graciously. " He has very 
 good features a fine figure and is, in fact, very handsome. 
 Not at all the sort of person I expected." 
 
 "What sort of person did your ladyship expect, may I 
 venture to ask ? " said the housekeeper. 
 
 "' I don't know, but certainly not such a fine young man. 
 I hope I haven't put you to inconvenience, Mansfield, by 
 coming here so unexpectedly but I couldn't refuse my 
 niece." 
 
 " Oh dear no not in the least, my lady," replied the 
 housekeeper. " Your rooms are ready, and I hope you'll 
 stay a long time, now you are come." 
 
 " I thought you had known me better, Mansfield," 
 replied her ladyship, with a smile. " If possible, I shall be 
 off to-morrow morning." 
 
 " I know your ladyship can't find much amusement in 
 this dull old place," said the housekeeper. 
 
 " Oh, I might be able to amuse myself, I daresay," 
 rejoined Lady Danvers, looking eaten up with ennui 
 already ; " but I have many engagements in Brighton, and 
 must get back." 
 
 "Oh, aunty!" cried Lucetta, "I'm growing dreadfully 
 nervous and fidgety. I must go and see what they are 
 about." 
 
 " You must control your impatience, my love," said 
 Lady Danvers. 
 
 " But I can't, aunty dear ! I can't ! So come with me." 
 
 And seizing Lady Danvers's hand, she almost dragged 
 her out of the room. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 RAINALD'S ORDEAL. 
 
 jjHEN Captain Fanshaw and Major Trevor returned 
 from their ride, in the course of which, as will 
 have been gathered from Lucetta's observations, 
 they contrived to meet the carriage and exchange 
 a few words with its occupants, they were very cordially 
 welcomed by Mainwaring, who was standing in the 
 entrance-hall to welcome them, and after a little merry 
 chat, and not a little laughter for the cheery old boy 
 could not help bantering them about the rencounter at 
 Red Hill the captain was made rather serious by the in- 
 formation which Mainwaring imparted to him with a know- 
 ing wink, that Sir Hugh was in the library alone and 
 would be glad to see him. Rainald's change of countenance 
 and grave look diverted the old gentleman so much that he 
 made the hall ring with his laughter, and even Major 
 Trevor and Jodrell joined in the merriment. 
 
 " Get it over, my dear fellow," said the major, laughing ; 
 " we'll come to the rescue if required." 
 
 " Don't be frightened, Captain," added Mainwaring. "Sir 
 Hugh is not so fierce as he looks. Face him boldly ha ! 
 ha ! " 
 
 With this laughter ringing in his ears, Rainald was 
 ushered into the library by Jodrell. Sir Hugh, who was 
 seated at a table apparently writing, immediately rose to 
 receive him, and saluted him with formal courtesy ; but the 
 gravity of his manner, and the sad severity of his features, 
 which no smile illumined, tended to disconcert the captain. 
 However, he tried to look easy, made a few observations, 
 and took the chair offered him by the baronet. While this 
 was going on, Jodrell had retired. 
 
 "You are aware of the object of my visit, Sir Hugh," 
 began Rainald, 
 
212 Old Court. 
 
 " I am quite aware of it, Sir," said the baronet, stopping 
 him suddenly. " You have come hither to ask my 
 daughter's hand in marriage. Is it not so ? You will tell 
 me that you love her " 
 
 " Permit me to interrupt you for a moment, Sir Hugh, 
 and to assure you that I do love her love her de- 
 votedly." 
 
 " I quite believe you, Sir. I am not blinded by parental 
 partiality, but I really think Lucetta is calculated to inspire 
 a deep and lasting affection. In her relations with me she 
 has been all that a daughter should be dutiful, affec- 
 tionate, cheerful and has ever borne with my wayward 
 humours. I feel certain, therefore, that she will make an 
 excellent wife." 
 
 " Tnere cannot be a doubt of it, Sir Hugh," the captain 
 hastened to say. 
 
 " She has been the sole delight of my life for many 
 years," continued the baronet, as if dwelling upon the past 
 with tender regret " my sole delight the single ray of 
 sunshine that has illumined my cheerless existence and 
 when she is gone life will be a blank to me." 
 
 "You will not lose her, Sir Hugh," cried Rainald. "As 
 the old adage says, * A daughter is always a daughter.' " 
 
 " I am not so selfish as to desire to interfere with her 
 happiness," rejoined Sir Hugh. "And I have always 
 resolved, if her choice should be well made, that I would 
 not oppose it. I am bound to say, Captain Fanshaw, in 
 your instance, from the flattering report I have received of 
 you, from all I know of your family, and from personal 
 qualifications which I can readily discern, that you appear 
 to be, in all respects, worthy of her." 
 
 "Delighted to hear you say so, Sir Hugh," cried Rainald, 
 brightening up. " I presume, from the gratifying opinion 
 you are pleased to express of me, that I may calculate 
 upon your consent." 
 
 "I shall not withhold it if you continue in the same 
 mind when I have explained Lucetta's exact position," said 
 the baronet, gravely. 
 
 "Now comes the terrible ordeal," thought Rainald; 
 " but he shall find me equal to it/ 1 
 
 " You have no doubt shared the general impression," 
 
RainalcFs Ordeal 213 
 
 continued Sir Hugh, with increasing gravity, " that Lucetta, 
 being an only child, will inherit all my property." 
 
 "I know she is regarded as the heiress of Old Court, Sir 
 Hugh,' 1 said the captain, with the most disinterested air he 
 could assume, "but that circumstance, I can assure you, 
 has never entered into my consideration. I look to herself 
 not to her property.' 1 
 
 " It is quite true that, but for unforeseen circumstances, 
 my daughter would have had a large sum settled upon 
 her," continued Sir Hugh. " But this, I lament to say, 
 cannot be done now. I cannot give her much, and I 
 cannot bequeath her my estates. She will be almost penni- 
 less. You will readily believe, Sir, that this avowal gives me 
 infinite pain, but I am bound, as a gentleman, to make it 
 before entertaining your proposal. Now that you are 
 acquainted with the -truth, it will be for you to consider 
 whether you will proceed or withdraw." 
 
 The evident sincerity with which these words were 
 uttered quite staggered Rainald, and he vainly endeavoured 
 to hide his confusion and disappointment from the baronet's 
 searching eyes. 
 
 " I suppose you have had some very heavy losses of late, 
 Sir Hugh ? " he said. " Like a great many other people, 
 you have no doubt been speculating in those confounded 
 companies and railways, and have come to grief. My 
 father, Sir Nevil, has lost a few thousands by the smash of 
 that great Credit Company. Luckily, it won't hurt him. 
 But I fear, from what you say, that you must be seriously 
 hit. I am excessively sorry to hear it." 
 
 " My loss of property is not caused by imprudent 
 speculation, Sir," replied Sir Hugh. "I have no shares in 
 any Railway or Credit Company. I have to discharge an 
 obligation incurred many, many years ago, before the birth 
 of my daughter. It is a sacred obligation, and I must fulfil 
 it." 
 
 " A debt of honour must of course be paid. But does 
 this involve 'all your property, Sir Hugh ? " 
 
 "Nearly all," rejoined the baronet. "The payment will 
 sweep away this mansion, the park, all my estates. Thus 
 you perceive that you have to deal with a ruined man, 
 Captain Fanshaw," he continued, fixing his piercing eyes 
 
214 Old Court. 
 
 upon him " a man not ruined by extravagance, gambling, 
 or reckless speculation, but because he has a solemn 
 promise to fulfil." 
 
 I " Oh, it is only a promise !" exclaimed Rainald. " Then 
 I scarcely think it can be binding." 
 
 "It is binding upon me," said Sir Hugh, with solemn 
 emphasis. 
 
 " I am fairly puzzled," thought Rainald. " He doesn't 
 look as if he were hoaxing me, but the circumstances seem 
 incredible." 
 
 Suddenly an idea flashed across him, and he said, with 
 some eagerness, 
 
 "Pray excuse the question I am about to put, Sir Hugh. 
 I can't help fancying that the promise you have made is 
 connected with your newly discovered nephew." 
 
 " You are right, Sir. It is. I have bound myself to give 
 him my property. But understand ! The promise was 
 made before my daughter's birth before my marriage with 
 her mother." 
 
 " Then I hold it to be cancelled," cried Rainald. 
 
 " I cannot so regard it," rejoined Sir Hugh. " I have 
 already acquainted my nephew with my determination." 
 
 "Then the matter is settled," cried Rainald, springing 
 to his feet, and pacing the room in great agitation. " A jest 
 could never be carried so far," he thought. " This is 
 terrible earnest." 
 
 " No, it is not yet settled," said Sir Hugh, who was 
 watching him. " My nephew has not yet decided." 
 
 "Not decided to accept the property!" cried Rainald, 
 incredulously. " I should think it won't take him long to 
 come to a decision." 
 
 s " Here he is," said the baronet, as the door opened and 
 Clarence entered. " You will learn his determination from 
 his own lips." 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 CLARENCE ANNOUNCES HIS DECISION. 
 
 j]S Clarence slowly advanced he had to encounter 
 the fierce glances thrown at him by Rainald, who 
 now felt eager, and indeed resolved, to pick a 
 quarrel with him. 
 " Speak freely," said Sir Hugh to his nephew. " I have 
 told Captain Fanshaw all." 
 
 " Yes, Sir," cried Rainald, " your uncle has informed me 
 of his intentions towards you. He declares that he 
 conceives himself bound by a promise made before the 
 birth of his daughter, to bestow the bulk of his property 
 upon you. I cannot for a moment believe that, however 
 beneficial the arrangement may be to yourself, you will allow 
 such an improper disposition to be made, and deprive Miss 
 Chetwynd of the property to which she is justly entitled." 
 
 " You will not dispute my uncle's right to deal with his 
 property as he may deem fit," rejoined Clarence, deeply 
 offended. "As to myself, I have no explanation to give 
 you. I came here to speak to Sir Hugh." 
 
 " Shall I retire ? " said Rainald to the baronet. 
 " No, Sir, remain," rejoined Sir Hugh. " But do not 
 blame my nephew. If wrong be done in the matter, it is 
 not by him." 
 
 " Let him act fairly and honourably, then," cried Rainald. 
 " He has an opportunity of proving himself a gentleman, 
 and I shall judge him by his conduct on this occasion." 
 
 " Had you waited for a moment, Captain Fanshaw," said 
 Clarence, sternly, " you would have seen that the hasty 
 opinion you have formed of me is unjust and uncalled for. 
 I have no intention of depriving my cousin Lucetta of any 
 portion of her property. I came here to prevent the chance 
 of misunderstanding between you and Sir Hugh, and I trust 
 
216 Old Court. 
 
 I have not come too late. I came to say that I absolve Sir 
 Hugh of his promise. I came to say that I decline the gift 
 of property to which I have neither right nor title ; or, if it 
 must be bestowed upon me, in accordance with the promise 
 made to my mother by my uncle, I shall instantly restore it 
 to Lucetta. This, Sir, is what I came to say." 
 
 There was so much dignity in Clarence's looks and 
 manner as he uttered these words, that his uncle regarded 
 him with admiration. 
 
 Rainald did not hesitate a moment, but stepping up to 
 him, offered him his hand, and sincerely apologised for his 
 intemperate language. 
 
 During the scene just described the side-door com- 
 municating with the large drawing-room had been left 
 partially open, though the circumstance had escaped the 
 notice of Sir Hugh, and from this door, to the great surprise 
 of all present, Lucetta now issued, closely followed by Lady 
 Danvers, and more slowly by Mr. Main waring and Major 
 Trevor. 
 
 Walking quickly up to her cousin, her cheeks glowing 
 and her bright eyes glittering with tears, she yielded to an 
 irrepressible burst of gratitude, flung her arms round his 
 neck and kissed him, heedless of the presence of Rainald, 
 who looked on in astonishment. 
 
 " Thank you, my dear cousin ! a thousand times thank 
 you ! " she cried. " You have acted nobly, most nobly, and 
 have proved yourself a true Chetwynd. I have overheard 
 all that has passed, and have heard nothing that does not 
 do you the greatest credit. I know it was very wrong in 
 me to listen, but I cannot feel sorry for doing so, since I 
 should not otherwise have known you as I know you now. 
 But I cannot allow you to give way thus to your generous 
 impulses. I cannot will not accept all the property from 
 you." 
 
 " Cousin," faltered Clarence, who was deeply moved, "I 
 think you will understand me when I say that I will accept 
 no part of this property. It is not mine by right, and I 
 should hold myself in contempt if I could deprive you of 
 any portion of it. Your father has bound himself by a rash 
 vow, which he has worthily fulfilled. But I cannot profit 
 by his rashness least of all, at your expense. Little did I 
 
Clarence Announces His Decision. 217 
 
 dream, when I first gazed upon your picture, that I should 
 be able to say to you, as I do now, ' Be mistress of this 
 old mansion, Lucetta be mistress of those lordly domains 
 be mistress of all that your father would have bestowed 
 upon me and may you long, long enjoy them blest with 
 every happiness ! " 
 
 " I declare this is quite a sentimental drama," said Lady 
 Danvers, drying her tears, " and quite worth coming from 
 Brighton to witness." 
 
 " My happiness will be incomplete, cousin/* said Lucetta, 
 with much emotion, " unless you remain with us." 
 
 " Yes yes, I must insist on that," cried Sir Hugh. 
 
 " I have no right to meddle in the matter, or 1 would say 
 that I insist too," added Rainald. 
 
 "No, Lucetta," said Clarence, in a melancholy voice. 
 " Such happiness cannot be mine. It would be pleasant to 
 me to dwell here, to be near you, but it cannot be. I shall 
 leave this house immediately, never, perhaps, to return." 
 
 " Leave it never to return!" cried Lucetta. "Indeed, 
 you shall do no such thing, you perverse creature. What is 
 the use of discovering a cousin, and liking him yes, liking 
 him, do you hear that, Sir ? if he is to disappear as soon 
 as found? Why, you have only just seen me only iust 
 seen Rainald only just seen papa and yet you talk of 
 leaving us. But you sha'n't go, that I can tell you, Sir. 
 Shall he, papa?" 
 
 " Undoubtedly not, if I can prevent him," rejoined Sir 
 Hugh. " Why have you come to this resolution, Clarence? 
 Stay here, since all desire it." 
 
 "Stop with us and be happy," said Lucetta, taking his 
 hand, and regarding him with a bewitching smile. 
 
 Clarence was momentarily subdued, but he successfully 
 resisted the fascination. 
 
 "No, Lucetta," he said. "Even you cannot persuade 
 me to stay." 
 
 Then pressing his lips to her hand, he relinquished it, 
 murmuring, " Farewell, for ever ! " 
 
 " Not for ever ? " she cried. 
 
 " Yes, for ever," he repeated. 
 
 " Stay ! " cried Sir Hugh ; " I forbid you to depart." 
 
 " Forbid rnei" exclaimed Clarence, haughtily. "I do 
 
218 Old Court. 
 
 not recognise your authority over me. You may be glad 
 that I do depart. Farewell, Sir." 
 
 And, with a valedictory glance to all around, he quitted 
 the room ; such determination being written in his counte- 
 nance that no one attempted to detain him. 
 
 Lucetta burst into tears, and turning away from Rainald, 
 threw herself into her aunt's arms. Her ladyship immediately 
 produced her vinaigrette, fearing her niece was about to 
 faint. All the rest of the company looked confounded, and 
 a few words only were exchanged in whispers. 
 
 All at once the trampling of horses was heard outside, 
 and there was a sudden movement towards a window that 
 commanded a side-view of the drive. Clarence was then 
 seen galloping off, followed by a groom charged with a small 
 portmanteau. 
 
 " Is it he ? " cried Lucetta, raising her head with a scared 
 look. 
 
 "Yes, he is gone," rejoined Rainald, who was among the 
 spectators at the window, " and he has not once looked 
 back." 
 
 "Gone for ever ! " ejaculated Lucetta. 
 
 And she again buried her head in her aunt's bosom. 
 
 When his nephew quitted the room, Sir Hugh withdrew 
 from the others and sank into a chair. He was roused by a 
 slight touch on the shoulder, and, looking up, beheld La 
 Hogue, whose countenance wore a diabolical grin. How 
 he came there Sir Hugh knew not, but there he stood. 
 
 " You have contrived to settle with your nephew, Sir 
 Hugh," said La Hogue, in a low voice, " but you have not 
 settled with me. My turn is to come. Clarence has shown 
 himself very generous, and has given up a fortune and a 
 fair lady, but your daughter's marriage won't take place 
 without my consent." 
 
 of tlje Ci&irt ISooft. 
 
BOOK IV. 
 
 RAINALD FANSHAW. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 HOW CLARENCE TOOK UP HIS QUAkfERS AT THE 
 WHITE HART AT REIGATE. 
 
 j|WING to its position, and other favourable cir- 
 cumstances, the pleasant old town of Reigate has 
 preserved much of its original character. Built 
 amidst trees, most of its habitations have fine old 
 gardens attached to them, so that in summer the little town 
 has a charming air; while one of its streets, skirted by 
 pollard-elms, and by the towering timber of the Priory 
 Park, offers a delightfully shady walk. What with its lux- 
 uriant timber, its cozy old houses, its comfortable hostels, 
 its quaint old town-hall, its castle mound, its fine old 
 church, so situated as to form a picturesque object from 
 every point of view, its gardens, downs, hills, commons, 
 heaths, and ever-varied walks, we do not know in the whole 
 of merry England a pleasanter or prettier place than the 
 good old town of Reigate, nor one wherein a few summer or 
 autumnal months may be spent more agreeably. 
 Let us proceed thither. 
 
 On reaching Edenbridge, Clarence dismissed the groom 
 who had attended him with his slender luggage, and took 
 the first train to Red Hill. As yet he had formed no plans, 
 for the mental distraction he had undergone did not allow 
 him power of calm reflection, and he determined to take no 
 step that might influence his future career without due 
 deliberation. 
 
520 Cld Court. 
 
 Thus undecided, he arrived at Red Hill. Should he 
 pursue his journey further? Should he proceed to London 
 or to Brighton ? He wanted a few day's repose. Where 
 could he find it better than at Reigate, which was close at 
 hand? ^ 
 
 He did not know the place himself, but Mr. Mainwaring 
 had described it to him, and had spoken in high terms of 
 an old-fashioned inn to be found there. Recollecting this, 
 he drove to Reigate, and established himself at the White 
 Hart the hostel in question which he found in all respects 
 as comfortable as his old friend had represented it. 
 
 A pleasant little room, with French windows opening 
 upon extensive and well-kept gardens, had been assigned 
 him, with a bed-room above it, enjoying the same prospect. 
 In summer, the gardens belonging to this quiet inn, with 
 their smooth-shaven lawns, broad walks, and trim parterres, 
 may vie with those attached to a large country-house ; but 
 of course, at the time when Clarence beheld them, they 
 were robbed of their chief attractions. But nowhere could 
 he have found a more agreeable retreat nowhere could he 
 have enjoyed greater privacy than at the White Hart. 
 
 He did not, however, confine himself to the gardens of 
 the inn, but rambled about the adjacent country. In what- 
 ever direction he shaped his course, some enchanting 
 prospect was offered him, and ere many days he had 
 explored the whole neighbourhood had scaled the North 
 Downs and tracked the thickets cresting their summits 
 had rambled over the picturesque common, still happily un- 
 enclosed on the west of the town, and opening upon the 
 vale of Holmdale, and had mounted its pine-crowned knolls 
 and eminences ; and, above all, had spent many an hour on 
 the lovely hill forming part of the Priory Park, and which in 
 addition to its own beauties, commands one of the finest 
 and most extensive views in the south of England. 
 
 Ere many days had passed, he had succeeded in getting 
 rid of the painful thoughts that had recently perplexed and 
 troubled him, but he could not, in spite of all his efforts, 
 banish the image of his lovely cousin. Wherever he wan- 
 dered, she seemed to accompany him on the downs, on the 
 heaths, in the deep lanes, amid the groves. Neither did he 
 succeed in laying down a plan for his future life. After 
 

 Clarence at Relgatt. 221 
 
 being dazzled by a brilliant prospect, it was difficult to 
 regard things in the same light as heretofore ; and he dis- 
 covered, on careful self-examination, that his sentiments on 
 many points had undergone a remarkable change. 
 
 One day, after rambling about for several hours, he 
 returned glowing with health and in greatly improved spirits, 
 when, as he entered the inn, the waiter, who was standing 
 in the hall, informed him that Mr. Main waring had arrived. T 
 
 Clarence was greatly surprised. He did not expect him. 
 How did Mr. Mainwaring know he was staying there ? 
 
 The civil waiter could not answer that question. Mr. 
 Mainwaring had arrived about two hours ago, and meant 
 to remain for the night, for he had taken a bed. He had 
 had a long chat with Mr. Steed, and had made some little 
 addition to the dinner, with a bottle of the old port to follow. 
 Mr. Mainwaring was very fond of the old port, the waiter 
 added, with a smile. 
 
 "I'll go to him at once," cried Clarence. 
 
 And marching past the large bar- window, graced by the 
 lady manager of the house, he turned off into a passage on 
 the right, and soon gained his snug little room, which was 
 on the ground floor. Here he found Mainwaring seated in 
 an arm-chair near the fire, reading Bell's Life. 
 
 " Ah, Squire, here you are at last," cried the old gentle- 
 man, starting up as Clarence entered, and shaking him 
 cordially by the hand. " I've had a deuced deal of diffi- 
 culty in finding you out, and began to fear you had sailed 
 for Melbourne, when most unexpectedly and by the merest 
 chance I discovered your retreat from the driver of the fly 
 who brought you. Well, you couldn't have done better 
 than come here capital house, good beds, good dinners 
 famous wine charming gardensexcellent quarters alto- 
 gether. I've had a talk with Mr. Steed, and have ordered 
 a bottle of his old port rare wine, I promise you. You 
 haven't tried it, he tells me, but you shall try it to-day, my 
 boy," he added, smacking his lips. 
 
 " I needn't say I'm delighted to see you, my dear Mr. 
 Mainwaring," rejoined Clarence. "Eat I suppose you 
 have some business with me, or you wouldn't have taken 
 the trouble to find me out." 
 
 " Business ! to be sure I have very important business ! 
 
222 Old Court. 
 
 But we'll talk about that presently. You went away in 
 such a confounded hurry that I hadn't time to say a word, 
 net even to bid you good-bye." 
 
 " My departure was necessarily abrupt," rejoined 
 Clarence, gravely. " Under the peculiar circumstances 
 in which I was placed, I could not stay longer at Old 
 Court. I am sure you can understand my motives." 
 
 " I don't quite understand them as yet, but perhaps I 
 shall when we've had a little talk," returned the old gentle- 
 man. " Sit down. I've a good deal to say to you." And 
 as Clarence complied, he continued : " Of course I am 
 very imperfectly informed as to the cause of the misunder- 
 standing which has arisen between you and your uncle, and 
 all my conjectures on the subject may be very wide of the 
 mark, I daresay ; but you will be sorry to learn, I am sure, 
 that the excitement he has undergone has been too much 
 for Sir Hugh. He is seriously ill. As soon as we had 
 recovered from the consternation caused by your sudden 
 flight, our attention was turned to him, and we found he 
 had sunk back in his chair in a sort of fit. Such was his 
 ghastly appearance, that I confess for the moment I was 
 apprehensive that life was extinct, but restoratives were 
 applied, and after a while we succeeded in bringing him 
 round. Amongst those who were most attentive to him, 
 was that incomprehensible fellow La Hogue, but he got 
 very little thanks for his assiduity, for the look bestowed 
 upon him by Sir Hugh, when the baronet opened his eyes, 
 was anything but grateful. 
 
 "As soon as my poor friend was able to speak, he 
 expressed a desire that the room should be cleared of every 
 one except myself, and his wishes were complied with. 
 When we were alone, I besought him to have medical 
 advice, as I thought his symptoms dangerous ; but he 
 would not hear of it, and declared he should soon be better. 
 Aware of his obstinacy, I said no more, but resolved to 
 send for Doctor Bland without delay. Sir Hugh, however, 
 as if guessing my purpose, would not let me leave him, 
 but, grasping my arm, began to talk about you. I don't 
 care to repeat what he said, for his language was in- 
 coherent, and it was evident that his mind was somewhat 
 unsettled. He could scarcely believe you were actually 
 
Clarence at Reigate. 223 
 
 gone, and when I convinced him of the fact, he seemed 
 greatly distressed. I am sure, if you had been present, you 
 would have been touched by the deep interest he displayed 
 in you. He prayed me to seek you out, and, if possible, 
 prevail upon you to return." 
 
 " If such is your errand, Sir," said Clarence, firmly, " I 
 must close the matter at once. I cannot will not return. 
 Nor will I see Sir Hugh again." 
 
 " I am very sorry for it," rejoined Mainwaring. " Such, 
 however, is not my errand. I feared the mission would be 
 unsuccessful, and would not, therefore, attempt it. I have 
 come to you on my own account but let me finish my 
 narration. Noticing a change in Sir Hugh's countenance, 
 and fearing he might have another fit, I rang the bell, and 
 with the aid of Jodrell and Mrs. Mansfield, got him to his 
 bed-room. He was worse that night, and Doctor Bland 
 was sent for. Next day he was no better, and the doctor 
 and Mrs. Mansfield were in constant attendance upon 
 him. Very little improvement has since taken place in his 
 condition." 
 
 " Have you serious apprehensions about him?" demanded 
 Clarence. 
 
 " Undoubtedly he is in a precarious state," returned 
 Mainwaring, "but I think the odds are in favour of his 
 recovery. Doctor Bland was evidently much alarmed 
 about him at first, but the worst symptoms have abated, 
 and if he gains strength all will be well." 
 
 "How has Lucetta borne her father's illness ?" inquired 
 Clarence, with an anxiety which he could not conceal. 
 
 "As you may imagine, it has been a source of the 
 greatest distress to her," replied Mainwaring ; " the more 
 so, since Doctor Bland has prohibited her from entering 
 her father's room. As you may imagine, the attack has^ 
 sadly interfered with the matrimonial arrangements. Very* 
 unlucky this, eh?" he remarked, looking hard at Clarence. 
 
 The young man made no reply, and Mainwaring went 
 on : 
 
 " Captain Fanshaw has returned with Major Trevor td> 
 Brighton. The settlement of the important question must 
 therefore await Sir Hugh's recovery. The delay was a 
 terrible disappointment to the impassioned swain, but the 
 
224 Old Court. 
 
 young lady would not consent to a positive engagement 
 without her father's sanction. All the captain's appeals to 
 Lady Danvers were ineffectual. Her ladyship could do 
 nothing. He even begged my intercession, but I declined 
 to interfere in so delicate an affair. I cannot help looking 
 upon the interruption as unlucky unlucky, I mean, for 
 Fanshaw. Where there is a hitch in a matrimonial engage- 
 ment, I have generally observed that the business goes 
 off." 
 
 "Bat you do not imagine that any change has taken 
 place in Lucetta's feelings towards her suitor?' 1 said 
 Clarence, quickly. 
 
 " I'm not quite sure," replied the old gentleman* " She 
 was not altogether satisfied with his conduct at the interview 
 with Sir Hugh. She expected so at least Lady Danvers 
 tells me that he would have taken a higher tone, and 
 shown greater disinterestedness, and she could not help 
 contrasting his conduct with that of another actor in that 
 singular scene, and greatly to the advantage of the latter. 
 Were I to repeat half the praises she lavished upon that 
 noble-hearted young fellow for his unparalleled generosity, 
 I should make him vain so I shall keep a discreet silence 
 but I must say his pretty cousin has been greatly im- 
 pressed by it. And no wonder ! for his conduct was 
 calculated to touch a woman's heart. Just in proportion as 
 he has risen in her good opinion, Captain Fanshaw has 
 declined.'' 
 
 "Are you jesting with me, Sir?" asked Clarence, 
 anxiously. 
 
 " Not in the least," replied Mainwaring. " I am simply 
 telling the result of my own observations, confirmed by what 
 I have heard from Lady Danvers." 
 
 " What did you hear from her ladyship ? " demanded 
 Clarence, with increased anxiety. " Pray tell me all." 
 
 " Well, then, it appears that the captain got tired of 
 hearing the young lady praise her cousin so warmly, and 
 could not help showing he was piqued a 'very unwise 
 course, by-the-bye, for, instead of desisting, his lady-love 
 teased him the more, until he became angry and began to 
 abuse her cousin, whose defence she took up with great 
 warmth. Fanshaw soon perceived the mistake he had 
 
Clarence at Re! gate. 22$ 
 
 committed, and retracted, and so this little lovers' quarrel 
 was patched up. But I think he lost ground by the in- 
 discretion. Shall I tell you what Lucetta said afterwards 
 to her aunt?" added the old gentleman, with a comical 
 look. 
 
 " By all means," rejoined Clarence. 
 
 " Of course she never imagined it would come to your 
 ears, but there's no harm in mentioning it ' I don't 
 think, aunty dear/ she said, * that Rainald, if he had been 
 placed in the same situation as Clarence, would have acted 
 as magnanimously/ There ! what d'ye think of that ? 
 Pretty strong, eh ? " 
 
 Clarence flushed deeply, but did not answer. 
 
 " This was not quite all that passed between them/* 
 pursued Mainwaring. " For some minutes the young lady 
 remained silent, and looking very pensive, when she 
 exclaimed, * It is very strange that, although I have only 
 seen my cousin Clarence for a few minutes, I seem to have 
 known him for years. I feel half angry with him foi 4 
 leaving us so abruptly. Oh, I wish he would come back ! 
 I think he would, if he knew how unhappy I feel. 1 And 
 she burst into tears." 
 
 The cunning old gentleman watched the effect of his 
 words from the corner of his eye, and perceived that the 
 listener was much moved. 
 
 " It is useless to torture me thus," cried Clarence, at 
 length. " I have told you that I cannot go back," 
 
 " Why not, in Heaven's name ? " demanded Mainwaring. 
 
 " Don't ask me," cried Clarence, opening the window, 
 and going out into the garden. 
 
 " The fish is hooked, and mustn't escape ! " exclaimed 
 the old gentleman. 
 
 With this he snatched up his hat, and hastily buttoning 
 up his coat, started in pursuit. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 SYMPTOMS OF YIELDING. 
 
 fLARENCE had crossed the smooth lawn adorned 
 by the ancient mulberry-tree, and had turned into 
 a second garden on the right. Here the old gen- 
 tleman found him, pacing to and fro on a grass- 
 plot planted with rose-trees. 
 
 " Ah, my dear boy ! " cried Mainwaring, " you shan't get 
 off thus. I must know your motive for absenting yourself 
 from your new-found relatives ? " 
 
 " I can give you no explanation," replied Clarence, im- 
 patiently. " Put what construction you please upon my 
 conduct." 
 
 " It has been my fate throughout life to be mixed up with 
 the Chetwynds," muttered Mainwaring, " and I have found 
 them all confoundedly obstinate. But I think this youngster 
 is the most unreasonable and wilful of the whole lot. I am 
 out of all patience with him. Harkee, young Sir," he added, 
 sharply, " you must excuse my telling you plainly that you 
 are acting very like a fool." 
 
 " Mr. Mainwaring, you presume " 
 
 "Nay, it's useless flying into a passion with me. I say 
 you are acting like a fool, and by-and-by, when you come to 
 your senses as it is to be hoped you will you will deeply 
 regret what you are doing. I take a real interest in you, Sir 
 a real interest or I shouldn't bother myself about you. 
 But I am bound to tell you that you are throwing away your 
 best chance in life. What do you propose to do next, 
 Sir?" 
 
 " I haven't made up my mind," rejoined Clarence, sul- 
 lenly. " Perhaps I may go to Australia." 
 
 " Go to the devil ! But you shan't go there if I can 
 prevent it. Now listen to me. From what I've seen and 
 heard, I don't think this match between your charming 
 
Symptoms of Yielding. 227 
 
 cousin and Captain Fanshaw will come off. It may, but I 
 don't believe it will. I wouldn't raise any idle hopes in your 
 breast, but Lucetta has evidently displayed a marked partiality 
 for you. It will be your own fault, therefore, if you don't im- 
 prove this feeling into something warmer. Old Court may 
 still be yours, and Lucetta along with it." 
 
 " But Lucetta's engagement with Captain Fanshaw still 
 subsists," said Clarence, on whom Mainwaring's words made 
 a decided impression. 
 
 " Plague take the lad ! " exclaimed Mainwaring petulantly. 
 " How often must I tell you there is no positive engagement ? 
 The affair will rest as it is until Sir Hugh's recovery. But I 
 consider the interruption fatal. Taking this view of the 
 case, I put it to you whether it would not be the height of 
 folly to seek a fortune in Australia when you have one ready 
 made in your own country ? Unless I am greatly mistaken," 
 he added, with a knowing look, "you are not wholly in- 
 different to the charms of your cousin ? " 
 
 " Indifferent ! I love her deeply," replied Clarence. 
 
 " Then stay where you are, and you will win her." 
 
 " No, no ! " cried Clarence, after a struggle with himself. 
 " The temptation is great, but I must resist it. There is 
 stronger reason now than ever why I should leave ^the 
 country." 
 
 " Upon my soul ! I can't understand you," said Main- 
 waring. " You own you are passionately enamoured of 
 your lovely cousin, and when I affirm that you have a very 
 good chance of obtaining her hand, if you will only take ad- 
 vantage of the opportunity, you say that is an additional 
 reason for flying from the country. Bah ! Stay where you 
 are. Leave the gold-fields to beggarly diggers. If you toil 
 for a century you'll never pick up such a nugget as you may 
 get for asking at Old Court. Australia, forsooth ! Do you 
 suppose you'll meet with another Lucetta at Melbourne? 
 There may be some fine girls there, but not one worthy to 
 hold a candle to your cousin. Besides, there is one con- 
 sideration, which, if you have any proper feeling, ought to 
 detain you. I mean, your uncle's precarious state of health. 
 Even if he recovers from the present attack, I am persuaded 
 he won't last long. And if he falls, you may be of infinite 
 use to Lucetta. You are her nearest relation indeed, her 
 
228 Old Court. 
 
 sole near relation and you ought not to desert her at a 
 critical juncture like the present. It is true that she has her 
 aunt, Lady Danvers, to apply to for counsel, but she may 
 want a male adviser. Before taking any step, wait, at least, 
 till Sir Hugh is out of danger." 
 
 " You have convinced me," replied Clarence. " For Lu- 
 cetta's sake, I will remain." 
 
 " You have come to a wise determination," said the old 
 gentleman, secretly laughing at his success. '' And now, 
 since the matter is settled, let us take a turn round the 
 garden. Gad ! what a charming place this is ! You should 
 see it in summer, when the roses are in bloom, and the trees 
 in full leaf. Just the place to spend a honeymoon in 
 blissful hours in yonder bowers, amorous talk in shady walk, 
 and all that sort of thing. I only wish I could knock off 
 fifty years, I'd get married myself in order to spend my 
 honeymoon at the White Hart. Just look round," he 
 added. " What can be a prettier picture than those woody 
 banks, with the houses peeping from out the trees ? And 
 then you have the town, with its quaint old town -hall and 
 the Priory Park, with its groves and the lovely hill beyond 
 it, with its groups of trees and Sunnyside how delight- 
 fully it is situated ! its possessor ought to be a happy man 
 and then the old church what a lovely object it is, and how 
 well it comes into the picture ! But that it is getting late, 
 and I feel rather tired, I should suggest a walk to the 
 park." 
 
 Having taken another long survey around, he re-entered 
 the house, and sat down by the fire. 
 
 Just as the town-hall clock struck seven dinner was served. 
 Perfectly aware that he had to do with a very particular 
 guest, Mr. Steed treated him accordingly. During his stay 
 at the White Hart, Clarence had been content with very 
 moderate living, so that by comparison the dinner now set 
 before them appeared sumptuous. However, though giblet- 
 soup and a chicken-turbot, with a couple of light entries, 
 formed no part of his own order, he made no sort of ob- 
 jection to them. Neither did he disapprove of the mellow 
 old sherry or the well-iced champagne. The triumph of the 
 dinner was an admirable roasted Dorking fowl, and ample 
 justice was done to it, both our friends being good trencher- 
 
Symptoms of Yielding. 229 
 
 men. Mainwaring enjoyed the repast amazingly, and the 
 bottle of old port veritable '24 which was brought in with 
 all due ceremony, and which proved to be in superb con- 
 dition, made him supremely happy. 
 
 After he had enjoyed a glass or two of this fine wine, and 
 induced Clarence to follow his example, he remarked : 
 "Don't be alarmed at the dinner, my dear boy. I am re- 
 sponsible for it in every way. And now let me get another 
 little matter off my mind, which I haven't yet touched upon. 
 You must be in want of cash " 
 
 " I've quite enough, Sir," said Clarence, colouring. 
 
 " No interruption I'm sure you must. I know the state 
 of your exchequer. You mustn't be put to inconvenience." 
 
 " I'll take good care of that," remarked Clarence. 
 
 " No interruption, I say again. You can't object to a 
 gift from your father's old friend. I've five hundred pounds 
 that I don't know what to do with. Here it is," he added, 
 giving him a pocket-book. 
 
 " Upon my word I'm greatly obliged by your kindness, 
 Sir," rejoined Clarence, "but I can't accept the gift." 
 
 " But I say you shall," rejoined Mainwaring peremptorily, 
 "unless you desire to give me mortal offence. If your pride 
 won't allow you to accept the money as a gift, take it as a 
 loan, and repay me when you please." 
 
 " On that understanding I am willing to put myself under 
 this great obligation to you," said Clarence, taking the 
 pocket-book. " But there is no other person from whom I 
 would accept such a favour." 
 
 " Pshaw ! say no more about it, but help yourself to wine. 
 He little thinks the money comes from his uncle," mentally 
 ejaculated the old gentleman. " A pretty crammer I told 
 him when I said that I had more money than I know 
 what to do with. Magnificent wine this ! What flavour !" 
 he added, smacking his lips. " We must have another 
 bottle." 
 
 "The wine is admirable, but no more for me," rejoined 
 Clarence, rising from the table as he spoke. 
 
 "What! you don't mean to desert the bottle?" cried 
 Mainwaring, aghast. 
 
 " Indeed I do," said Clarence, " I must have a mouth- 
 ful ot fresh air." 
 
230 Old Court. 
 
 And, opening the window, he walked out into the 
 garden. 
 
 On going forth he noticed a figure standing near the old 
 mulberry-tree. 
 
 It was very dark at the time. The figure glided swiftly 
 away towards the further end of the garden, and was almost 
 instantly lost to view. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 AN UNEXPECTED MEETING IN THE PRIORY PARK. 
 
 j]EXT morning, at a tolerably early hour, Clarence 
 sallied forth for his customary walk before break- 
 fast, having previously ascertained that his old 
 friend was not yet stirring. 
 It was a fine frosty morning, well adapted for exercise, 
 and he set off at a brisk pace, in order to keep himself 
 warm, in the direction of the lovely hill which we have 
 already described as rising to the south of the Priory Park. 
 
 Passing through a grove of lofty pines, he mounted the 
 gorse-covered banks, and halted for a short time near the 
 group of fine trees which adorn the eastern end of the 
 eminence, and as his eye swept down the deep glen, with 
 its sides studded with old hollies and thorns, and clothed 
 with fern, until it at last rested upon the large mansion in 
 the park, he thought how incomparably more beautiful the 
 scene must have been when on the site of that formal 
 structure stood a noble religious house reared by the piety 
 of the De Warrenes and dedicated to Our Lady and the 
 Holy Cross, and when on the lofty mound behind the 
 monastery towered Holm Castle, built by the same De 
 Warrenes, and utterly demolished during the Civil War. 
 But though the old monastery and the old castle were both 
 gone though the vast domains of the proud Earls of 
 Surrey have been disparked and turned into commons and 
 waste and though the mighty forests which erstwhile 
 sheltered the roebuck and the wild boar have been felled 
 still the view had a charm of another kind. 
 
 Despite the ravages made upon it by the axe, the vale 
 was still well wooded, and the outline of the downs shutting 
 it in on the north was exquisite as of old, though their 
 chalky sides had been laid bare in places. Bright and 
 beautiful looked the downs gn that lovely morning, and 
 
232 Old Court. 
 
 Clarence followed the fair range as it trended to Box Hill 
 and Dorking. Beautiful looked the little town of Reigate, 
 nestling in the valley amidst the trees beautiful exceedingly 
 looked the old church, situated on the gently rising ground 
 on the east of the town, with its gilt vane glittering in the 
 sun, and its square embattled tower overlooking the whole 
 district Clarence's meditations, as we have seen, had 
 been directed towards the past, and while gazing at the fine 
 old church he thought of the brave Lord Howard of 
 Eftlngham the victor of the Spanish Armada who rests 
 beneath its chancel. 
 
 After contemplating this picture for some minutes he 
 turned in the opposite direction, and allowed his eye to 
 range over the vast panorama exhibited on the south. 
 
 The whole Weald of Sussex, intersected by countless 
 hedgerows, scattered over with innumerable villages, 
 churches, mansions, parks, thickets, and homesteads, and 
 traversed by railways, now made manifest by the white 
 smoke of the locomotives all this vast plain lay before him. 
 Often as he had gazed upon this splendid panorama, it 
 never failed to delight him, and he now surveyed it with as 
 much rapture as ever, marking the dim line of the South 
 Downs just discernable in the distance, the Kentish heights 
 on the left, and the lofty ridge of Leith Hill on the right. 
 
 His thoughts involuntarily strayed towards Old Court, 
 but the beautiful district in the midst of which lay the 
 ancient mansion was concealed by intervening hills. 
 
 Satisfied with his survey, he moved along the soft turf, 
 occasionally disturbing a rabbit, which quickly sought 
 shelter amid the furze, until he reached another group of 
 trees at the further end of the hill. Here he again made a 
 brief pause, and then, plunging down the declivity, gained 
 a deep lane overhung by hazels, holms, and briars, which 
 led him across part of the valley watered by a small brook, 
 tributary to the Mole, and up another eminence, until it 
 brought him to a heath once, as we have stated, part of 
 the park, but now almost entirely divested of timber. 
 
 Fain would he have extended his walk, and visited the 
 windmill so picturesquely situated on a high mound, or 
 some of the many pine-crowned knolls which diversify the 
 waste, but he thought that Mainwaring would be waiting 
 
An Unexpected Meeting in the Priory Park. 233 
 
 breakfast for him, and therefore turned back, and in a short 
 time regained the foot of the hill over the brow of which he 
 had just passed. 
 
 He did not ascend it again, but took the path which skirts 
 the northern escarpment of the hill, and which, being only 
 separated by low palings from the grounds of the priory, 
 leads the wanderer through some of the most charming 
 sylvan scenery imaginable. On the left is to be seen, 
 through the lordly oaks that fling their giant arms over the 
 footway, the large sheet of water which ornaments the park, 
 while on the right rise banks covered with fern, and scooped 
 out into fantastic and charming hollows. 
 
 Clarence hurried on his way without lingering a moment 
 to note its beauties, and scarcely perhaps observing them, 
 and he had just gained an ascent, crested by three mighty 
 sister oaks, when he saw a person advancing from the 
 opposite direction. 
 
 To his great surprise, and, it may be added, to his great 
 annoyance, he recognised La Hogue. As the free-and-easy 
 gentleman stopped, with the evident design of addressing 
 him. it was impossible to pass him. 
 
 " Well met, my dear boy well met ! " exclaimed La 
 Hogue, as Clarence came on. " Enchanted to see you 
 again. I'm at the Swan in this town, where I arrived last 
 night, and should have come to you at once, but 1 found 
 old Mainwaring was with you, and I don't care to meet 
 him." 
 
 "Our acquaintance must cease, Sir," rejoined Clarence, 
 haughtily. " I wish you a good-morning." 
 
 " Stop a minute," rejoined the other. " Don't fancy I'm 
 going to upbraid you for your foolish conduct on a recent 
 occasion. I really wish to be your friend, if you'll let me. 
 Now that you've had time for calm reflection, I feel quite 
 sure you must regret the splendid chance you've thrown 
 away. But it's not too late to recover the ground. I'll tell 
 you what I mean to do. Sir Hugh's serious illness has a 
 little interrupted my plans, but he's getting better now, and 
 will be soon well enough for business," he added, with a 
 meaning smile. "Then I shall tackle him again. If you 
 decline to act with me, I must proceed on my own account. 
 You may be sure I sha'n't abandon my prey. I have your 
 
234 Old Court. 
 
 uncle in my toils, and there I mean to keep him. First of 
 all, I mean to break off this proposed marriage between 
 your cousin and Captain Fanshaw. You look incredulous, 
 but the thing is easily done. Well, by some means or other 
 the marriage is broken off. Then comes the question who 
 is to have the girl you or myself? " 
 
 " Audacious villain!" exclaimed Clarence, indignantly. 
 " Dare you raise your thoughts towards her?' 1 
 
 "Fair and softly," rejoined La Hogue, wholly unabashed. 
 " The young lady is not so much beyond my reach as you 
 imagine. Bat I do not desire to rob you of the prize. On 
 the contrary, I offer her to you, and engage to clear the way 
 of all difficulties." 
 
 " Your assurance is astounding ! " cried Clarence. 
 " Without this proof, I should not have believed that 
 impudence could go so far." 
 
 "You flatter me," rejoined La Hogue, smiling; "but I 
 can accomplish a good deal when I set about it. Now, take 
 a little advice from cne who has had rather more experience 
 of the world than yourself. Never refuse a good offer. 
 Don't make an enemy when you can make a friend. Don't 
 let silly scruples stand in the way of advancement. You 
 have made one grand mistake don't make another. Don't 
 fancy you can shake me off I won't be shaken off. On the 
 day you left Old Court I ascertained that you had come to 
 Reigate, and I have kept watch over you ever since. I 
 knew old Mainwaring was coming to you, and I know more 
 about his errand than you do/' he added, with a knowing 
 laugh. " I know where he got the five hundred pounds that 
 he lent you last night. Do you think the old fool has five 
 hundred to throw away ? Not he ! " 
 
 " If I thought Sir Hugh had sent the money, I would 
 force it back upon him," cried Clarence, angrily. 
 
 " And make a fool of yourself for your pains," laughed La 
 Hogue. " What matters it where money comes from ? You 
 want it. Keep it. I'll find you plenty more by-and-by. 
 And I'll find you a wealthy wife. Now, if you're wise, keep 
 a close tongue with Mainwaring. Don't tell him you've 
 seen me, or you will thwart any plans I may have for your 
 benefit. As I've told you, I'm at the Swan. If you want 
 to see me, you'll find me, a couple of hours hence, at break- 
 
An Unexpected Meeting in the Priory Park. 235 
 
 fast in the coffee-room. I shall return to Old Court to- 
 morrow." 
 
 " To-morrow ! " exclaimed Clarence. 
 
 " Perhaps to-night," rejoined La Hogue ; " and I shall be 
 very glad of your company. Au plaisir ! " 
 
 With this he raised his hat and passed on, leaving 
 Clarence to pursue his way unmolested. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 DOCTOR BLAND. 
 
 CHANGED place was Old Court. 
 
 Always dull, an added gloom was cast over it 
 by Sir Hugh's illness. A catastrophe seemed 
 impending, and the recent strange events 
 furnished the constant theme of discourse in the servants'- 
 hall. The inquisitive hirelings were never weary of talking 
 about the singular discovery of Clarence's birth of the 
 possible motives that could have influenced Sir Hugh's 
 extraordinary conduct towards him of the young man's 
 noble refusal of the property, which excited universal 
 admiration ; but, above all, they were curious to ascertain 
 the real cause of his sudden departure. They were quite 
 sure it originated in some way or other with Mr. La 
 Hogue. No one doubted that he had contrived to sow 
 dissension between the uncle and nephew. No one 
 doubted that Sir Hugh's illness was caused by the shock 
 he had received, but they wanted to know how he had 
 been so terribly shocked. A sort of mystery had always 
 hung over Sir Hugh, and just when there seemed a 
 chance of penetrating it, it had become darker and denser 
 than ever. 
 
 It is almost superfluous to say that neither Mrs. Mans- 
 field nor Jodrell took part in these discussions. They 
 were both too much attached to their master, and too 
 discreet to utter a word to his disadvantage, or to allow 
 any such talk in their presence. Nevertheless, they had 
 their own private confabs in the housekeeper's room, and 
 they both agreed that all the mischief that had occurred 
 had been caused by the machinations of La Hogue. 
 
 "The malignant rascal has contrived to poison our 
 young gentleman's mind against his uncle/' said Jodrell, 
 
Doctor &!and. 237 
 
 " and I now begin to fear that Sir Hugh may be carried off 
 before any reconciliation can take place between them." 
 
 "That would indeed be sad," sighed Mrs. Mansfield. 
 " But the whole business is so painful and so inexplicable 
 that I can't bear to think of it. Poor Sir Hugh ! my heart 
 quite bleeds for him. Unhappy as his life has been, its 
 close, I fear, will be still more melancholy. It has been 
 his misfortune that all his actions have been misap- 
 prehended, and that when he has meant to do a kindness he 
 has failed in the object. In this particular instance I feel 
 quite sure he was actuated by the highest and best feelings 
 in his conduct towards Clarence ; but what has been the 
 result ? Ah, Jodrell ! " she added, heaving a deep sigh, 
 "you may rely upon it our poor dear master has an 
 incurable wound, a terrible canker at the heart, that won't 
 be discovered till after his death. He always reminds me 
 of those martyrs we read of who bore their sufferings with- 
 out a groan. Poor gentleman ! I fear we shan't have him 
 long." 
 
 "And then we shall lose an excellent master, Mrs. 
 Mansfield." 
 
 "Troth shall we," rejoined the old housekeeper. "How- 
 ever, there is still hope, for Doctor Bland doesn't think so 
 badly of the case as I do myself, and feels sure Sir Hugh 
 will get better. I trust he may, with all my heart. I pray 
 daily, almost hourly, for his recovery. What distresses me 
 most is, that he won't see his daughter." 
 
 "I can't understand that," said the butler, shaking his 
 head. " I should have thought the sight of her would do 
 him good." 
 
 " So anybody would imagine, but Doctor Bland thinks 
 otherwise," returned the housekeeper. " I won't venture 
 to set my opinion against his, though I can't see what harm 
 could ensue, and the interdiction greatly distresses our 
 young lady. The doctor is very decided, and I daren't dis- 
 obey him; but I will," she added, energetically, "if Sir 
 Hugh should become worse." 
 
 " Well, let us hope for the best, Mrs. Mansfield," said 
 Jodrell, rising, and preparing to depart. " Doctor Bland 
 will be here soon, and then I trust he will relax his order." 
 
 Doctor Bland resided at Sevenoaks, and being very 
 
238 Old Court. 
 
 skilful in his profession, enjoyed an extensive practice 
 throughout the surrounding district. In fact, he had more 
 practice than he could conveniently manage, and was 
 obliged to confide a portion of it to his junior partner, Mr. 
 Hammond. Doctor Bland was Sir Hugh's senior by 
 several years, and had attended the former baronet. 
 Having known Lucetta from infancy, and carried her safely 
 through all the illness incident to childhood, and watched 
 over her ever since, Doctor Bland took quite a paternal 
 interest in her ; while on her part she felt an equal regard 
 for him, and made him the receptacle of all her little 
 confidences and troubles. It was impossible, indeed, to 
 have a kinder manner than this excellent and able physician 
 possessed, nor one better calculated to soothe and sustain 
 an invalid. His serene aspect on entering a sick-room 
 seemed to assuage the anguish of the sufferer, and com- 
 municate hope to the sinking breast. 
 
 Doctor Bland was tall, well made, with handsome 
 features, characterised by a most agreeable expression, 
 snow-white locks which he wore rather long, and a fresh 
 complexion. In short, it was a very pleasant kindly face to 
 look upon. 
 
 On the morning in question he had ridden over from 
 Sevenoaks, and after remaining for nearly a quarter of an 
 hour in Sir Hugh's chamber, and giving some instructions 
 to Mrs. Mansfield, he repaired to the library, where he 
 found Lucetta and Lady Danvers. 
 
 As he entered the room, Lucetta, who was engaged on 
 some feminine occupation, immediately laid her work aside 
 and ran to meet him, anxiously inquiring how he found her 
 father. 
 
 Taking her hand kindly, Doctor Bland replied in his 
 pleasant accents, 
 
 " I will relieve your mind at once, my dear, by telling 
 you that I think him decidedly better. His head is clearer, 
 and he is less nervous and excitable, and if he continues to 
 improve, in a couple of days I shall be able to let you see 
 him perhaps even to-morrow but I dare not promise." 
 
 "Oh, let it be to-morrow, dear doctor," she cried. 
 "You cannot conceive how wretched I feel at being 
 debarred from his presence at a time like the present. I 
 
Doctor Bland. 230 
 
 pass hours near his door listening for a sound, and I envy 
 Mansfield, who is privileged to attend upon him. I have 
 tried to induce her to let me take her place, but she won't 
 disobey your orders ; and ^besides, she says papa would be 
 certain to recognise me." 
 
 "To be sure he would, my child," said Doctor Bland, 
 kindly, but firmly. "You must not commit such an im- 
 prudence. Your father's life hangs on a thread, and the 
 least excitement might prove fatal." 
 
 " But why should my presence agitate him ? " she cried. 
 " Until now, when there is most need that 1 should be near 
 him, he never liked me to be out of his sight. Now, when 
 I might prove the affection I feel for him, J am prevented 
 from approaching him from even entering his room. I 
 would observe the utmost caution I would not disturb 
 him I would not speak, save in the lowest whisper. He 
 should not hear the sound of my footsteps. All I desire is 
 to be near him to watch over him to do something for 
 him. If you persist in this cruel interdiction you will make 
 me ill." 
 
 " You ought to know me better than to tax me with 
 cruelty," rejoined Doctor Bland, gently pressing her hand, 
 which he had not yet quitted. 
 
 " I don't mean to reproach you," she rejoined, regarding 
 him with tearful eyes. " I know you are kindness itself. 
 You have given me a thousand proofs of your regard. Bat 
 pray let me have some explanation of this unaccountable 
 proceeding? Have I inadvertently offended rny father 
 and in what way ? I tax myself in vain to find out the 
 cause of his displeasure, unless he is angry about Captain 
 Fanbhaw. But that need not vex him. J will sacrifice my 
 own feelings. I will give up Rainald at once if he wishes 
 it. He has only to command, and I will obey. I am not 
 a disobedient daughter indeed I am not." 
 
 " You need not give me that assurance, my dear," said 
 Doctor Bland. 
 
 " I would sacrifice not only my inclinations, but my life 
 for my father," cried Lucetta. "That something has 
 happened to change his feelings towards me I am con- 
 vinced. Were I dear to him as before, he would not 
 suffer me to be absent at such a crisis, lie would have 
 
240 Old Cottrf. 
 
 summoned me instantly, if I had been from home. But 
 now that I am in the same house with him, I might be 
 miles away, Does he ever inquire after me, dear doctor? 
 Does he ever mention my name ? I perceive from your 
 looks that he does not," she continued, in a voice of 
 anguish. 
 
 " Since you force me to explain, my dear," said Doctor 
 B^and, "I must s'ate that I act in accordance with your 
 father's injunctions." 
 
 "Then it is true that he does not desire to see me ! " she 
 cried, in a voice of anguish. "What have 1 done? what 
 have I done to deserve it?" 
 
 " Don't mistake me, my dear," said the doctor, in the 
 kindest voice imaginable. "I am quite sure there is no 
 abatement in your father's affection for you, and I am 
 equally sure tint you have not offended him. How is it 
 possible that you could offend him?" 
 
 " I'm sure I don't know," said Lucetta. 
 
 "Dismiss the thought at once," rejoined Doctor Bland. 
 "You are worrying yourself most unnecessarily. I'll tell 
 you exactly what Sir Hu<*h said to me, when I first saw him, 
 after the attack. ' I have one order to give you, Doctor/ he 
 said, ' and I require you to attend to it. My head is so 
 strangely affected, that I am sure delirium is coming on. I 
 may not long b^ master of myself. Wild fancies possess 
 me Promise me that while I am ill unless there should 
 be no hope of recovery that Lucetta shall not come near 
 me. In mv frenzied state for my brain, as I tell you, is 
 quite disordered I might say things she would never forget. 
 I might charge myself with fearful crimes. Do not iet her 
 come near me, under any pretence whatever, till I am 
 calmer. Give the order as if irom yourself/ He looked so 
 earnestly at me as he spoke, that I could not refuse com- 
 pliance, and he appeared somewhat more composed. But 
 I could see from his looks that his fears of approaching 
 delirium were only too well founded. As you know, my 
 dear,, I have strictly obeyed his injunctions. The only 
 persons who have approached him since his attack have 
 been Mrs. Mansfield, Jodrell, and Mr. Mainwaring." 
 
 Lady Danvers, who had been listening to what had 
 passed, now came forward. 
 
Doctor Bland* 241 
 
 " I fear Sir Hugh has something on his mind, Doctor," she 
 remarked. " I wish he could be prevailed upon to confer 
 with his chaplain. I am sure good Mr. Vereker would 
 afford him consolation, and it was only last night that the 
 worthy man expressed his deep regret to myself and Lucetta 
 that he had not been sent for." 
 
 "I quite agree with your ladyship," replied Doctor 
 Bland, "that religious counsel might be profitable to Sir 
 Hugh, were he capable of listening to it, but unfortunately 
 such is not the case. I know that all his worlily affairs are 
 arranged, and that, so to speak, * his house is set in order.' 
 I did not, therefore, deem it necessary to make any sugges- 
 tion to him respecting his lawyer, Mr. Murrell. In fact, I 
 have sought by every means to subdue his nervous excite- 
 ment and irritation, and I think I have succeeded." 
 
 " I am rejoiced to hear you say so, Doctor," rejoined 
 Lady Danvers. " In that case, there is some prospect that 
 my detention in this dismal house is drawing to an end. I 
 came down for a day at Lucetta's request leaving Brighton 
 at the height of the season and here I have been kept for 
 upwards of a week. It has been a terrible annoyance to 
 me, but I could not leave the dear child in her distress." 
 
 " I don't know what I should have done without you, 
 aunty," said Lucetta, gratefully, "and I shall never forget 
 your kindness in remaining with me. I know I have been a 
 wretched companion, for really I have had no spirits at all." 
 
 " You have not been very lively, indeed, my love, but that 
 was scarcely to be expected," rejoined her ladyship. " I 
 really think, Doctor, I am the most to be commiserated of 
 the two, for if there is one trial to my patience greater than 
 another it is to be condemned to a dull country-house. I 
 wonder I am still alive. As to Lucetta, she is no longer 
 the sprightly girl she used to be. None of her numerous 
 Brighton admirers would recognise in the pale creature she 
 has become the idol of their admiration. She does nothing 
 but mope, and if she talks at all, it is only about poor dear 
 papa, or poor Rainald, or poor Cousin Clarence. How- 
 ever, since you assure me that Sir Hugh will be well in two 
 or three days, I will be content to endure the annoyance a 
 little longer, but only on the condition that Lucetta returns 
 with me to Brighton/' 1 
 
2 4? Old Court. 
 
 "I thought, from what you just said, that your ladyship 
 was tired of her society," said the physician, smiling. 
 
 " Her spirits will improve when she changes the atmo- 
 sphere," rejoined Lady Danvers. 
 
 " I can't allow you to delude yourself with this notion, 
 dear aunty," said Lucetta. " I cannot go back with you to 
 Brighton." 
 
 " Why not? " cried her ladyship. "Why should you stay 
 here ? I am sure Sir Hugh will be rather glad that you 
 should go." 
 
 " I'm not so sure of that," said Doctor Bland. " But we 
 shall know better when we can venture to consult him. 1 
 must now wish you good-day, ladies. I have several other 
 visits to pay. I shall be here to-morrow at the same hour, 
 and trust to find Sir Hugh improved." 
 
 So saying, he shook hands with them both, and quitted 
 the room. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 MR. LA HOGUE PROCEEDS WITH HIS TASK. 
 
 |N that night Lucetta was alone in her boudoir. 
 
 It was eleven o'clock, or a little later, and all 
 the inmates of the Hall had retired to rest. Lady 
 Danvers, who found the long evenings insupport- 
 able, had kissed her niece and bade her good-night more 
 than an hour ago, and was probably fast asleep, and, it might 
 be, dreaming of a rout or concert at Brighton. Rather 
 later, Mrs. Mansfield -had brought a good report of the 
 invalid, and had likewise wished her ycung lady good-night ; 
 while Jodrell, who slept in Sir Hugh's dressing-room, with 
 the door of communication between the chambers partly 
 open, had likewise sought his couch. 
 
 Lucetta, therefore, was probably the only person in the 
 Hall still awake. 
 
 Seated at a table writing to whom we shall not inquire 
 she was so much occupied that she did not hear the door 
 softly opened and as softly closed neither was she aware 
 that anyone had entered the room, until, accidentally raising 
 her eyes, to her infinite terror she beheld a man standing at 
 a short distance from her. In this intruder upon her privacy 
 she at once recognised La Hogue. 
 
 Her first impulse was to start to her feet and ring the bell, 
 but before she could reach it La Hogue interposed. 
 
 " Pray don't make any disturbance, Miss Chetwynd," he 
 said. "I have an important communication to make to 
 you a most important communication and am compelled 
 to adopt this means of approaching you." 
 
 The man's respectful attitude, and the tone in which the 
 words were uttered, somewhat reassured her. Nevertheless, 
 she exclaimed with great spirit, and with a determination 
 made manifest by her looks, 
 
 " Whatever may be the nature of your communication, 
 
244 Old Court 
 
 you have no right to intrude upon me thus, and at such an 
 hour. You must have stolen into the house, and deserve 
 to be treated like a robber. Do not advance a single step 
 nearer, or nothing shall prevent me from giving the alarm." 
 
 "I have no desire to frighten you, Miss Chetwynd," 
 rejoined La Hogue, in the same deferential tone as be- 
 fore. "Circumstances compel me to adopt this other- 
 wise unwarrantable course. But as soon as my errand is 
 discharged, I will depart as I came." 
 
 "Speak then, quickly," she cried. "What have you to 
 say to me ? " 
 
 " I must premise," he replied, assuming a grave manner, 
 " that the communication is of a very painful nature, and I 
 must entreat you to summon all your fortitude to bear it." 
 
 "Does it relate to my Cousin Clarence ?" inquired 
 Lucetta, uneasily. 
 
 " In some degree," he replied ; " but chiefly to your 
 father." 
 
 A cold shiver passed over her frame, and she felt ready 
 to sink. She comprehended that some dreadful disclosure 
 was about to be made. 
 
 Noticing her agitation, La Hogue, with affected sympathy, 
 said, "You had better be seated, Miss Chetwynd." 
 
 "No, no," she gasped, supporting herself against the 
 table. " It will pass in a moment. Go on ! go on ! " 
 
 "I will spare your feelings as much as po sible in the 
 terrible details I am about to give," said La Hogue ; "but, 
 in order to convince you of their truth, I must remind you 
 of the retired and gloomy life led by your father, so un- 
 accountable in one in his position of society; of his 
 ordinarily morose manner, and moody fits. I must mention 
 these things, in order to confirm my statements ; and must 
 also advert to Sir Hugh's apparently inexplicable conduct in 
 regard to your cousin Clarence I mean, in bestowing upon 
 him the whole of his property to your detriment." 
 
 " You keep me in an agony of suspense," cried Lucetta. 
 " I know all these things. My father's melancholy is con- 
 stitutional, and has afflicted him for years, and his conduct 
 towards Clarence, though it may surprise others, does not 
 surprise me, knowing as I do, his high sense of honour, and 
 religious observance of his word." 
 
Mr. La Hogne Proceeds with His Task. 24$ 
 
 " The sentiments you express prove you to be an excellent 
 daughter, Miss Chetwynd," said La Hogue. " I honour 
 them." 
 
 "A truce to this," she cried, with unmitigated scorn. 
 " Go on. Let me know the worst." 
 
 "You cannot be aware of a certain portion of your 
 father's history, and that he had formed a deep and un- 
 fortunate attachment before he married your mother. I say 
 'unfortunate/ because the lady's affections were already 
 bestowed upon another upon his brother, in fact." 
 
 " Upon his brother ! " exclaimed Lucetta, aghast. 
 
 "Upon Clarence's father," rejoined La Hogue. "The 
 brothers, therefore, were rivals. Can you not conceive to 
 what terrible extremities such a rivalry might lead ? Your 
 uncle was the successful suitor. He married the lady 
 privately, but did not long enjoy possession of the treasure 
 he had obtained. He had to deal with one who was not 
 likely to forgive the wrong done him, but was determined 
 on vengeance. Sir Hugh discovered the secret, and from 
 that moment his breast became a hell. A fierce thirst of 
 vengeance consumed him, only to be appeased by blood. 
 His brother's fate was decided upon." 
 
 " My uncle was murdered murdered by robbers ! " cried 
 Lucetta, trembling violently. 
 
 " He was murdered/' replied La Hogue, in a low deep 
 voice. " But not by robbers." 
 
 " Villain ! dare you charge my father with the dreadful 
 deed ?" she exclaimed, with a look of such fiery indignation 
 that he quailed before it, and made no direci reply. 
 
 At length he spoke : 
 
 "You have now a key to the secret grief that has weighed 
 upon your father's soul. You can understand how his 
 breast has been tortured by remorse. You can understa d 
 why he has sought to make expiation by bestowing his 
 possessions on Clarence, and why Clarence rejected them. 
 All this must now be plain to you." 
 
 "I will not, cannot believe it!" she cried. " Do you 
 mean to insinuate that my father hired assassins to slay his 
 brother?" 
 
 " No," replied La Hogue. " He himself was the 
 assassin.' 1 
 
246 Old Court. 
 
 " It is false 1 it is false!" almost shrieked Lucetta. 
 " My father is the best and kindest of men, and would not 
 injure any one, far less his brother. It is false, I say. 
 The atrocious charge is made with some abominable 
 motive." 
 
 " My motive in making the communication to you is to 
 guard you against a danger," said La Hogue. "Your 
 cousin Clarence loves you." 
 
 " Loves me ! " she exclaimed, in angry surprise. " This, 
 like the rest, is false. But if it were so, is this a moment 
 to introduce the subject?" 
 
 " I am obliged to mention it," rejoined La Hogue. 
 " Clarence, I repeat, loves you passionately. Perhaps he 
 is animated by a feeling of jealous rage akin to that which 
 burnt in your father's breast at the time of the tragedy I 
 have described. I know not how this may be. But he is 
 resolved, firmly resolved, to prevent your marriage with 
 Captain Fanshaw." 
 
 " Prevent it ! How ? " cried Lucetta. 
 
 " By disclosing all I have just told you to your lover," 
 rejoined La Hogue. " He knows full well that Rainald 
 Fanshaw would never marry the daughter of an assassin." 
 
 " Oh, Heavens ! that I should be compelled to hear words 
 like these ! " almost shrieked Lucetta. 
 
 " Jealousy will make men commit acts from which they 
 would otherwise revolt with horror," rejoined La Hogue. 
 " Take my assurance that Clarence will never surrender you 
 to Rainald. He is a true Chetwynd in that respect." 
 
 " Answer me one question," said Lucetta, again re- 
 garding him with flashing eyes. "Are you my cousin's 
 envoy? Did he send you to make this communication 
 tome?" 
 
 "Not exactly," equivocated La Hogue. "But I know 
 his intentions in regard to Captain Fanshaw, and I therefore 
 thought it would be best to warn you. But do not distress 
 yourself. As yet, the dark secret is only known to Clarence 
 and myself. My lips will be easily sealed. And your 
 cousin will be effectually silenced if you will only transfer 
 your affections to him." 
 
 "Ah ! I see it all now! " exclaimed Lucetta. in a voice 
 of anguish. 
 
 
Mr. La Hogue Proceeds with His Task. 247 
 
 The strain upon her feelings was too great She could 
 bear no more, and with a half-stifled cry sank insensible on 
 the floor. 
 
 La Hogue contemplated his work with a cynical grin. 
 
 " I think I have produced the right effect upon her," he 
 muttered. " The match will inevitably be broken off, and 
 she must take Clarence. Mon Dieu ! what a lovely 
 creature she is ! No wonder the lad is enamoured of her. 
 He shouldn't have her if I thought I had the slightest 
 chance, but I know she would reject me with scorn. 
 What's here ? " he added, glancing at the letter on which 
 Lucetta had been occupied at the time of his entrance. 
 'A letter to Rainald ! I'll take it with me it may be 
 useful." And, folding up the paper, he secured it. Then 
 glancing at the inanimate girl with something like com- 
 passion, he continued : " I mustn't leave her in this state 
 yet I daren't assist her. I'll ring the bell. Before it can 
 be answered, I shall be out of the house." 
 
 With this he rang the bell violently, and then hurried out 
 of the room. 
 
 Some two or three minutes later, Mrs. Mansfield appeared 
 in her night-dress, and was dreadfully frightened and dis- 
 tressed by finding her young lady lying on the floor. At 
 length she succeeded in restoring her to sensibility. 
 
 " Is he gone ? " cried Lucetta, gazing round with terror 
 as she opened her eyes. 
 
 " Who, my dear ? " cried the old housekeeper. " Have 
 you seen any one?" 
 
 "Yes, Mr. La Hogue. He was here just now," replied 
 Lucetta. 
 
 " Here ! Impossible !" cried Mrs. Mansfield. "And yet 
 it might be. Did you ring the bell before you fainted, my 
 dear ? " 
 
 " No," replied Lucetta, feebly. " I had not strength to 
 move." 
 
 " Then he must have been here," cried Mrs. Mansfield. 
 " Perhaps he's in the house still. I'd better call up the 
 servants." 
 
 "No, no; I feel sure he's gone," rejoined Lucetta. 
 " Don't talk any more about him. Oh, dear Old Goody, 
 I've had a dreadful fright." 
 
s>4& Old Court. 
 
 " I can see you have, my love," rejoined the housekeeper 8 . 
 "But try to compose yourself." 
 
 " Help me to my room," said Lucetta, " and don't leave 
 me on any account. I feel as if I should faint again." 
 
 " Don't be afraid, my dear. I won't leave you for a 
 moment," rejoined Mrs. Mansfield. 
 

 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 SHOWING THE EFFECT OF LA HOGUE's COMMUNICATION. 
 
 the night Lucetta was attended by 
 the devoted old housekeeper, and when she awoke 
 next morning from a troubled sleep, she felt as if 
 still under the influence of a hideous dream. 
 Presently the dreadful truth rushed upon her, and she 
 recalled with painful distinctness the appalling details she 
 had listened to. Vainly did she strive to disbelieve the 
 dreadful tale. La Hogue she felt to be unworthy of credit, 
 but his story was evidently true. All that was mysterious 
 and inexplicable in her father's conduct and character his 
 moodiness and gloom was accounted for. Now that she 
 was in possession of the dread secret, she understood why 
 she was excluded from his room during his present illness. 
 But the knowledge she had acquired made her more than 
 ever anxious to be near him, and offer him all the con- 
 solation in her power. 
 
 Fresh terrors assailed her as she thought that his life was 
 in the hands of La Hogue. A word from that man might 
 destroy him. The thought was madness, but she calmed 
 herself by reflecting that it was not the villain's interest to 
 betray him. 
 
 That which perplexed her, and pained her acutely, was 
 Clarence's cruel conduct. If La Hogue's representations 
 were correct, her cousin was acting most unworthily. But 
 she rejected this part of the statement as utterly inconsistent 
 with Clarence's character. He could never have acted as 
 magnanimously as he had done, and fall off so lamentably. 
 Jealousy could not entirely change his nature. Love her he 
 might perhaps did but he could not resort to such base 
 means to rid himself of a rival, neither could he hope by 
 such a course to win her affections. Such conduct in one 
 like Clarence was improbable nay, impossible. La Hogue 
 must have a motive for misrepresenting him thus shamefully, 
 
25 O Old Court. 
 
 Nevertheless, she felt with a keen pang that, although the 
 dread secret might never be revealed to Rainald. though he 
 might never be made acquainted with her father's crime, all 
 idea of a union with him must be abandoned. 
 
 Distracted by all these painful considerations which forced 
 themselves upon her, and would not be dismissed, she arose, 
 attired herself, and went down-stairs to breakfast. 
 
 She was later than usual much later and her aunt, who 
 had read all her letters, and skimmed the cream of the 
 fashionable intelligence contained in the Court Journal, 
 which she had caused to be sent to her, was about to take 
 her to task, when she noticed her looks, and exclaimed, with 
 unaffected uneasiness : 
 
 " Why, my dear child, what is the matter ? I never saw 
 you look so ill before. You haven't a particle of colour 
 in your cheeks, and your eyes have sunk in their sockets." 
 
 " I don't wonder at it, aunt," she replied. " I had a great 
 fright after you went to bed, and fainted in my room. I 
 have passed a most wretched night. This will account for 
 my being so late, but I am sorry you have waited breakfast 
 for me." 
 
 Lady Danvers was curious to know what had frightened 
 her niece, but as Lucetta seemed disinclined to satisfy her, 
 she did not press her inquiries, but talked on general 
 matters, and as cheerfully as she could. But Lucetta took 
 no sort of interest in any topic that was started, and 
 her looks and abstracted manner filled her aunt with un- 
 easiness. 
 
 " You must really consult Doctor Bland, my dear," said 
 Lady Danvers. " You have quite lost your appetite as well 
 as your good looks. If you have any trouble on your mind, 
 confide it to me. You were expecting a letter from Rain- 
 aid. I hope it has brought no bad news. I don't suppose 
 he can have failed to write." 
 
 " He has written, aunty," replied Lucetta becoming paler 
 than ever. " I had a letter from him this morning." 
 
 " Well what does he say ? " inquired Lady Danvers. 
 
 " I have not yet opened it," rejoined Lucetta, sadly. 
 
 " Not opened it ! " exclaimed her ladyship. " You amaze 
 me. An extraordinary change indeed must have come over 
 you. Yesterday, you were all impatience for his letters. 
 
Thi Effect of La Hague's Communication. 251 
 
 Now I'm quite sure something must be wrong, though what 
 it is I can't possibly conjecture. Do take your aunt into 
 your confidence, darling. Nobody can feel for you as I do 
 not even your father in a case where your affections are 
 concerned. Shall I tell you what I think ? Perhaps I am 
 wrong, but you give me the impression that your feelings 
 have changed towards Rainald. If so, pray don't fear to 
 tell me. My experience may be useful. A woman's feelings 
 will change in spite of herself. She believes her heart's 
 affections immutably fixed upon a particular person, when 
 somebody else more attractive appears, and she discovers 
 her mistake. She didn't love the first person quite so well 
 as she imagined. In fact, she prefers the second ; con- 
 sequently the first is jilted. I dislike that word, but no 
 other will express my meaning. I am now speaking from 
 my own experience, my dear. People said I jilted my first 
 love, Captain Curzon; but I had ceased to care about him, 
 and preferred some one else that was all. My feelings 
 were not under my own control. I fancy you are in the 
 same predicament, and if I am right, there is only one 
 person who can have produced this sudden change in your 
 feelings, and that person is your cousin Clarence. You will 
 give me credit, I hope, for a little discernment?" 
 
 " Dearest aunty, you are entirely mistaken," said Lucetta. 
 "I have not ceased to love Rainald it would be better for 
 me if I had but I can never become his wife." 
 
 "Oh, I see it now!" cried Lady Danvers, indignantly. 
 " I never could have expected it after his protestations of 
 undying regard, and all such stuff. Bat men are all alike. 
 Don't take the matter so much to heart, my sweet child. 
 More eligible suitors will appear. I have one in my eye 
 already. As you know, I always preferred young Ripley to 
 Rainald." 
 
 1 'Again you are mistaken, aunty dear," said Lucetta, 
 sorrowfully, " Not the slightest change has taken place in 
 Rainald. I have no doubt that the letter I have just 
 received, and which I have not ventured to open, would 
 prove his unalterable regard. It is this conviction that 
 makes me wretched. When I know he loves me so 
 passionately, how can I crush his hopes ? how can I drive 
 him to despair? Yet there is no help," she continued, half 
 
252 Old Court. 
 
 distractedly. " Whatever it may cost me, I must do it I 
 must do it/ 1 
 
 " Now you fairly perplex me, my love," said Lady Dan- 
 vers, regarding her with profound sympathy, "and I can 
 only infer that some unexpected obstacle has occurred to 
 interfere with the match." 
 
 *' Now you are right, aunt," cried Lucetta. "There is an 
 unsurmountable obstacle to it. I shall never be united to 
 Rainald never never ! Better, far better, I had never 
 seen him, or seeing him, had never listened to his vows. I 
 have indulged in a bright brief dream, but it is over, and 
 only darkness and despair remain." 
 
 Lady Danvers made an effort to console her niece, but 
 failed, being herself nearly overpowered by emotion. 
 
 Alter a pause, Lucetta said, with forced composure, 
 
 " How bhall I break this matter to Rainald, aunt, so as to 
 give him least pain ? " 
 
 " If you have quite determined, I will write to him," re- 
 plied Lady Danvers. " But do not, I entreat, act hastily. 
 This is a step that cannot be recalled." 
 
 " I am quite determined, aunt," said Lucetta. " Delay 
 would be useless. Pray write to him to-day." 
 
 "I won't oppose your wishes, though I think you should 
 take time for reflection," returned Lady Danvers. " I will 
 write as considerately as possible. Am I to enter into ex- 
 planations? I cannot say that Sir Hugh refuses his 
 sanction, and I must not, I suppose, intimate that your own 
 feelings are changed ?" 
 
 " Tell him that I feel I could not make him happy that 
 all is over between us that he must think of me no more, 
 and find some other love " 
 
 Here her utterance was checked by sobs. 
 
 " But he will scarcely be satisfied with this, darling/' 
 said Lady Danvers, "and will most likely reply that he 
 can never cease to think of you, and won't find another 
 love." 
 
 " Then tell him what you please," cried Lucetta, "Write 
 in a cold, freezing tone, calculated to excite his indignation. 
 Make me out fickle, capricious odious. Make him hate 
 me. Paint me in the darkest colours you can employ. 
 But no no I would not incur his scorn." 
 
The Effect of La Hogufs Communication. 25^ 
 
 " Leave the composition of the letter to me, my love," 
 said Lady Danvers. " I will try to write as you will ap- 
 prove, and in such terms as will accomplish the object. 
 But you must return Captain Fanshaw's letters." 
 
 "Must I, aunt?" 
 
 "Of course," rejoined her ladvship. "Give them to me 
 by-and-by, that I may enclose them. This is really a sad 
 business, and 1 wish from my heart it could be avoided." 
 
 At this moment the door opened, and, to the surprise of 
 both ladies, Mainwaring entered. 
 
 " Good-morning, ladies good-morning ! " cried the old 
 gentleman, stepping up and shaking hands with both. 
 " Just arrived from Reigate. Glad to find I'm in time for 
 breakfast. Allow me to ring the bell," he added, making 
 himself at home, as he always did at Old Court. " Some- 
 thing hot, Jodrell, if you please," he said, as the old butler 
 answered the summons. 
 
 "Immediately, Sir," replied Jodrell, departing on the 
 errand. 
 
 Mainwaring could not fail to remark Lucetta's haggard 
 looks, but naturally attributing them to anxiety about her 
 father, he merely remarked that he was exceedingly glad to 
 find bir Hugh so much better. 
 
 " We shall have him down-stairs again, I daresay, in a 
 few days," he said. " But now 1 must tell you what I've 
 been about. I've completely succeeded in my errand. 
 Clarence was at Reigate, as I supposed. He talked of 
 going to Australia, but I convinced him the idea was pre- 
 posterous, and urged him most strongly to come back to 
 Old Court, and I think he will. I shouldn't be surprised," 
 continued the old gentleman, "if he were to come to day." 
 
 "Oh, Heavens! I hope not!" exclaimed Lucetta. "I 
 can't see him." 
 
 Mainwaring looked quite confounded at this totally un- 
 expected declaration, and glanced at Lady Danvers as if 
 seeking an explanation ; but her ladyship only shrugged her 
 shoulders. Just then Jodrell entered, follow by Pigot, with 
 a supplement to the breakfast in the shape of broil and a 
 savoury omelette. After he had helped Mainwaring with a 
 judgment which the old gentleman perfectly appreciated, he 
 approached Lucetta, and told her in a low voice that Mrs. 
 
254 Old Court. 
 
 Mansfield wished to speak with her. On this intimation 
 the young lady surrendered her post at the breakfast-table 
 to her aunt, and quitted the room. 
 
 'I hope Sir Hugh is not worse, Jodrell?" said Lady 
 Danvers, with some anxiety. 
 
 " Oh, no, my lady/' replied the old butler. " The fact is, 
 rny lady, it's not Mrs. Mansfield " 
 
 " What do you mean, Jodrell ?" she inquired. 
 
 " I'll tell your ladyship who it is," interposed Main- 
 waring. "It's Clarence. He's in the housekeeper's 
 room. I hope Miss Chetvvynd won't be displeased. But, 
 upon my soul ! I thought she would be delighted to see 
 him." 
 
 " Young ladies are very whimsical, as you must have 
 found out, Mr. Mainwaring," said her ladyship. 
 
 And as soon as the servants had retired, she added : 
 " You must have perceived that Lucetta is greatly upset, 
 and you shall learn the cause. She has determined to 
 decline Captain Fanshaw's offer." 
 
 "Zounds! you don't say so?" cried Mainwaring, almost 
 choking himself with a mouthful of broiled turkey. " Very 
 strange ? very sudden, eh ? " 
 
 " Inexplicable ! No motive whatever assigned," rejoined 
 her ladyship. " But I am commissioned to write to the 
 captain, and acquaint him with his fate." 
 
 " Bless my stars ! this is news," said Mainwaring. " Your 
 ladyship may well say that young ladies are whimsical. 
 CJarence has come back at the very nick of time." 
 
 " I don't think he has occasioned the rupture," rejoined 
 Lady Danvers. " But there's no saying." 
 
 " I can tell your ladyship one thing," said Mainwaring \ 
 " he's desperately in love with his pretty cousin." 
 
 " Then he has now a chance," replied Lady Danvers. 
 "Hearts, like balls, as you know, are easiest caught on 
 the rebound. I sha'n't be sorry if he wins her." 
 
 Mainwaring chuckled, and went on with his breakfast 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 CLARENCE OFFERS TO TAKE THE LETTER TO RATNALD. 
 
 |JN entering the housekeeper's room, Lucetta was 
 greatly surprised, and indeed startled to find 
 Clarence. Had it been possible, she would have 
 avoided an interview with him at this juncture, 
 but she could not withdraw. Her looks, however, so 
 plainly revealed what was passing in her breast, that 
 Clarence could not fail to perceive that his presence 
 troubled her. 
 
 " Forgive me for sending for you thus, Lucetta," he said, 
 gravely. "I shall not remain long. Had it not been 
 absolutely necessary that I should see you, I should not 
 have come at all." 
 
 "Now that I look upon your face, cousin," she criec^- 
 gazing fixedly at him, " all my suspicions disappear. You 
 cannot be a party to this plot. You can never have sent 
 that infamous wretch La Hogue to me ? " 
 
 " Sent him ! " cried Clarence. " It is to warn you 
 against him that I have come hither." 
 
 "Oh, I am so glad to hear you say so, cousin! "she 
 exclaimed, taking his hand. " You are true and loyal- 
 hearted, as I supposed you. The miscreant was here last 
 night, and forced himself into my presence. You may guess 
 what he told me." 
 
 "And you suspected me of being leagued with him, 
 Lucetta?" he cried, in a tone of reproach. "I rejected the 
 villain's propositions with scorn, but I did not treat him as 
 he deserved, because I know him to be dangerous. I came 
 to warn you, as I have said, but I find he has been beiore- 
 hand with me, and has done all the harm he could. But 
 further mischief must be prevented. How he is to be got 
 rid of I know not ; but it must be done. He deserves to 
 
s $6 Old Court. 
 
 be shot down like a wild beast. Lucetta, your father's life 
 is in this man's hands." 
 
 " Then you believe my father guilty, Clarence ? " she 
 cried, with an agonised look. " He is not ! he is 
 not ! " 
 
 " Do not ask me w,hat I believe," he rejoined. " The 
 villain with whom we have to deal is capable of any 
 infamous practice. He may arouse Captain Fanshaw's 
 suspicions, and prevent your marriage. This danger must 
 be averted.' 1 
 
 "The marriage will never take place, Clarence," she 
 rejo ; ned. " Do you think I could be happy if I had a secret 
 in my breast which I did not dare to divulge to my husband? 
 Do you think I could wed Rainald, when, if he knew the 
 truth, he might shrink from me with horror? The marriage 
 is impossible. My aunt will write to Captain Fanshaw to- 
 day to announce my fixed determination." 
 
 " Perhaps it is the best course to pursue, though I am not 
 the person who ought to offer you such counsel," said 
 Clarence. "If you desire it, I will deliver the letter to 
 Captain Fanshaw. It will be an unpleasant task, but I will 
 not shrink from it. You may trust me as you would a 
 brother." 
 
 " I am sure I can," she rejoined. " On all accounts it 
 is desirable that the letter should be thus delivered. When 
 will you go? I do not want to have the business delayed, 
 lest I should falter in my resolution," 
 
 " I will go at once," said Clarence. 
 
 " Captain Fanshaw is at Brighton with his regiment," 
 continued Lucetta. " You will find him at the Preston 
 Barracks, near that town." 
 
 "Ill news always travels quickly," said Clarence. "I 
 shall be there soon too soon for Rainald. All I need is 
 some conveyance to Edenbridge." 
 
 "A horse shall be saddled for you at once," rejoined 
 Lucetta. " I will return presently." And she quitted the 
 room. 
 
 Left to himself, Clarence had an opportunity of con- 
 sidering the position in which he was placed. The errand 
 he had undertaken was eminently distasteful to him, but he 
 was bound to fulhl it ? and he consoled himself by reflecting 
 
Clarence Offers to Take the Letter to Rainald. 257 
 
 that, come what might, he was influenced by no unworthy 
 motive. 
 
 At last Lucetta reappeared with a small packet. If 
 possible, she was paler than before. 
 
 " Here is the fatal missive which may blight Rainald's 
 whole life ! " she cried, giving it him with a trembling hand, 
 " Mine, I feel, is utterly blighted." 
 
 " If you think so, why send it ? " rejoined Clarence. 
 
 "It must go!" she cried. " But I did not imagine the 
 pang would be so sharp. Oh, I hope he may not suffer as 
 I do ! " 
 
 "Lucetta," said Clarence, in accents half suffocated by 
 emotion, " you love this man dearly." 
 
 " Can you doubt it ? " she rejoined. " I never knew how 
 well I loved him till now." 
 
 " I pity you from my soul ! " cried Clarence. " And I 
 again beseech you to reflect. Do not act rashly." 
 
 " Why do you seek to shake my resolution, Clarence ? " 
 she cried. " Go go ! Come back at once, and tell me 
 how he bears it." 
 
 " I will do your bidding, Lucetta." he rejoined. " Fare- 
 well ! " 
 
 As he quitted the room the poor girl's firmness quite for- 
 sook her, and she sank into a chair, and wept bitterly. 
 
 Had Clarence beheld her then his journey to Brighton 
 might have been checked. But he was already galloping 
 through the park on his way to Edenbridge. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 AT THE PRESTON BARRACKS. 
 
 [IMMEDIATELY on his arrival at Brighton, 
 Clarence drove to the cavalry barracks, which, 
 as most persons know, is situated on the Lewes 
 Road, at no great distance from the town. 
 
 Alighting at the gates, he ordered the driver to wait for 
 him, and entered the broad enclosure in the midst of which 
 stands the large but ugly pile, whose chief merit is its 
 power of accommodating so many troops. 
 
 As our young friend passed the sentries, and made his 
 way towards the officers' quarters, the bugle sounded, and 
 drew his attention to a body of men drawn up at the further 
 end of the green. Among the officers engaged in inspect- 
 ing these troops was Captain Fanshaw, as he learnt from a 
 servant who showed him into a small room looking upon 
 the yard, where abundant newspapers and magazines, if he 
 had been inclined to read them, might have helped to 
 beguile the tedium of waiting for Rainald. 
 
 At last the trampling of horses, and the clatter of bridles 
 and arms, announced that the morning's work was over. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, voices and loud laughter were heard 
 in the passage, and Rainald and Major Trevor burst into 
 the room. Both were in the splendid uniform of the 4oth 
 Hussars, and both seemed much surprised on beholding 
 Clarence. Major Trevor greeted him with remarkable 
 cordiality, and hoped he would be his guest at the mess 
 dinner. 
 
 u It's deuced lucky both Fanshaw and myself happen to 
 be disengaged to-day," cried the cheery major. " I'll take 
 no refusal." 
 
 Clarence, however, was obliged to decline, and hastened 
 to explain that his sole object in coming to Brighton was to 
 convey a message to Captain Fanshaw. 
 
At the Preston Barracks. 259 
 
 On this, the major immediately took the hint and 
 retired. 
 
 Rainald then turned to Clarence, and said quickly, and 
 with evident anxiety : 
 
 " I hope you bring good news, though your looks rather 
 alarm me. You cannot have been at Old Court, I conclude, 
 yet you say you have a message for me. Pray let me 
 know from whom it comes ? " 
 
 "I have a letter for you, Captain Fanshaw," rejoined 
 Clarence, gravely. " But I must entreat you to read it in 
 private." 
 
 " Is it from Lucetta?" cried Rainald. "For Heaven's 
 sake, say at once if anything has happened ! " 
 
 u Here is the letter," rejoined Clarence, giving it to him ; 
 " but let me again beg of you not to read it here. I will 
 await your convenience, and offer you any explanation in 
 my power." 
 
 " It is not her handwriting," exclaimed Rainald. " It is 
 addressed to me by Lady Danvers. What does it mean ? 
 This is no letter, but a packet. A horrible idea crosses 
 me. You know what the packet contains. I see you do. 
 Speak, Sir ! speak ! " 
 
 Clarence made no reply, but moved away to a short 
 distance. 
 
 But though he averted his gaze, he knew that Rainald, 
 unable to control his agonising impatience, had torn open 
 the packet. Lightly as they fell, he heard the letters 
 enclosed in it drop to the ground, and he also heard the 
 groan that broke from the young man's breast. 
 
 There was an interval of deep silence. 
 
 When Clarence looked round again, he beheld Rainald 
 leaning against the mantelpiece in an attitude of despair, 
 with Lady Danvers's letter crushed in his hand. 
 
 Aroused by the slight movement, Rainald started from 
 his position, and regarded the other with fierce and haggard 
 looks. 
 
 " You know what Lady Danvers has written to me? " he 
 cried. 
 
 " I know the purport of her ladyship's letter," rejoined 
 Clarence, " and I can assure you that it pains me deeply to 
 be the bearer of such a communication." 
 
260 Old Court. 
 
 61 It is difficult to credit the assertion,' 1 cried Rainald, 
 whose excitement and irritation momently increased. " If 
 what I have read in this letter be correct," he added, fling- 
 ing it down, "though I can scarcely believe it, some 
 traitor, from motives which it is easy to conjecture, must 
 have been at work to produce the change in Lucetta's 
 sentiments towards me. I do not think I need look far to 
 discover the person who has acted thus dishonourably." 
 
 " If the allusion is levelled at me, Sir, as I cannot 
 doubt," rejoined Clarence, haughtily, " I can only say that 
 it is utterly unmerited. Did I not feel for you, I would 
 offer you no explanation. Circumstances compelled me to 
 go back to Old Court. I went there this morning- only 
 this morning, and was then commissioned to take this letter 
 to you." 
 
 " What were the circumstances, may I ask, that took you 
 back to Old Court, after your emphatic declaration that you 
 never meant to return there ? " cried Rainald. " No doubt 
 you have some satisfactory explanation to give, though 
 none, I confess, occurs to me." 
 
 " I owe you no explanation as to the motives that led to 
 my return, and will give none," rejoined Clarence, with 
 haughty firmness. " Understand, Sir, once for all, that I 
 did not come here on my own account." 
 
 " This shall not serve your purpose, Sir," cried Rainald, 
 greatly incensed. " I insist upon an explanation." 
 
 " Insist ! " exclaimed Clarence, scornfully. " You forget 
 with whom you have to deal." 
 
 "No, I do not forget," rejoined Rainald, ia a bitterly 
 taunting tone. " I am perfectly aware that I have to deal 
 with one who, little more than a week ago, was an un- 
 known adventurer whose claims, even now, to a respect- 
 able position have not been legally established whose 
 conduct, judged by any rules, is hardly consistent with the 
 character of a gentleman." 
 
 " Enough, Sir, quite enough ! " cried Clarence, fiercely. 
 " I will tolerate no more such language. Whatever I may 
 be, my conduct, I think, will contrast advantageously with 
 yours. I came here on a friendly errand, anxious most 
 anxious to spare your feelings desirous to afford you any 
 explanation How have you received me ? Without the 
 
At the Preston Barracks, 26 r 
 
 slightest provocation on my part without the slightest 
 justification on yours you have grossly insulted me. I 
 might easily retaliate I might apply terms to you fully 
 warranted by your conduct ; but 1 will not follow an ill 
 example. It is clear that your object is to force a quarrel 
 upon me." 
 
 " I own it," said Rainald, whose fury had not in the 
 least subsided ; " I believe that you have robbed me of 
 Lucetta's affections. I beliexe that you have come here, 
 not fri.m the motive you allege, but to 'enjoy my dis- 
 appointment. Will you attempt to deny that yuu 
 volunteered to bring this cursed packet to me ?" 
 
 ' Certainly not," replied Clarence , " 1 offered to deliver 
 it to you." 
 
 " This admission confirms all the rest," cried Rainald, 
 v;h'te with rage, "i see perfectly what you have been 
 about. I understand why you made that vain-glorious 
 speech on your departure. You calculated and it appears 
 tolerably correctly upon the effect it was likely to produce 
 on your sensitive cousin. From that moment I date the 
 change in her feelings. And you have lost no time in 
 completing your design in what way is best known to 
 yourself but the result is manifest." 
 
 These injurious expressions infl med Clarence to such a 
 degree that he was no longer master of himself, and it is 
 highly probable that a personal collision might have taken 
 place between the two young men, if the opportune 
 entrance of Major Trevor had not prevented it. 
 
 " Halloa ! " exclaimed the major, " what's the row ? " 
 
 "I must leave Captain Fanshaw to explain," rejoined 
 Clarence. " I wish you good-day. You will hear from 
 me speedily, Sir," he added, in a low tone, to Rainald. 
 
 " When you please, Sir," rejoined the other, with haughty 
 indifference. 
 
 "Stop a moment if you please, Mr. Chetwynd," cried 
 Trevor, perceiving that the quarrel was far more serious 
 than he had apprehended. " I see there has been a mis- 
 understanding between you and Fanshaw. Can't 1 settle 
 it?" 
 
 " Impossible ! " exclaimed Clarence. 
 
 " Quite impossible ! " added Rainald- 
 
262 Old Court. 
 
 " Poh ! poh ! a dispute can. always be arranged,'* cried 
 the major, in a pacific tone. " What's it all about? Well, 
 I won't ask," he added, glancing at the letters scattered on 
 the floor. "But let me try my hand at mediation. Some- 
 body must be in the wrong. Who is it? By Heaven ! I 
 begin to think you are both to blame," he added. 
 
 "For many reasons I do not desire to quarrel with 
 Captain Fanshaw," said Clarence; "and if he will retract 
 the injurious expressions he has used, I shall be content." 
 
 "Are you willing to do this, Fanshaw ? " inquired the major. 
 
 " No," replied the other, haughtily ; " I will neither 
 apologise nor retract." 
 
 "Then there is nothing for it but a meeting," said 
 Clarence. 
 
 " Exactly my opinion," said Rainald. 
 
 " Hang it! it's a thousand pities that a meeting cannot be , 
 avoided," exclaimed Major Trevor. "A duel is a most 
 awkward affair now-a-days. And recollect that you can't 
 fight in England, so, if there is to be a meeting, it must take 
 place on the other side of the Channel." 
 
 " Be it so," rejoined Clarence. "Three days hence we 
 will meet at Calais." 
 
 "I will not fail you," said Rainald. "We can cross 
 together in the first boat, or you will hear of me at the 
 Hotel des Bains." 
 
 "Enough," said Clarence. "Till then, farewell, gentlem en !" 
 
 And with a formal salutation he quitted the room. 
 
 "I can calculate upon you, I conclude, Major?" said 
 Rainald, as soon as Clarence was gone. 
 
 " Of course," replied the other. " But you may regard 
 my consent as an act of great friendship. Society is against 
 duelling, and seconds in an affair of honour are more 
 rigorously judged than principals. You can't shoot your 
 man quietly as you could do in the good old times. The 
 confounded newspapers are sure to be down upon you. 
 Don't leave these tell-tale letters here," he added, picking 
 them up. " I suppose they are connected with this quarrel? 
 How goes on the love-affair ? " 
 
 " At an end," replied Rainald. 
 
 The major gave utterance to a slight whistle. 
 
 "The devil!" he exclaimed. "Now I begin to under- 
 
 
At the Preston Barracks. 263 
 
 stand. This spark has cut you out. No wonder reconcilia- 
 tion with him is impossible.' 7 
 
 "Lady Danvers has sent me a letter by this insolent 
 booby which has crushed my hopes," cried Rainald. 
 'Lucetta can never be mine, her ladyship says. There is 
 some unforeseen obstacle in the way. You know what 
 that means, Major," he added, with a bitter laugh. "There 
 always is an unforeseen obstacle when a match has to be 
 broken off. But I won't take her ladyship's dismissal. I 
 will see Lucetta. I will hear my doom pronounced by her 
 own lips. I intend to go to Old Court this evening." 
 
 " Let me dissuade you from the design, mon cher? said 
 Major Trevor, earnestly. "You will do no good. Miss 
 Chetwynd would never have allowed this letter to be sent to 
 you unless she meant to close the affair. Besides, your own 
 letters have been returned. Perhaps this insolent booby, as 
 you style him, who is altogether unaccustomed to the usages 
 of society, may not have acted with sufficient delicacy, but 
 it is quite evident you are sold." 
 
 " I'll shoot him through the head to teach him manners," 
 cried Rainald. 
 
 "That won't mend the matter," rejoined the major. 
 " Neither will you improve your position by going to Old 
 Court. The girl has thrown you over. Accept your defeat 
 like a man. Better luck next time." 
 
 "You treat the matter lightly, Major," said Rainald. 
 " But with me it is an affair of life and death. I love Lucetta 
 to distraction, and won't surrender her without a struggle. 
 By some means or other I will see her to-night." 
 
 " Well, if you are determined to be a fool, take your own 
 course," rejoined Trevor. "But don't say I didn't try to 
 hinder you. It would serve you right if I enjoined you not 
 to leave the barracks." 
 
 " You have never loved, Major, or you wouldn't thwart 
 me," said Rainald, preparing to quit the room. " I must 
 now go and get my traps ready. Adieu till to-morrow." 
 
 " Take care you're back early, or, by Jove ! I'll treat you 
 as absent without leave. What asses men are when they 
 fancy themselves in love ! " he muttered, while lighting a 
 cigar. "Thank Heaven! I was never troubled by the 
 tender passion ! " 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE LAST MEETING BETWEEN LUCETTA AND HER FATHER. 
 
 j]T last, on the very day on which Clarence took the 
 letter to Rainald, Lucetta was allowed to see her 
 father. 
 
 Sir Hugh's room, it will be remembered, was 
 large and sombre, furnished with an ancient tester bed, a 
 few carved oak chairs, and a black ebony cabinet. The 
 curtains of the bed and those of the windows were as dark 
 and gloomy as the furniture. A couch had just been intro- 
 duced, and on it was extended the emaciated frame of the 
 unhappy baronet. He was wrapped in a black silk dressing- 
 gown, and wore a black velvet skull-cap, which contrasred 
 forcibly with the almost livid hue of his countenance. His 
 features were so sharp, the muscles in his throat so painfully 
 developed, and his hands so thin, that but for the fire that 
 still burnt in his eyes it might have been thought that life 
 was well-nigh extinct. Yet, despite his ghastly appearance, 
 he was so much better on that day that Doctor Bland had 
 caused him to be removed from the bed which he had never 
 quitted since his attack, and had further suggested that he 
 might now with perfect safety indulge in an interview with 
 his daughter. 
 
 It was a painful meeting. Overpowered by the conflicting 
 emotions caused by the sight of her father, Lucetta flung 
 herself on her knees beside his couch, and buried her head 
 in his bosom. Nor was Sir Hugh less moved. He made 
 an effort to embrace her, but his strength completely failed 
 him, and he sank back with a groan. Alarmed by this 
 sound, Lucetta looked up, and gazing at him with streaming 
 eyes, said, 
 
 " Dear papa, my presence agitates you. I ought to have 
 more command over myself. Shall I retire for a moment?" 
 
 "No, no, my love," replied Sir Hugh, in a feeble voice. 
 
The Last Meeting. 265 
 
 " It was a momentary faintness. I am better now. Bring 
 a chair, and sit down beside me." 
 
 And as she complied he raised himself on his elbow, and 
 gazing earnestly at her, said, 
 
 "You look ill, Lucetta very ill!" 
 
 " I have been anxious about you, dear papa. You know 
 I have not been permitted to see you." 
 
 " You could have done me no good, my dear," he re- 
 joined, "and my debrious rambling would h .ve frightened 
 you. But my head is quite clear now. Tell me all that 
 has happened since my attack. Captain Fanshaw, I know, 
 has returned to Brighton. I suppose you hear from him 
 daily?" Then, perceiving from her manner that the ques- 
 tion troubled her, he added, " I hope nothing has occurred 
 to interfere with your engagement ? Nay, let me know the 
 truth. I am abh to bear it." 
 
 " Papa," she replied; with forced calmness, " it may sur- 
 prise you, but I hope it will not displease you, when I say 
 that I Lave changed my mind I can never marry Rainald 
 Fanshaw. All is over between us. My aunt has written to 
 him and the letter has been sent this very day to say that 
 an unforeseen obstacle has arisen, which will prevent the 
 marriage from taking place. I must try to forget him, papa 
 but it will be a hard task a very hard task." 
 
 " If you feel it to be so, why did you take this decided 
 step, my love?" he said. "I did not object to the match, 
 and was only prevented by circumstances, as you are aware, 
 from warmly promoting it. I know little of Captain Fan- 
 shaw, but I like him. And I really thought you had chosen 
 well." 
 
 " Say no more, papa say no more, I entreat you ! " she 
 cried, in a tone of anguish. " You know not what pain you 
 give me. The step I have been compelled to take will be 
 productive of great misery to myself and, perhaps, of equal 
 misery to Rainald but I have not hesitated. Can you not 
 comprehend that I must have had some powerful motive for 
 acting as I have done ? " 
 
 To this appeal he made no reply, but again sank back- 
 wards with a shudder. 
 
 Lucetta watched him with intense and breathless anxiety, 
 fearing she had gone too far. His eyes were closed, and 
 
2&S Did Court. 
 
 the pallor of his countenance became almost death-like, 
 while damps gathered thickly upon his brow. 
 
 Becoming seriously alarmed, she was about to summon 
 Jodreil, who was in the adjoining room, when Sir Hugh 
 caught her hand and detained her. 
 
 " Don't stir," he murmured. "It will pass." Then 
 raising himself, he added : " Lucetta, I must know all. If 
 any secret matter has come to your knowledge, and has in- 
 fluenced your conduct, do not fear to mention it. Hide 
 nothing from me, my child, and I will hide nothing from 
 you." 
 
 Thus enjoined, but without venturing to raise her eyes to- 
 wards him, Lucetta replied : " A secret has been revealed 
 to me, papa a terrible secret " 
 
 "By whom?" 
 
 " By the person who has intruded himself into this house, 
 and who calls himself La Hogue." 
 
 "And you believed the perfidious villain?" said Sir 
 Hugh, in a tone of reproach. "I did not think you could 
 have done so. If there is any breast which should be proof 
 against this deadly poison, it is yours, Lucetta. Hear me, 
 'and believe what I tell you. There is just enough truth 
 in the villain's story to make the atrocious accusation 
 probable. I am not able to detail to you all the particulars 
 of the sad affair- nor is it needful ; let it suffice to say 
 and I call upon Heaven to attest the truth of what I utter ! 
 that the lamentable catastrophe was accidentalpurely 
 accidental. The pistol which caused my unfortunate 
 brother's death was directed against myself; but I turned 
 it aside in the struggle, and its contents were lodged in my 
 assailant's own breast. Would that the bullet had pierced 
 my heart instead ! " he added with a groan. 
 
 " Oh ! forgive my doubts, dear papa ! n cried Lucetta. 
 " I pity you from the bottom of my soul. I now compre- 
 hend all the mental anguish you have undergone all the 
 remorse you have endured for an unintentional crime." 
 
 " Truly I may say that I have known no peace since that 
 fatal night, Lucetta," rejoined Sir Hugh. "A cloud has hung 
 over me, which, though occasionally relieved by gleams of 
 brightness, has darkened my life. Even now it seems to be 
 gathering more thickly than ever around me." 
 
The Last Meeting. 267 
 
 " Do not despair, dear papa," said Lucetta. " In my 
 opinion the cloud which has so long over-shadowed you is 
 about to disperse. Your trials are well nigh over, and 
 peace, so long a stranger, will return to your breast." 
 
 " Would I could think so ! " exclaimed her father in a 
 desponding voice. " But I cannot shake off the heavy 
 oppression which seems to forebode fresh calamity." 
 
 " Ills disappear when resolutely met," said Lucetta ; 
 " and I must not disguise from you that you are threatened 
 by an immediate danger, which must be courageously 
 faced. The villain who belied you to me is still in the 
 house, and will not depart till he has seen you. Can you 
 not brave his threats ? " 
 
 " Alas ! my dear, you may be sure that the villain is con- 
 fident of his power, or he would not venture upon the 
 desperate game he is playing, " replied Sir Hugh. " All the 
 circumstances of the case bear so strongly against me that 
 his version of the affair would infallibly obtain credit, and 
 unfortunately the only witness who could have disproved the 
 statement is dead. The plan is well contrived. There is 
 no escape for me." 
 
 "But his silence may be purchased," cried Lucetta. 
 " Money is his only object. He can have no real desire to 
 harm you. Make terms with him, and let him go." 
 
 " It may not be possible to make terms with him, but I 
 will try," said Sir Hugh. " At all events, I will endure 
 this persecution no longer. I will see him without delay. 
 Leave me, my child. I must nerve myself for the inter- 
 view." 
 
 He then tenderly embraced her, and she was about to 
 quit the room, when, moved by his looks, she ran back and 
 kissed him. 
 
 Sir Hugh breathed a blessing upon her head. 
 
 Little did she dream, as she went forth, that she had taken 
 leave of him for ever. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 MR. PLESSETS CLAIMS ACQUAINTANCE WITH LA HOGUE. 
 
 JjUCETTA had not been gone long when Jodrell 
 came in, and, while administering a few cordial 
 drops to the sick man, remarked : 
 
 " I think it has done you good to see your 
 daughter, Sir Hugh." 
 
 " Yes, yes, I feel my strength returning, Jodrell," replied 
 Sir Hugh, as he took the drops. "I shall improve rapidly 
 now, and shall soon be able to go down-stairs." 
 
 " I'm truly glad to hear it," rejoined the butler. "There 
 can be no harm, then, in my mentioning that Mr. Plessets 
 is here. You'll recollect him, I daresay, Sir Hugh the 
 landlord of the Bell, at Aylesford. He says you asked him 
 to come over to the Hall, but he has not had a spare day 
 till now.' 1 
 
 "Plessets!" exclaimed Sir Hugh. "The very man I 
 want. Bring him to me at once, Jodrell. With this good 
 fellow's assistance I shall be able to frighten the villain," he 
 mentally ejaculated. 
 
 Shortly aiterwards Plessets was introduced, and at a sign 
 from the baronet he very respectfully took the seat lately 
 occupied by Lucetta. 
 
 Thus brought into juxtaposition, a striking contrast was 
 offered between the landlord's stout person and Sir Hugh's 
 wasted frame. 
 
 u I hope they have taken good care of you below, Mr. 
 Plessets," said Sir Hugh, as Jodrell disappeared. " Since 
 we last met, I have been well-nigh at death's door, but 
 Doctor Bland gives me hopes of a speedy recovery, and 
 I certainly feel better. However, I have other matters to 
 Ulk to you about besides my ailments. First and foremost, 
 I succeeded in my search, and obtained undoubted proofs 
 pf my nephew's birth. I have recognised him." 
 
 "So Mr. Jodrell tells me, Sir Hugh," remarked Plessets. 
 
Mr. Plessets and La Hogue, 269 
 
 "And very glad I am to hear it. I am sure your nephew 
 must feel eternally obliged by your kindness." 
 
 " I have simply done my duty," rejoined Sir Hugh. "I 
 can assure you, my good friend, I feel deeply indebted to 
 you for the invaluable assistance which you rendered me on 
 that occasion, and for which I have as yet made no return. 
 I am now once more about to ask your aid. There were 
 two men supposed to be concerned in the tragical affair at 
 Kit's Coity House, who were in your employment at the 
 time, and were consequently well known to you." 
 
 "Jos Tarrant and Neal Evesham," replied Plessets. 
 " One was my ostler t'other his helper. I thought Jos 
 Tarrant an honest man, and certainly incapable of the crime 
 he committed, but I had no great opinion of Neal Evesham, 
 and I suspect he led the other astray. Jos, as you know, 
 Sir Hugh, quickly paid the penalty of his offence, and was 
 drowned in the Medway." 
 
 " Poor fellow, his was a sad fate ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Well, I can't say I feel any pity for him," remarked 
 Plessets, rather surprised at the concern manifested by the 
 baronet. "He deserved his death, and at least he escaped 
 the halter, which I trust is reserved for his accomplice. But 
 as I've just remarked, I believe Neal to be the greater 
 villain of the two, and I hope he may meet with his deserts. 
 It's strange he should have contrived to elude justice so 
 long." 
 
 " Not so strange as it seems," said Sir Hugh. " Years ago 
 he might have been in danger of detection, but now, were 
 he to reappear, no one would recognise him." 
 
 u Allow me very respectfully to dissent from that opinion, 
 Sir Hugh," rejoined Plessets. " I wouldn't mind laying a 
 tolerably large sum that I could recognise him. Like some 
 great men of whom I have heard, I never forget a face. 
 Besides, there are some points about Neai Evesham which 
 would enable me to detect him, let him be ever so much 
 changed or ever so cleverly disguised." 
 
 "You think so eh?" said the baronet. "I'll put your 
 sagacity to the test. Just step into the next room, and bid 
 Jodrell come to me." 
 
 Plessets immediately complied, and when the butler made 
 his appearance, Sir Hugh said to him ; - 
 
270 Old Court. r . 
 
 " Is Mr. La Hogue still here?" 
 
 " Yes, Sir Hugh," replied Jodrell, " and very anxious he 
 is to see you, but I told him it is quite impossible." 
 
 " Show him in at once, and be careful not to mention that 
 any one is with me." 
 
 After the lapse of a few minutes, the butler announced 
 Mr. La Hogue, who stepped lightly into the room. But he 
 was obviously disconcerted on perceiving Plessets. 
 
 "Set a chair for Mr. La Hogue, Jodrell," said Sir 
 Hugh. 
 
 " No, thank you," cried that personage, still keeping his 
 eye upon the landlord. " I won't stay now. I fancied you 
 had been alone, Sir Hugh. Delighted to find you so much 
 better. Jodrell will let me know when you are disengaged. 
 I only want a few words with you only a few words 
 about that business we spoke of." 
 
 " Don't go," rejoined Sir Hugh. " I shall be at liberty in 
 a moment. I have nothing particular to say to Mr. 
 Plessets." 
 
 " Very well, Sir Hugh, if I'm not in the way, I'll remain,* 1 
 said La Hogue, taking out a fine scented cambric pocket- 
 handkerchief, and applying it to his face. 
 
 " Beg pardon, Sir Hugh," remarked Plessets, as if aside 
 to the baronet. " Did I hear aright? Is that gentleman's 
 name La Hogue ? " 
 
 " Mr. Vandeleur La Hogue," cried the person alluded to, 
 with a haughty look. " That is my name." 
 
 " Excuse my freedom, Sir," replied Plessets. " I think I 
 remember your face. But the name is strange to me." 
 
 "Who and what are you, Sir?" demanded La Hogue. 
 " I cannot tax my memory with having met you before." 
 
 " My name is Samuel Plessets, and I keep the ' Bell ' at 
 Aylesford," replied the other. 
 
 " And a very good house it is," remarked Sir Hugh. 
 
 "No doubt, since you praise it, Sir Hugh," said La 
 Hogue. " But as I have never stayed there, I can't speak 
 fiom peisonal experience." 
 
 " That's very odd," observed Plessets. " I could almost 
 have sworn I had seen you there some twenty years 
 ago." 
 
 " Twenty years ago is a long time," rejoined La Hogue, 
 
Mr. PlesteiS and La Hogue. $71 
 
 with a forced smile. "But I was abroad then, Mr. Plessets, 
 so you couldn't have seen me either at the * Bell ' or else* 
 where in England." 
 
 " Ah ! I see ! It's astonishing what strange resemblances 
 there are ! You'll excuse me for saying you're wonderfully 
 like a groom who lived with me about the time I've 
 mentioned one Neal Evesham." 
 
 Not even at this trying moment did La Hogue lose his 
 self-command or betray the slightest confusion. His 
 deportment rather staggered the landlord, who, though he 
 had made up his mind at first, began to think he might be 
 mistaken. Especially when La Hogue, turning from him 
 with a disdainful look, said to the baronet, 
 
 " Is it by your wish, Sir Hugh, that I am subjected to this 
 fellow's impertinence ? " 
 
 " The mistake is entirely mine, Sir," interposed Plessets, 
 in a deprecating tone. , " I fancied I discerned a resemblance 
 between you and and well, I won't mention his name. 
 Pray excuse me, Sir I'm sorry for what I said very sorry 
 the more so, because the man whom I thought you like 
 was the murderer of Captain Chetwynd." 
 
 " Hold your peace, fellow, or Sir Hugh's presence shall 
 not protect you," cried La Hogue, furiously. 
 
 "Perhaps you had better retire, Plessets," said the 
 baronet. " I am not equal to a scene of this kind." 
 
 " Certainly, Sir Hugh certainly. I'll go at once," 
 returned the landlord, rising, " I should like to have 
 another word with you before I return to Aylesford." 
 And with this he quitted the room. 
 No sooner were they alone, than La Hogue, stepping 
 quickly towards the couch, said, in a menacing voice, 
 
 " This is your contrivance, Sir Hugh. You have sent for 
 Plessets to frighten me. But you won't succeed. If I am 
 molested, you won't be long at liberty." 
 
 " Plessets came here by accident, as you may readily 
 ascertain," observed the baronet. 
 
 ' It may turn out an unlucky accident for both of us, 
 especially for you, Sir Hugh," cried La Hogue, fiercely. 
 " Why did you allow him to see me ? You ought to have 
 known there would be the greatest risk in doing so. 
 Though he can't be certain of my identity, he will mention 
 
27 * Old Court. 
 
 his suspicions to the servants. It won't be safe for me to 
 remain longer in the house." 
 
 " Clearly not," replied Sir Hugh. " I would advise you 
 to decamp without delay." 
 
 "I see your aim," cried La Hogue. "You think to get 
 rid of me by this wretched device. But you are mistaken. 
 I will stay and confound you. I sha'n't quit this chair till 
 we have settled matters,' 7 he added, coolly taking the seat 
 lately occupied by Plessets. " Now let us see who will dare 
 disturb me." 
 
 " There must be an end to this," cried Sir Hugh, raising 
 himself. "My patience is utterly exhausted, I give you 
 five minutes. If you remain longer, I will keep no terms 
 with you." 
 
 " A good deal may be done in five minutes, Sir Hugh. 
 A man may be shot in less than half the time." 
 
 " A truce to this ! " said the baronet, sternly. " Will you 
 take a sum of money, and go ? " 
 
 "That depends on the amount," rejoined La Hogue. 
 "Make it worth my while, and I won't trouble you fur- 
 ther. I am getting sick of the business. I thought you 
 were going to make a die of it, and so ruin my prospects, 
 for I don't suppose you mean to remember me in your 
 will." 
 
 " Take heed you don't exasperate me too far." 
 
 " And take heed you don't drive me to extremities. But 
 let us keep to business. Two minutes out of the five have 
 already been wasted. What do you offer ? " 
 
 " Will you engage to depart at once for France ? " 
 demanded Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Readily," replied the other. " I want to go back to 
 Paris. But I must have the means of enjoying myself 
 when I get there. Again I ask, what do you offer ? Be 
 precise. Another minute has flown." 
 
 " A thousand pounds." 
 
 " A thousand pounds is not enough." 
 
 "It is all I have by me." 
 
 " Very possibly. But I know you have a large balance at 
 your banker's. Write a cheque for two thousand, and I shall 
 be content. Depend upon it, I will fulfil my part ot the 
 engagement. You are dealing with a man of honour, Sir 
 
Mr. Pkssets and La Hogue. 273 
 
 Hugh. Can I find your cheque-book for you, or shall I tell 
 Jodrell to bring it ?" 
 
 " You are an extortionate villain," cried Sir Hugh ; " but 
 since there is no other way but this of getting rid of you, I 
 must comply." 
 
 " Pardon me, Sir Hugh, my demand is extremely moderate. 
 I had made up my mind to a very much larger amount. 
 Suffer me to remind you that the five minutes have nearly 
 expired.' 1 
 
 "Wheel that table towards me," cried Sir Hugh. 
 
 "With the greatest pleasure," replied La Hogue, placing 
 a little table, on which a despatch-box as well as writing 
 materials were laid, near the couch as desired. 
 
 Unlocking the despatch-box with a small gold key attached 
 to his watch-chain, Sir Hugh took out his cheque-book, anc i 
 prepared to write the draft. La Hogue stood near him, 
 watching him with eager eyes. Just at this moment voices 
 were heard in the ante-chamber. 
 
 " Be quick ! " exclaimed La Hogue, impatiently. " We 
 shall be interrupted." 
 
 But before Sir Hugh could sign his name the door opened, 
 and Jodrell entered the room, and said, 
 
 " Mr. Plessets has come back, Sir Hugh, and has brought 
 Drax with him. Shall I admit them ? " 
 
 " Not till I am gone, unless you are prepared to take the 
 consequences," whispered La Hogue to the baronet. " Sign 
 the cheque give me the money, and I'll be off. Luckily, 
 there are two doors." 
 
 But Sir Hugh laid down the pen, and said, in a faint 
 voice, 
 
 "Another time." 
 
 "Another time won't do," muttered La Hogue. "It 
 must be settled now. In the devil's name, write ! " 
 
 But Sir Hugh's looks showed that further effort on his 
 part was impossible. 
 
 " Give me a few drops of the cordial," he said to Jodrell. 
 
 While the butler obeyed the behest, La Hogue, seeing it 
 would be dangerous to remain longer, though loth to depart 
 empty-handed, said to the baronet, 
 
 " I will come back to-night towards midnight. Have all 
 ready for me." 
 
274 Old Court. 
 
 So saying, he went out by the door communicating with 
 the corridor. Jodrell did not dare to stop him. 
 Having taken the restorative, Sir Hugh said, 
 " Now let Plessets come in," 
 
 "I think his business is at an end, Sir Hugh," remarked 
 the butler. But he opened the side-door, and called out, 
 " Please to step in, Mr. Plessets." 
 
 On this the landlord, who had been impatiently awaiting 
 the summons, rushed in, followed by Drax. Great was his 
 disappointment on finding that La Hogue was gone. 
 " Why, you told me he was here, Mr. Jodrell. " 
 " So he was a moment ago/' replied the butler. " But I 
 couldn't detain him." 
 
 " Zounds ! man, you should have called me in. I would 
 have made him answer a few more questions," said Plessets. 
 " He ought to be arrested." 
 
 " You can't arrest him on mere suspicion, Mr. Plessets/' 
 said Drax. "Besides, I'm sure you're wrong. I knew 
 Neal Evesham well enough, and I can't say as I perceives 
 any likeness betwixt him and this gen'l'man." 
 
 " Gentleman ! " cried Plessets, indignantly. " He's no 
 more a gentleman than you are." 
 
 " There I begs to differ wi' you, Mr. Plessets," said Drax. 
 " I think I knows a gen'l'man when I sees him, and I 
 maintain that Mr. La Hogue is a gen'l'man; leastways, if 
 judgin' of a 'oss be a criterion." 
 
 "And couldn't Neal Evesham judge of ahorse, block- 
 head ? wasn't he a groom ? " cried Plessets. 
 
 " That makes me sartin this is not him," cried Drax. 
 " He harn't the manners of a groom. Bless you ! he can 
 parly-voo like a Frenchman." 
 
 "'Stuff! that only proves he has been in France," re- 
 joined Plessets. " Strip off his fine togs, shave off his chin- 
 tuft, and put on his old livery, and you'll find him the 
 identical person." 
 
 " Bother his livery ! there's nothin' of Neal Evesham 
 about him," retorted Drax. 
 
 "A little lower, if you please," interposed Jodrell. 
 " You both seem to forget you are in a sick-chamber." 
 
 " You must finish this discussion down-stairs, where I 
 daresay you'll find the person in question/' said Sir Huh, 
 
Rainald has an Interview with Lucetta. 275 
 
 " Pray stop all night, Plessets. I shall be better able to 
 talk to you to-morrow." 
 
 "You are very good, Sir Hugh. I will accept your 
 hospitality," replied the landlord. " I should like to settle 
 this point before I go." 
 
 With this he bowed, and retired with the coachman. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 RAINALD HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH LUCETTA. 
 
 JlBOUT nine o'clock on the same evening Lucetta 
 and her aunt were in the library. 
 
 They were standing near the fire, talking over 
 the occurrences of the day, when Jodrell entered 
 and came towards them. The butler's confused manner 
 showed that he was charged with some message which he 
 found it difficult to deliver, and he could only stammer out, 
 after considerable hesitation, that a gentleman desired to 
 have a personal interview with Miss Chetwynd a private 
 interview, if possible. 
 
 " You'll easily guess who it is, Miss," added Jodrell, with 
 a significant look. 
 
 "It is Rainald, aunt," said Lucetta, who had turned 
 deathly pale, in a whisper to Lady Danvers. " He has 
 come after all. What shall I do ? I can't see him." 
 
 " It will certainly be very painful, my dear," replied her 
 ladyship, " but I don't think you can refuse him an inter- 
 view. You can see him here in my presence. I suppose 
 it is Captain Fanshaw, Jodrell ? " 
 
 "Yes, my lady," replied the butler. "He has just 
 arrived. I believe he drove over from Tunbridge. But he 
 has left his carriage outside the gates. I didn't exactly 
 know what to do, but he seemed so terribly anxious to see 
 
276 Old Court. 
 
 Miss Chetwynd, that I consented at last to deliver his 
 message. Shall I show him in ? " 
 
 Lady Danvers consulted her niece by a look, and then 
 signified her assent, whereupon the butler disappeared. 
 
 " Oh, aunty dear! how shall I get through this meeting?" 
 exclaimed Lucetta. " You must support me." 
 
 " Don't doubt it, my love,' 1 replied Lady Danvers. 
 " Summon up all your dignity. On no account let him 
 perceive how much you feel. Be cold and distant." 
 
 " But I can't be cold and distant with him, aunty," said 
 Lucetta. 
 
 " My dear child, you must" said her ladyship. " My 
 letter ought to have been sufficient for him, and I am 
 really surprised he has ventured to take this extraordinary 
 step. However, I conclude he has some lingering hope of 
 setting himself right if he can only see you. It is a bold 
 experiment, but such experiments sometimes succeed with 
 girls who have not proper firmness. Convince him by 
 your manner that his case is hopeless, and the interview 
 will be speedily over." 
 
 "Oh, here he is!" exclaimed Lucetta, as the door 
 opened, and Rainald made his appearance. 
 
 Lady Danvers pressed her niece's hand, and gave her a 
 look of encouragement, and indeed the poor girl required 
 it, for she felt ready to sink. She did not raise her eyes 
 towards Rainald until he was close beside her, and when 
 she encountered his impassioned half-reproachful gaze, her 
 heart well-nigh failed her. 
 
 "Jodrell, we are not to be interrupted," said Lady 
 Danvers. 
 
 " I understand, my lady," replied the butler, retiring. 
 
 No sooner was he gone than Rainald, with great earnest- 
 ness of manner, said to Lady Danvers, 
 
 " May I entreat your ladyship to grant me a few minutes 
 in private with your niece ? " 
 
 "Impossible, Captain Fanshaw," she replied. "What- 
 ever you have to say to Miss Chetwynd must be said in my 
 presence, and I beg that her feelings may be spared. You 
 cannot fail to perceive that she is far from well." 
 
 " I see it," exclaimed Rainald, " and it adds poignancy 
 to my affliction to finql how much she suffers. Your lady- 
 
Rainald has an Interview with Lucetta, 277 
 
 ship ought to compassionate me. Your letter has made me 
 the most wretched of men ; but there is one chance left. 
 Do not deprive me of it, or I shall attribute all my future 
 misery to you." 
 
 " You would gain nothing were I to grant a private inter- 
 view/' replied Lady Danvers. " My letter merely conveyed 
 the expression of my niece's sentiments." 
 
 " Is this so, Lucetta ? " cried Rainald. " Was that letter 
 written with your sanction ? " 
 
 " With my full sanction," she rejoined, in a tone of in- 
 describable sadness. 
 
 " There, Sir, you have your answer," said Lady Danvers. 
 
 "At least tell me what I have done to forfeit your regard, 
 Lucetta," implored Rainald. 
 
 " My niece has given you all needful explanation through 
 me, Captain Fanshaw," interposed Lady Danvers. " An 
 unforeseen obstacle has arisen." I 
 
 " I hold that to be a mere excuse," he cried, impatiently. 
 " Let me know the truth, Lucetta. Have I been supplanted 
 by a rival ? " 
 
 " Captain Fanshaw," again interposed Lady Danvers, 
 " you have no right to put such a question to my niece, 
 and if you continue to torture her thus I shall feel it 
 incumbent upon me at once to put an end to the inter- 
 view." 
 
 " Rainald ! " exclaimed Lucetta, greatly moved by his 
 looks, " I cannot bear to see you suffer thus. You have n-3 
 rival. And if it will afford you any consolation, I will not 
 disguise from you that I have not yet succeeded in 
 conquering my love for you." 
 
 " Stop ! you are saying more than is necessary, my dear/' 
 interrupted Lady Danvers. 
 
 "No, aunt; it is but right that he should know hk 
 truth." 
 
 " Oh, you have indeed poured balm upon my wound ! " 
 cried Rainald. " You awaken fresh hopes, since you own 
 you love me still. What is the bar to our union ? Tell 
 me, I entreat you." 
 
 "Seek to learn no more, Rainald," she replied. " I have 
 already told you too much." 
 
 "A great deal too much, my love," interposed Lady 
 
278 Old Court. 
 
 Danvers. " Captain Fanshaw is bound to be satisfied with 
 your explanation." 
 
 "So far from being satisfied, Lady Danvers, I feel that 
 the real reason for my dismissal is withheld," cried 
 Rainald. 
 
 "The reason is obvious," replied her ladyship, coldly. 
 " My niece does not choose to marry you." 
 
 " I cannot marry him, aunt I cannot ! " cried Lucetta. 
 <c Oh, Rainald, be satisfied. Do not press me further." 
 
 " One question more, Lucetta, and I have done,'* cried 
 Rainald. 
 
 " I really must interpose, Captain Fanshaw," said Lady 
 Danvers. "I cannot allow you to interrogate my niece 
 further." 
 
 " Let him speak, aunt," said Lucetta. "I will answer if I 
 can." 
 
 "Is your new-found cousin the obstacle ? direct, or in- 
 direct ? " he said. " Perhaps I have no right to ask the 
 question." 
 
 " Certainly you have no right to ask it," remarked Lady 
 Danvers. " Do not answer, Lucetta." 
 
 " There must be no misunderstanding on the point," said 
 Lucetta, firmly. " I am glad the question has been asked. 
 My cousin Clarence is not the obstacle to our union." 
 
 "If. he were," remarked Lady Danvers, sharply, "I do 
 not see that Captain Fanshaw would have the slightest 
 reason to complain. I object most decidedly to questions 
 of this kind being put, and a person of Captain Fanshaw's 
 experience must be aware that a lady is never asked for her 
 ' reasons/ I have lived to more than double your age, and 
 was never asked for my ' reasons.' If I had been so asked, 
 I should never have condescended to give them. However, 
 we have heard quite enough. Captain Fanshaw has had all 
 the explanation possible a great deal more than he is 
 entitled to, in my opinion and I trust he will see the pro- 
 propriety of terminating an interview which can lead to no 
 satisfactory result." 
 
 So saying, she stepped towards the mantelpiece and rang 
 the bell. 
 
 Taking advantage of her ladyship's movement, Rainald 
 drew nearer to Lucetta, _and seizing her hand, before she 
 
Rainahi has an Interview with Lucetta. 279 
 
 could withdraw it pressed his lips to it, exclaiming, in a low, 
 ardent voice, 
 
 "Lucetta no obstacles shall stay our union. I will 
 never surrender you but with life." 
 
 She made no reply, and he relinquished her hand before 
 Lady Danvers could turn. 
 
 Then bowing deeply to them, and with a long meaning 
 look at Lucetta, he moved towards the door, which was 
 opened for him by Jodrell before he reached it, and went 
 out. 
 
 " You haven't yet done with that young gentleman, my 
 love, or I'm very much mistaken," remarked Lady Danvers. 
 " He is one of those persons who won't take ' no/ " 
 
 " He loves me better than I thought," sighed Lucetta. 
 
 "Men are always thus, my love. Oppose them and they 
 become frantic. But I'm afraid you let him see you were 
 sorry to lose him." 
 
 " Hark ! aunt. I hear voices in the hall," cried Lucetta, 
 alarmed. " I hope he hasn't met Clarence." 
 
 "If he has, it can't be helped," replied Lady Danvers, 
 calmly. 
 
 " I'm sure I hear Clarence's voice ! " exclaimed Lucetta, 
 with increasing uneasiness. " I must go out. My presence 
 may prevent a quarrel." 
 
 " More likely cause a quarrel than prevent one," said her 
 aunt, detaining her. " I insist upon your staying here. It 
 would be the height of indecorum on your part to go out 
 now. In his present frame of mind, a quarrel will be a 
 relief to Captain Fanshaw, and Clarence is quite able to 
 take care of himself. Stay where you are, I say." 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 LA HOGUE MAKES A PROPOSITION TO RAINALD. 
 
 j|HILE the interview just described took place, 
 Clarence and Mainwaring were in the dining- 
 room. Our young friend had only returned from 
 Brighton about an hour before dinner. It would 
 be tedious now to relate what passed between him and 
 Lucetta ; but he simply informed her that he had delivered 
 the letter, omitting all mention of his quarrel with Rainald. 
 He was pressed by Mainwaring to join the little dinner- 
 party, and did not refuse. After the ladies had retired, he 
 said to the old gentleman, who had just helped himself to a 
 glass of Roritz port, 
 
 " There is a little matter, Mr. Mainwaring, which I must 
 mention to you. I should have done so before, but I could 
 not find an opportunity." 
 
 " What is it, my dear boy ? " cried the old gentleman, 
 who was admiring the brilliancy of the wine. 
 
 " You can do me a favour a very great favour. And 
 I'm persuaded you won't refuse me." 
 
 "Granted before asked," rejoined Mainwaring. "By 
 Jove ! what wonderful wine this is ! " 
 
 " I hold you to your word, Sir," said Clarence. " You 
 are aware that I have been to Brighton this morning, and 
 have seen Captain Fanshaw." 
 
 " Certainly I am aware of it," rejoined Mainwaring, hastily 
 emptying his glass, and setting it down. " Well ! " 
 
 " I have quarrelled with him." 
 
 " I knew it ! " exclaimed the old gentleman. " You have 
 quarrelled with him, eh ! Challenged him, I'll be bound. 
 Want me to be your second but I won't." 
 
 " I have your promise, Sir." 
 
 " I won't, I tell you ; and, what's more, I'll take good 
 care you don't fight. I'm glad you've mentioned the matter, 
 
La Hogite Makes a Proposition to Rainald. 281 
 
 though I wish you'd spoken of it before dinner, and not dis- 
 turbed my digestion. But you shan't fight, Sir you shan't 
 fight. Duels were of constant occurrence in my younger 
 days, and, however trifling the dispute might be, the only 
 way of settling it was by a meeting at Wimbledon or Worm- 
 wood Scrubs. I myself have been out*twice. On the first 
 occasion I winged my man ; on the second occasion my 
 man winged me. You won't like the taste of cold lead, I 
 can promise you.' 1 
 
 " Like it or not, I must run the risk of a bullet," said 
 Clarence. " And you will have to appear on the field for 
 the third time, though not as principal." 
 
 " For the third time ! You are out in your calculation. 
 Why, I have been your father's second in an affair of honour, 
 and brought him off with flying colours. But I have had 
 enough of duelling. It's gone by. Differences are not 
 settled with sword or pistol now-a-days," he added, with a 
 certain contempt. 
 
 " Would you allow yourself to be grossly insulted, Mr. 
 Mainwaring ? " asked Clarence. " Would you not require 
 an apology, and if an apology were refused, would you not 
 require satisfaction of a different kind ? " 
 
 " I don't know what I might do, rejoined the old gentle- 
 man, replenishing his glass. " I belong to an age when 
 they did fight, and when it would have been an eternal dis- 
 grace not to wash out an affront in blood. Not that I was 
 a fire-eater myself for I never got into a quarrel if I could 
 help it but if a man insulted me, damme, I would have 
 him out. I would take no apology." 
 
 " And yet you say I must not fight. I have been insulted, 
 I tell you grossly insulted." 
 
 " But you belong to the new set," said Mainwaring. " If 
 a man insults you, calls you a coward, and horsewhips you, 
 apply for a criminal information against him that's the 
 present plan. In my time it was somewhat different. There 
 was then a code of honour by which every gentleman was 
 bound, and he would have lost caste if he had infringed its 
 slightest regulations. That code has disappeared with 
 some other relics of antiquity. You can't fight now. Take 
 the law take the law." 
 
 " Hang the law ! " exclaimed ClarencCt 
 
282 Old Court. 
 
 11 No, Sir, the law will hang you, if you fight and kill your 
 adversary," rejoined Mainwaring, dryly. 
 
 " Enough of this," said Clarence. " I expect you to 
 accompany me to Calais on Friday next. You have been 
 my father's second, you say. You must now do a like 
 service for his son." 
 
 " Well, duelling is against my principles," said the old 
 gentleman, with a singular smile ; " but I won't disappoint 
 you. I'll go. And you'll be in good hands, my boy. 
 Have you ever practised with the pistol ? Are you any- 
 thing of a shot ? Rely upon it, Captain Fanshaw means to 
 shoot you, and as in all probability he is an expert marks- 
 man, he will succeed if you don't shoot him." 
 
 Thus they went on talking until Mainwaring, with some 
 slight assistance from his young friend, had finished the 
 bottle of port. As Jodrell did not bring in coffee, Clarence 
 proposed that they should join the ladies. To this Main- 
 waring assented, and they had just issued forth into the hall, 
 which was lighted by a large lamp, when the library door 
 opened, and Rainald came out. 
 
 Astounded at the sight of his rival, Clarence yielded to 
 the sudden impulse of anger, and, marching up to him, ex- 
 claimed, 
 
 " You here, Sir ! After the message which I delivered to 
 you this morning, I consider this a most unwarrantable 
 intrusion. In my opinion you would have displayed far 
 better taste, and far better feeling, by keeping away." 
 
 " As I do not recognise the position which you assume in 
 this house, Sir, your opinion is perfectly immaterial to me," 
 rejoined Rainald, haughtily. 
 
 " My position in the house entitles me to order you to 
 quit it instantly, and I do so," cried Clarence, fiercely. 
 " Jodrell, show Captain Fanshaw to the door." 
 
 The old butler looked stupified not knowing what to do. 
 But Mainwaring, seeing the necessity of immediate inter- 
 ference, threw himself between the disputants, and repre- 
 senting the dreadful impropriety of a disturbance almost 
 within hearing of the ladies, persuaded Clarence to return 
 to the dining-room. 
 
 " Permit me to thank you for your interference, Mr. Main- 
 waring," said Rainald. " But for you, a scene might have 
 
La Hogue Makes a Proposition to Rainald. 283 
 
 occurred which I should have greatly regretted. It is really 
 a pity that this young fellow is so confoundedly hot- 
 headed." 
 
 "You mustn't abuse him to me, Captain Fanshaw," re- 
 plied the old gentleman, smiling. " I shall have the 
 pleasure of meeting you at Calais on Friday," he added, 
 in a lower tone. 
 
 " Delighted to hear it! Nothing could be more agreeable 
 to me. My friend Major Trevor will make all arrangements 
 with you." 
 
 Here Jodrell advanced with the captain's overcoat, and, 
 while helping him to put it on, received a piece of gold for 
 his attention. 
 
 Captain Fanshaw then bade Mainwaring good-night, and 
 the hall door being opened for him, went forth into the 
 gloom. Jodrell would fain have accompanied him to the 
 carriage which had brought him from Tunbridge, and which 
 he had left outside the gates, but he declined. The night 
 was very dark, and the obscurity was increased by the 
 trees, but as he walked along he perceived a person 
 advancing towards him, and soon made out that it was 
 La Hogue. 
 
 "I have been waiting for you, Captain Fanshaw," said 
 this personage. "I found out from the driver of your 
 carriage that you had come from Tunbridge, and readily 
 guessed what had brought you to Old Court. I hope you 
 have managed to see the young lady ? " 
 
 " I cannot understand, Sir, why you should venture upon 
 this freedom with me," cried Rainald, angrily. 
 
 " Stop a minute," said La Hogue, as the other was about 
 to pass on. "Do you know why your engagement with 
 Miss Chetwynd has been so suddenly interrupted ? " 
 
 "No," exclaimed Rainald, eagerly. "Can you give me 
 any information on that point ? " 
 
 " I can. But the information must be bought." 
 
 "I thought so," rejoined Rainald. "Well, what's the 
 price ? " 
 
 u At what rate do you value your lady-love, Captain ? " 
 inquired La Hogue. 
 
 'Why do you put such a question, Sir?" cried Rainald, 
 with difficulty repressing u 
 
284 Old Court. 
 
 " Because I must be paid in that proportion," said the 
 other. 
 
 " Then you would have thousands." 
 
 "And thousands I must have if I help you to obtain 
 her," said the other. " I am in possession of an important 
 secret connected with this family, and I mean to use it for 
 your advantage, if you will. Now, do you begin to take ? " 
 
 " I must find out what the rascal means," thought Rainald. 
 " He has got some nefarious scheme in which he wishes me 
 to take part. In a word, you want me to buy the secret 
 from you ? " he added, aloud. 
 
 " I want you to understand that I have a hold upon Sir 
 Hugh, which will compel him to give you his daughter. I 
 shall see him to-night. If you choose to remain here until 
 after midnight you shall know the result. If I satisfy you 
 that the obstacle to your union with Miss Chetwynd is re- 
 moved, will you give me your word that you will pay me 
 handsomely for the service, and ask no questions ? " 
 
 "I suspect you are employed by Clarence Chetwynd, and 
 that an infernal plot against me has been hatched between 
 you," cried Rainald. 
 
 " Suspect what you please, Captain," rejoined the other, 
 coolly. " You will find that I can make good my word. 
 Will you meet me here a little after midnight ? " 
 
 " The rascal has some damnable design, which he means 
 to execute to-night," thought Rainald. " I must prevent 
 him but how? Ah, I have it!" he mentally ejaculated, 
 as an idea occurred to him. " I will try to beat him with 
 his own weapons." 
 
 "Well, have you thought better of it, Captain?" cried 
 La Hogue. " Shall we meet again after midnight ? Per- 
 haps you will give me a lift to Tunbridge ? " 
 
 " I will have nothing whatever to do with you," replied 
 Rainald. 
 
 And without another word he hurried to the carriage, got 
 in, and the coachman drove off. 
 
 "Curse him!" exclaimed La Hogue. "It's infernally 
 annoying to lose a flat when you fancy you have landed him. 
 However, he mightn't have paid me, so perhaps it's no great 
 loss after all. I must be content with what I can get from 
 Sir Hugh. But I mustn't stay here, or I may be observed," 
 
A Party in the Butler's Room. ' 285 
 
 he added, moving quickly across the lawn. " I'll go to the 
 summer-house and smoke a cigar, and then find my way into 
 the house." 
 
 Meantime, Rainald proceeded for nearly half a mile along 
 the road through the park. He then stopped the carriage, 
 got out, and, greatly to the surprise of the driver, paid him 
 and dismissed him. He had left his valise at the hotel at 
 Tunbridge, where he intended to sleep, so that he was 
 wholly unencumbered, and scarcely knowing what he should 
 do when he got there, he made his way back to the Hall. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 A PARTY IN THE BUTLER'S ROOM. 
 
 j]N that same night a small but select party were 
 assembled in a cozy room, not very far removed 
 from the servants' hall. The party comprised 
 only two strangers namely, Plessets and Big 
 Tom Rollings, the latter of whom made his appearance in 
 an earlier portion of this story. Big Tom was very much 
 stouter than when we saw him years ago, and was now an 
 immense man, remarkable for breadth of shoulder, bulk, and 
 a prodigious appetite, which latter quality he had just dis- 
 played to its full extent at the supper in the servants' hall, 
 where he had astonished the household by his masticatory 
 powers. Big Tom had risen in the world as well as in- 
 creased in bulk, and was now a substantial farmer. He had 
 driven Plessets over to Old Court in his " shay," in order 
 that he might look at the country, and see whether there 
 was any land likely to suit him ; for Tom had money to 
 invest. Of course, as Plessets stayed all night at the Hall, 
 Big Tom staved too, and nothing loth either, for he found 
 
286 Old Court. 
 
 himself in excellent quarters plenty to eat, and of the best, 
 and plenty of strong ale to drink. 
 
 After an abundant supper in the servants' hall, the two 
 guests were taken to the butler's private room, Mr. Hard- 
 man, Lady Danvers's servant, and Drax being invited to 
 join them, and the whole party soon began to make ac- 
 quaintance with some wonderful old brandy, which Plessets 
 pronounced to be the finest he had ever tasted. Cards 
 were shortly afterwards introduced, and they sat down to a 
 little whist, Jodrell looking on, as he was constantly liable 
 to be called away. We can't pretend to say that any of 
 them played a game that would have pleased the scientific 
 Mr. Clay, but at all events they were exceedingly merry, and 
 whenever Big Tom revoked, and was called to order by his 
 partner, Mr. Hardman, he laughed uproariously. 
 
 In the previous part of the evening, and during supper, 
 there had been a good deal of talk among them about La 
 Hogue. Plessets continued to assert his opinion that that 
 personage was no other than Neal Evesham, but he was 
 opposed by Drax, with whom Big Tom concurred, that there 
 was no likeness whatever between the smart gentleman who 
 had been pointed out to him and the shabby groom who 
 had escaped from his clutches twenty years ago. 
 
 "Noa, noa, Mr. Plessets," he said, "yo be out there. 
 That bean't Neal." 
 
 " Not the least like him," observed Drax. 
 
 " But I tell you it *V, Neal. I'm so certain of it that I 
 shall give information to the police to-morrow." 
 
 " Better hear what Sir Hugh has to say first, Mr. 
 Plessets," remarked Jodrell. 
 
 " Well, I don't wish to do anything disagreeable to Sir 
 Hugh," rejoined the landlord. " But justice is justice, and 
 I own I should like to see the fellow hanged and gibbeted 
 at Kit's Coity House." 
 
 "Meantime, he has left the house, and probably won't 
 return," said Jodrell. 
 
 "Doesn't that prove I'm right?" rejoined the land- 
 lord. "He ought to have been detained. But there's 
 something I can't quite understand in the matter," he 
 mentally ejaculated. 
 
 This kind of talk was continued at intervals, while glasses 
 
A Party in the Butler's Room. 287 
 
 e replenished, or cards dealt. Meanwhile, night waned, 
 ut still the gamesters held on, though they had more than 
 once changed places at the table, and were now in the midst 
 of an exciting rubber, when the door suddenly opened, and 
 to the butler's infinite surprise, Captain Fanshaw stepped in. 
 That he had just arrived was evident, for he had not taken 
 off either his over-coat or hat. The whist-party suspended 
 their play to look at him. 
 
 " Bless my stars, Captain ! " exclaimed Jodrell. " I didn't 
 expect to see you again to-night. Not met with an accident, 
 I hope, Sir ? " 
 
 " I've been obliged to come back," rejoined Rainald. " I 
 must see Sir Hugh without delay." 
 
 " Quite impossible, Captain," replied Jodrell. " Not for a 
 hundred pounds would I venture to disturb him. His last 
 orders to me were not to come near him again to-night, and 
 I don't mean to do so." 
 
 " If you decline to take me to his room, I'll go 
 alone," returned Rainald. " I must and will see him. I 
 have a communication to make to him that cannot be 
 delayed." 
 
 " That entirely alters the case, Captain," rejoined the 
 butler. " I'll go with you at once." 
 
 " Excuse me, Captain," said Plessets, laying down his 
 cards ; u but does your business relate to the fellow who 
 calls himself La Hogue ? " 
 
 " It does," replied Rainald, surprised. 
 
 " I felt quite sure of it," replied Plessets, rising from the 
 table. " Have you any idea who the man is, Captain ? " 
 
 " Not the least. Who is he?" 
 
 " His real name is Neal Evesham," replied Plessets* 
 " Perhaps you have heard it before ? " 
 
 "Never, that I recollect. Pray go on ; you greatly excite 
 my curiosity." 
 
 " I must premise that I am landlord of the ' Bell ' at 
 Aylesford, Captain. Originally this Neal Evesham was 
 groom to Captain Chetwynd Sir Hugh's brotherthen he 
 became my stableman, so that I know him well. You are 
 aware that Captain Chetwynd was murdered at Kit's Coity 
 House. This Neal was one of the parties the principal 
 party, I'll make bold to say concerned in that dreadful 
 
^88 Old Court. 
 
 affair. We caught him red-handed but he contrived tn 
 escape, and from that time to this he has disappeared." 
 
 " You are sure this is the man? " said Rainald, astounded. 
 
 " No mistake about it, Captain. He's greatly altered, as 
 you may suppose improved, I may say but 'tis he, of that 
 I'm certain." 
 
 * Begging your pardon, Mr. Plessets," said Big Tom, 
 drawing his long legs from under the table, and almost 
 touching the ceiling as he got up, " you're putting the 
 gen'l'man on a wrong scent. I wos one of those as took 
 Neal, Capt'n, but I don't think this be him." 
 
 "Neither do I, Capt'n," added Drax. "He was a 
 different sort of chap altogether." 
 
 " Whether this person is Neal Evesham oi 4 riot his conduct 
 warrants the gravest suspicions against him," said Rainald, 
 perplexed by these contradictory remarks. " Is he still in 
 the house ? " he added to Jodrell. 
 
 " No, Captain, he left quite abruptly, after a short inter- 
 view with Sir Hugh." 
 
 " He left because I had detected him," said Plessets. 
 " I wish I had another chance of catching him. I wouldn't 
 throw it away." 
 
 " Don't be uneasy," replied Rainald, smiling. " He'll be 
 here again to-night. He means to get into the house. 
 That's what I've discovered." 
 
 " Break into the house ! " exclaimed Plessets. " Lord 
 bless us ! Has he turned burglar ? But we'll nab him 
 won't we, Tom ? " 
 
 "Ay, that will we/' replied the tall man. "He shan't 
 escape this time." 
 
 " I don't know how he means to get into the house," said 
 Rainald. " But he won't ring at the door, you may depend 
 upon it neither will he use violence. There are plenty of 
 you to keep watch/' 
 
 "And we'll do it," said Plessets. 
 
 "Now take me to Sir Hugh," he added to Jodrell. 
 "After what I have just learnt, it is more than ever necessary 
 that I should see him/' 
 
 He then quitted the room with the butler, who conducted 
 him by the back staircase to the corridor. 
 
 On reaching it, to Rainald's great annoyance he perceived 
 
A Party in the Butler's Room. 2^9 
 
 Clarencd and Mainwaring advancing from the opposite 
 direction. Retreat was impossible, even if he had any such 
 intention, so he went on. But those who beheld him stood 
 still, awaiting his approach, and almost doubting the 
 evidence of their senses. 
 
 " What ! come back again, Captain? " cried Mainwaring. 
 " I thought you were at Tunbridge by this time." 
 
 "I can't stop now," said Rainald, hastily. "Jodrell will 
 explain why I have returned." 
 
 So saying, he hurried towards Sir Hugh's room, accom- 
 panied by the butler. 
 
 Unable in any way to account for Rainald's unexpected 
 reappearance, Clarence and Mainwaring awaited Jodrell's 
 return in the gallery. The butler's explanation that the 
 Captain's business with Sir Hugh related to La Hogue, 
 while it surprised Mainwaring, was far from satisfactory to 
 Clarence, who felt that some unpleasant consequences must 
 result from Rainald's interference. Full of misgivings, and 
 perplexed how to act, the young man lingered behind the 
 others, and was slowly descending the great staircase when 
 he heard his own name pronounced in well-known accents, 
 and perceived Lucetta on the landing of the gallery, attended 
 by Mrs. Mansfield, bearing a light. In another instant, 
 Clarence had rushed up the stairs and stood beside her. 
 
 " Rainald has returned, and is with my father," she cried. 
 " What can have brought him back ? I am filled with vague 
 terrors that he has made some discovery." 
 
 " I wish I could reassure you," replied Clarence. " But 
 it is impossible to foresee what will be the result of Captain 
 Fanshaw's interview with your father. From what I can 
 learn, he has come to warn Sir Hugh against La Hogue, and 
 to propose the villain's arrest, but you well know how 
 dangerous such a step will be to your father." 
 
 " And therefore my father will not allow the arrest/' said 
 Lucetta. 
 
 " He cannot prevent it," rejoined Clarence. "Unluckily, 
 the Captain has alarmed the household. They are now on 
 the watch for the villain, and if he appears he will infallibly 
 be arrested, and then you know what will follow." 
 
 " That must be prevented ! " she cried, energetically. 
 " You must prevent it, Clarence 1 " 
 
ago Old Coiij-t. 
 
 " How can I prevent it? " he rejoined. 
 
 " I know not. The honour of our house is at stake, and 
 must be preserved at any cost. I rely on you in this 
 emergency, Clarence. I shall not retire to rest, and I trust 
 before the night is past that you will be able to allay my 
 apprehensions. Again I say, that the honour of our house 
 must be preserved." 
 
 " It shall," he replied, with an earnestness that convinced 
 her he would make good his word. 
 
 With a grateful look at him, she hurried along the gallery, 
 followed by Mrs. Mansfield. 
 
 Instead of going down-stairs, Clarence proceeded to Sir 
 Hugh's room. He was without a light, but he readily made 
 his way thither. The dressing-room door was partially open, 
 and he went in ; but the inner door was shut. Voices 
 reached his ears voices which he supposed were those of 
 Sir Hugh and Rainald though he could not make out what 
 they said ; and after hesitating for a moment whether he 
 should make his presence known, he determined to wait 
 till the conference was over. With this view he returned to 
 the corridor. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 WHAT PASSED BETWEEN RAINALD AND SIR HUGH. 
 
 |]AVING ushered Captain Fanshaw into Sir Hugh's 
 dressing-room, Jodrell tapped at the door com- 
 municating with the bed-chamber, and was 
 immediately told to come in. On obeying, to 
 his great surprise he found Sir Hugh, who he fancied 
 had been some hours in bed, seated at a table, and writing. 
 Jodrell could scarcely believe his eyes, especially when 
 he perceived by the light of a couple of candles set on the 
 table that his master was dressed. The despatch-box, 
 previously noticed, was standing close to Sir Hugh, open, 
 and some papers had apparently been taken from it. 
 
 Sir Hugh looked up sharply as the butler entered. 
 Evidently, he had expected some one else, as he showed 
 by his manner, and he called out, impatiently. 
 
 " Is it you, Jodrell? I told you not to disturb me." 
 " Captain Fanshaw wishes to see you, Sir Hugh," said 
 the butler. And, without waiting for permission, he called 
 out, " Pray come in, Sir." 
 
 And as Rainald appeared, the butler vanished, closing 
 the door after him. 
 
 As Captain Fanshaw came in, Sir Hugh rose from his 
 seat. 
 
 " You may well be surprised at seeing me, Sir Hugh," 
 said Rainald. "But you must be quite sure it is no light 
 matter that brings me here at such an untimely hour. I 
 will not enter into any particulars as to the cause of my 
 appearance at Old Court. They are immaterial now. My 
 object is to warn you against the designs of the person 
 calling himself La Hogue. He told me he is coming to 
 you to-night by appointment. Do you expect him ? " 
 
 "Yes," replied Sir Hugh. "I expect him every 
 moment." he added, glancing at his watch, which was lying 
 
292 Old Court. 
 
 on the table. " I thought it was he when Jodrell entered 
 just now." 
 
 " I know not what your relations with him may be," said 
 Rainald " I will not even pretend to guess at them but 
 I unhesitatingly declare that you have to do with a villain, 
 who will betray you who has betrayed you even while 
 paid to hold his tongue. I speak from my own experience 
 of him, Sir Hugh. This very evening I met him, or rather 
 he contrived to throw himself in my way, and, wholly un- 
 solicited, as you may suppose, offered to use in my behalf 
 the influence over you which he affirms that he possesses. 
 He more than hinted that you are in his power. And he 
 had the audacity to assert that a word from him would 
 remove the obstacle which apparently exists to my union 
 with your daughter." 
 
 " What ! " exclaimed Sir Hugh, who had listened with 
 mingled pain and indignation to Rainald's address, "has 
 he dared to say this ? He is a double-dyed traitor and 
 villain." 
 
 "Treachery 'is his least offence," pursued Rainald. 
 " He has a deep crime to answer for. You cannot be 
 aware, Sir Hugh, that this villain, who has artfully contrived 
 to worm himself into your confidence, is no other than 
 Neal Evesham. This can be proved by a person who is 
 now under your own roof." 
 
 " I need no proof," replied Sir Hugh, gravely. " I know 
 that he is Neal Evesham. I have known it all along." 
 
 " What am I to think of this admission, Sir Hugh ? " 
 demanded Rainald, sternly. " You know that this man is 
 your brother's murderer, and yet decline to bring him to 
 justice. You connive at his escape. You bribe him to 
 silence. I dare not even give utterance to the terrible 
 suspicions which such conduct is calculated to excite." 
 
 "There is no time now for explanation," replied Sir 
 Hugh. " I have told you that I expect him each moment, 
 if you desire it, you shall be a witness an unseen witness 
 of my interview with him. You shall hear all that passes 
 between us, and can then form your judgment of me." 
 
 " I gladly embrace the offer," cried Rainald. " Your 
 manner convinces me that my suspicions are unjust, and I 
 fling them aside at once." 
 
What Passed between Ralnald and Sir Hugh. 293 
 
 "Wait till you have heard what passes, and then decide," 
 said Sir Hugh. 
 
 " Will you allow the villain to depart in safety ? " 
 
 " That depends on circumstances. This is the last inter- 
 view I will have with him on that I am determined. If 
 he agrees to my terms, he shall go not otherwise." 
 
 " Probably he will be armed," said Rainald. " But you 
 need be under no apprehension, for I shall be close at 
 hand." 
 
 " I have no fear of him," replied Sir Hugh. " Under 
 this there is a loaded pistol," he added, glancing at a 
 handkerchief that was lying on the table. 
 
 " Where shall I hide?" asked Rainald. 
 
 "Behind yon curtains," replied Sir Hugh, pointing 
 towards the bed. " You can so arrange them that you 
 cannot be seen. Take your post without delay. Hist ! " 
 he exclaimed. "I hear a noise in the next room. I will 
 give you a signal if I wish you to come forth. Away ! " 
 
 Rainald needed no second injunction, but stepped 
 quickly towards the bed, and ensconced himself behind the 
 curtains, while Sir Hugh resumed his seat at the table. 
 
 The next moment the door was softly opened, and La 
 Hogue stepped in. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 TWO SHOTS. 
 
 j|N his entrance, La Hogue cast a sharp glance 
 around, but there was nothing to excite his 
 suspicions, Rainald being effectually concealed 
 by the curtains of the bed. 
 
 In no wise affected by the stern look fixed upon him by 
 the baronet, La Hogue said, in his usual careless way, 
 
 " Here I am, Sir Hugh. Punctual to my appointment, 
 as you perceive. By-the-bye, I began to think you meant to 
 play me false, and had placed some men outside to prevent 
 me from getting into the house. I caught sight of some 
 fellows lurking about the garden, but luckily for themselves, 
 and for you. they didn't interfere with me." 
 
 " If any persons are on the watch, they are acting with- 
 out my authority/' said Sir Hugh. 
 
 " I tell you the house is alarmed," pursued La Hogue. 
 "The servants are evidently astir. Old Mainwaring and 
 Jodrell are in the entrance-hall. If mischief happens, look 
 to yourself !" he added, in a menacing voice. " Are you 
 prepared with the money ? " 
 
 "Before proceeding further, we must come to a clear 
 understanding," said Sir Hugh. " I am willing to give you 
 the sum you require, but on certain conditions only." 
 
 " Let me hear them," said La Hogue. " And be brief." 
 
 " I have no faith whatever in your promises," rejoined 
 the baronet, " and I will, therefore, bind you in such a way 
 as effectually to prevent you from troubling me further. 
 You well know for you were present at our meeting that 
 my unfortunate brother's death was accidental, and that the 
 pistol by which he was slain was in his own hand, and 
 went oft in the struggle between us you well know this, I 
 say, and all the circumstances of the case, yet you have 
 not hesitated to charge me with the murder, and have 
 
Two Shots. 
 
 295 
 
 dared to breathe this false and damnable accusation to my 
 nephew and my daughter. You have done this, villain ! " 
 he added, in a voice of thunder. " Confess that you have 
 done so, or I will hold no terms with you." 
 
 " Well, since we are alone together, the admission can 
 do no harm," rejoined La Hogue. " I do confess that I 
 have wrongfully charged you with your brother's murder. 
 His death was accidental, as you say. Will this satisfy 
 you ? " 
 
 " No," replied Sir Hugh. " I have drawn up a declara- 
 tion to that effect, which you must sign before I pay you 
 the money." 
 
 " Let me look at it," rejoined La Hogue. 
 
 Sir Hugh gave him a written paper which was lying on 
 the table. Having perused it carefully, he remarked, 
 
 "I have nothing to object against the declaration. It 
 simply states the truth. But you have drawn it up in my 
 old name, Neal Evesham. Won't Vandeleur La Hogue do 
 as well?" 
 
 " You must sign it by your own name," rejoined Sir 
 Hugh. " But there is another matter which must not be 
 forgotten. You have a small note-book of mine in your 
 possession. Restore it." 
 
 " Here it is," replied La Hogue, taking the little volume 
 from his breast-pocket, and tossing it towards him. " I 
 have no further occasion for it. Is this all you require ? " 
 
 "All except your signature to that declaration," re- 
 joined Sir Hugh. 
 
 "And then I shall touch the money? three thousand, 
 mind ! " 
 
 " Sign without more ado ! " cried Sir Hugh, impatiently. 
 
 " Give me a pen," rejoined La Hogue. " It annoys me 
 to use my old name again, but since this is not a public 
 document, it don't signify. Here goes ! " And he signed 
 the declaration. " Will that do ? " he added, handing the 
 paper to the baronet. 
 
 "We only want a witness," cried Sir Hugh, stamping 
 slightly on the floor as he pronounced the words. 
 
 "A witness ! '' exclaimed La Hogue, uneasily. 
 
 And he started back, as Rainald flung aside the curtain, 
 and sprang towards them, 
 
296 Old Court. 
 
 " Betrayed!" exclaimed La Hogue. "But you shan't 
 profit by your treachery." 
 
 Quick as lightning he drew forth a revolver, and levelling 
 it at Sir Hugh, who had not time to seize his own pistol, 
 fired with deadly effect. 
 
 The unfortunate baronet fell with his face on the table. 
 All his sorrows were over. 
 
 Rainald was transfixed with horror, and taking advantage 
 of his consternation, the assassin grasped a handful of bank- 
 notes which his greedy eye had detected in the despatch- 
 box, together with a little document which chanced to be 
 lying among them, and hastily securing both notes and 
 document, contrived to open the door and gain the 
 corridor. 
 
 But here he encountered Clarence, who, alarmed by the 
 report of the revolver, tried to seize him, but the active 
 villain broke from his grasp, threatening to shoot him if he 
 attempted to prevent his flight. 
 
 Undeterred by these threats, Clarence followed, and they 
 had both nearly gained the further end of the corridor, when 
 Rainald, who had possessed himself of the murdered man's 
 pistol, came forth with a light, and fired at the assassin. 
 
 Unluckily, at the precise moment when he fired, 
 Clarence bounded forward, and received the shot intended 
 for La Hogue. 
 
 When Rainald came up, scarcely knowing what had 
 occurred, he was horrified at finding Clarence stretched on 
 the floor weltering in his blood, and apparently mortally 
 wounded. 
 
 La Hogue was gone. 
 
 of 
 
BOOK V. 
 
 IDA FANSHAW. 
 
 CHAPTER T. 
 
 AFTER THE MURDER. 
 
 JO rest on that fatal night for any inmate of Old 
 Court. Terror prevailed throughout the mansion. 
 Men hurried to and fro, searching the various 
 rooms for the assassin, whom they were firmly 
 persuaded was concealed somewhere in the house. Scared 
 women gathered together in the servants' hall or the house- 
 keeper's room, and talked over the dreadful events during 
 the long, long night. 
 
 In the chamber of death all was silent as the grave. 
 Tapers placed on the high-carved mantelpiece revealed a 
 fearful picture. Still in his chair, still with his face on 
 the table, still with his right arm outstretched, sat the 
 murdered man. Nothing had been disturbed. There 
 were the writing materials he had used, the open des- 
 patch-box, the handkerchief beneath which the pistol 
 had been hidden. All blood-stained. Even his watch 
 was lying beside him, and its slight ticking was the only 
 sound that broke the death-like silence. No one was 
 with the dead, but in the adjoining room, and with the com- 
 munication door left open, Jodrell kept watch. Ever and 
 anon he looked in. As he gazed upon the dread object, 
 scared yet fascinated, superstitious fears assailed him, and 
 he almost fancied that the rigid figure raised its head and 
 glared upon him. 
 
298 Old Court. 
 
 The autopsy demonstrated that the unfortunate baronet 
 had been shot through the heart. Consequently his death 
 must have been instantaneous. 
 
 Poor Lucetta ! Frightful was the effect of the catastrophe 
 upon her. The gallery rang with her heart-piercing cries, and 
 it was only by main force that Mrs. Mansfield and another 
 female servant could prevent her from rushing to her 
 father's room. At last she sank from excess of emotion, 
 and was carried in a state of insensibility to her own 
 chamber. 
 
 A messenger, mounted on the fleetest horse in the stables, 
 had been despatched to Sevenoaks. The man galloped all 
 the way. Doctor Bland and his assistant used equal ex- 
 pedition, and soon appeared at Old Court. 
 
 Meanwhile, Clarence's wound had been bound up as well 
 as circumstances permitted, and he had been carefully 
 transported to his own room, and laid upon the bed. On 
 examining him, the medical men pronounced that the hurt, 
 though severe, was not dangerous. The ball had traversed 
 the breast, but had not touched a vital part. The announce- 
 ment was an immense relief to Rainald, who was present 
 during the examination. The bullet having been extracted, 
 and the wound carefully dressed, the medical men left the 
 sufferer to repose, and Rainald quitted the room with them. 
 
 They found Mrs. Mansfield in the corridor. 
 
 " How is she ? how is your young lady ? " asked Doctor 
 Bland. 
 
 " Dreadfully excited," replied Mrs. Mansfield. " She 
 insists on seeing her poor father. I have vainly tried to dis- 
 suade her. Perhaps you may succeed better, Sir." 
 
 " It must not be. I will go to her at once," said the 
 doctor. 
 
 " Merciful Heaven ! she is coming here," cried Rainald, 
 as Lucetta, pale as death, and her beautiful tresses in dis- 
 order, was seen at the further end of the corridor. She 
 carried a light in her hand, and moved forward as if walking 
 in a dream. 
 
 u My dear," said the doctor, hastening towards her, " let 
 me prevail upon you to return to your room." 
 
 " I must see my father," she replied. " If I do not see 
 him now ; I shall never behold him again on earth." 
 
After the Murder. 299 
 
 " I cannot permit it," said Doctor Bland, taking her hand, 
 which chilled him as he touched it. " You are not in a 
 state to bear the shock. Be persuaded by me, and return." 
 
 "Nay, let me go," she entreated, in accents that wrung 
 the hearts of the listeners. " All I desire is to kneel beside 
 him to pray for his soul." 
 
 " Pray for him in your own room, my dear, it will be 
 best," rejoined the doctor. " It is not a sight for you to see. 
 You could not pray beside him." 
 
 " Perhaps not," she replied, after a pause. " I will 
 follow your counsel." 
 
 And she turned as if about to proceed to her own 
 chamber, but had not taken many steps, when she suddenly 
 flew back to the doctor, and asked with startling eagerness, 
 
 " What of Clarence ? Is he, too, killed ? " 
 
 "No, he is wounded, but the hurt is nothing not 
 dangerous, I mean," replied the doctor. " I will answer for 
 his recovery." 
 
 " Heaven be praised there is not a second victim ! " she 
 cried. " Had he perished, I should ever have reproached 
 myself with being the cause of his death." 
 
 " I will not attempt to console you, Lucetta," said 
 Rainald, advancing towards her. " I feel how sharp must 
 be your affliction. Yet I must speak, lest you should deem 
 me indifferent to your distress. Would I could share your 
 grief, and, by sharing it, afford you some relief! Oh, how 
 it pains me to see you suffer thus ! " 
 
 " I am sure you feel for me, Rainald I know you do," 
 she rejoined. " But even you cannot comprehend the depth 
 of my affliction you cannot comprehend how dearly I loved 
 my father. Oh ! to lose him thus ! " 
 
 And she gave vent to an outbreak of anguish. 
 
 "Take comfort, my dear child take comfort," said 
 Doctor Bland. " Save for the dreadful manner of it, your 
 father's death is not so much to be deplored. Rather may 
 it be regarded as a release from suffering. His days have 
 been shortened by violence, but they were nearly run out. 
 Nor though thus suddenly thus terribly summoned, was he 
 unprepared. Let that thought console you. At this 
 moment I can enter into no details, nor could you bear to 
 listen to them, while your heart is so sore ; but I have that 
 
306 Old Court. 
 
 to tell you respecting him which I am sure will give you 
 comfort." 
 
 " Your words do give me comfort great comfort," she 
 rejoined. 
 
 " In one respect, my dear," pursued Doctor Bland, 
 solemnly, "you may rejoice that your father is at rest. No 
 one but myself can tell the anguish he has for years 
 endured. No one but myself knew how his breast was 
 racked by unavailing remorse remorse for imaginary guilt. 
 That he did not sink under the woes which have latterly 
 beset him is a marvel even to me. But as I have intimated, 
 his energies were well-nigh exhausted, and the almost 
 superhuman efforts which he made just before the fatal blow 
 was struck, must inevitably have prostrated him. There 
 was something heroic in the resolution with which he went 
 through his self-imposed task. I told him the effort might 
 cost him his life, but he heeded me not. What was life to 
 him, that he should care to preserve it? In my view, 
 therefore, he has been removed from a world of trouble 
 from a world of which he had long been weary to a 
 place of rest. Thus regarded, the stroke that set him free, 
 though sharp, was merciful." 
 
 " I cannot look upon it in that light," said Lucetta, 
 shuddering. " I had far rather that he had breathed his last 
 peacefully, but as Heaven decreed it otherwise, I must not 
 repine. I have long felt that my poor father was weary of 
 life, and his sudden removal may be a cessation of sorrow. 
 But to me it is terrible." 
 
 " Time, the healer of all griefs, will heal yours, rny dear," 
 said Doctor Bland. " Let me conduct you to your room. 
 There is much to be done to-night much that you had 
 better not witness." 
 
 "I understand," she replied, sadly. "Farewell, Rain- 
 aid ! " she added to him. " Perhaps we may meet again in 
 happier times. Stay no longer than is necessary in this 
 abode of grief. Once more, farewell ! M 
 
 And, without waiting any reply, she moved away, attended 
 by Doctor Bland and Mrs. Mansfield, leaving Rainald 
 standing in the corridor like a statue of despair. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 SHOWING HOW SIR HUGH'S WILL WAS LOST. 
 
 J1OON after this the officers arrived, and at once 
 commenced a most careful search for the assassin. 
 But though the search was prosecuted throughout 
 the night, and continued v/ith fresh activity when 
 day broke, no discovery was made. The officers were 
 satisfied that La Hogue could not be hidden in the 
 house, but failed to ascertain how he had effected his 
 retreat. No window was left open in the part of the 
 mansion where he had disappeared. It is true that few of 
 the windows of the old house were securely fastened, while 
 there were many other outlets of which the villain's 
 knowledge of the premises would enable him to avail 
 himself, but no traces of his entrance or departure were to 
 be met with. No tell-tale prints of footsteps were on the 
 flower-borders no indications of any kind to point out the 
 manner of his flight, or the direction in which he had fled. 
 The police were completely puzzled. 
 
 All subsequent search proved unavailing. A very large 
 reward was offered for the apprehension of the murderer, 
 but though some of the ablest of the detective police were 
 employed, they were all completely at fault. Several 
 foreigners who seemed to bear a resemblance to La Hogue, 
 and who could not give a satisfactory account of themselves, 
 were^ detained at Folkestone and Dover, and put to 
 considerable inconvenience, but of course were eventually 
 liberated. As it was thought probable that the murderer, 
 notwithstanding the precautions taken to prevent his 
 embarkation, had contrived to pass over to the Continent, 
 certain of the detective officers proceeded to Paris, Brussels, 
 and other cities, but could hear nothing of the individual 
 they sought. Some of the bank-notes, however, which the 
 audacious villain had contrived to carry off, were paid away 
 
302 Old Court. 
 
 at Amsterdam and the Hague, and these were traced to two 
 money-changers, both of whom declared upon oath that they 
 had received them from a well-dressed Englishwoman, whom 
 they took to be a lady of rank. The conclusion arrived at 
 was that the notes, which had been stopped in England, had 
 been sent over to Holland. 
 
 All the dismal business necessarily connected with the 
 tragic event was over the inquest had been held. Sir 
 Hugh was interred in the family vault, with all the 
 solemnities befitting his position. As long as he remained 
 above-ground an inexpressible horror pervaded the house- 
 hold, and it was a relief to all when he was consigned to the 
 tomb. 
 
 Sleep for years had shunned him, but he now slept 
 soundly enough not to awake till the crack of Doom. 
 Nevermore was that tall dark figure to be seen either in the 
 gloomy halls of Old Court, in its gardens, or in its park. 
 Nevermore was that stern glance to be encountered. The 
 moody recluse, whose unsociable habits and morose manner 
 had made him generally disliked, was gone. His death, 
 sudden, violent, terrible > seemed a fitting termination to his 
 mysterious career. Few lamented him, for few had loved 
 him. Scarcely did he find refuge in the tomb, for the 
 relentless fate which had pursued his existence tracked him 
 to that dark retreat. Despite proofs to the contrary, the 
 world believed him guilty of his brother's death, and 
 thought that the punishment that had fallen upon him was 
 merited. The pistol of the assassin had saved him from an 
 ignominious end. Neal Evesham's declaration was dis- 
 credited. What was the worth of such a confession? Its 
 truth could never be substantiated. Retribution, long 
 delayed, had at last overtaken the fratricide. Such was the 
 verdict of the world. Unhappy in death as in life, 
 unpitied save by a few, Sir Hugh was laid in the family 
 vault of the Chetwynds by the side of his unfortunate 
 brother. 
 
 Before the funeral, Lucetta had quitted Old Court with 
 her aunt. Doctor Bland counselled her immediate de- 
 parture, so she left, as soon as it was possible to do so, 
 with Lady Danvers. 
 
 Sir Clarence Chetwynd for we must now give him the 
 
Showing how Sir Hugtis Will was Lost. 303 
 
 title to which he had so unexpectedly succeeded was still 
 confined to his room, and even to his bed ; but he was in a 
 fair way of recovery. His wound, which was attended with 
 more unfavourable symptoms than had been at first 
 anticipated, produced fever, which lasted upwards of a 
 week. When the crisis was past, and he began to improve, 
 he was made acquainted by degrees with all that had 
 occurred. 
 
 One day, when he was able to sit up, Mrs. Mansfield, 
 who had tended him during his illness, brought him a letter, 
 bearing a very broad black border. 
 
 " My young lady left this with me on her departure for 
 Brighton, Sir Clarence," said the housekeeper, "but 
 charged me not to give it to you till you should be quite 
 well enough to read it. I think the proper time has now 
 arrived." 
 
 With this she discreetly retired, while Sir Clarence opened 
 the letter, and read as follows : 
 
 " You will easily understand, cousin, why I am obliged to 
 leave this house. I cannot stay here longer. Everything 
 reminds me of him, and awakens recollections too painful for 
 endurance. Doctor Bland tells me I must go, or he will not 
 answer for the consequences, and my aunt insists on taking 
 me away. I wish I could have seen you before my 
 departure, as I have much to say ; but that being impossible, 
 I must write, though at this moment I am scarcely equal to 
 the effort What I have to say chiefly concerns yourself, but 
 before entering into particulars, I must give you to under- 
 stand that my own decision is made. On the very day on 
 which my unfortunate father met his death, it appears that 
 he made a fresh will. It was written out by himself, on a 
 single sheet of paper, and signed by him in the presence of 
 Doctor Bland, Mr. Mainwaring, and Jodrell. Previously to 
 signing the will, which, though brief, was exceedingly clear, 
 he read it over to the witnesses, so that they became 
 acquainted with its contents. By it, he left Old Court, and 
 the property attached to it, to you, cousin." 
 
 " To me ! " ejaculated Sir Clarence, pausing in as- 
 tonishment. 
 
 " My dear father thought the estates should go with the 
 
34 
 
 Old Court. 
 
 title, and I think so too. But he has charged thu 
 property with the payment of a large income to me as 
 much as ; 5,000 a year and with a marriage portion of 
 ^20,000. But even with these deductions you will be well 
 off, as I learn. Let me add that my father could not have 
 made a will more in accordance with my own feelings. 
 The executors whom he has appointed are Doctor Bland 
 and Mr. Mainwaring, and two better men could not have 
 been chosen." 
 
 " Generous girl ! " exclaimed Sir Clarence, again pausing, 
 " But there is more." And he resumed the letter. 
 
 " But I have now a strange and most vexatious circum- 
 stance to relate. The will such as I have described it, and 
 such as the three witnesses describe it has been stolen 
 stolen by the assassin. It was folded up, and deposited for 
 security in a despatch-box which my poor father had in his 
 room. Mr. Mainwaring and the others saw it so deposited, 
 and will vouch to the fact. On the commission of the 
 dreadful deed, Rainald was for the moment transfixed with 
 horror, but he saw the assassin plunge his hand into the 
 open despatch-box and take out a bundle of bank-notes. 
 At the same time, it is supposed he must have carried off 
 the will." 
 
 " Strange and vexatious indeed ! " exclaimed Clarence, 
 thoughtfully. " It would seem that my unfortunate uncle's 
 designs are ever to be frustrated." 
 
 But he had not quite concluded the letter. 
 
 " Perhaps the will may be recovered, but it matters not, 
 since its substance is known, and, besides, there is a draft 
 of the document prepared by my father, though wanting his 
 signature. I can write no more. Mr. Mainwaring has 
 promised to talk over the matter to you, and fully explain 
 my views. But remember! my father's ^ intentions are 
 sacred. 
 
 "YOUR AFFECTIONATE LUCETTA." 
 
 Sir Clarence read the letter again, and was still pondering 
 over it, when Mrs. Mansfield came back, and informed him 
 that Mr. Mainwaring had just arrived from Brighton. 
 
 " Where is he ? " inquired Sir Clarence. 
 
 *' In the dining-room, taking a little luncheon after his 
 
Showing how Sir HugKs Witt was Lost. 305 
 
 journey. As soon as he has done, he will come up to 
 you." 
 
 " No, I will go to him. I feel so much stronger to-day, 
 that I am sure I can manage to get down-stairs. At all 
 events, I will make the attempt," he added, rising from his 
 chair. I 
 
 Mrs. Mansfield offered him her arm, and they quitted the j 
 room together. As they passed slowly along the corridor, 
 halting for a moment near Sir Hugh's chamber, the door of 
 which was shut, the young baronet paused. All the 
 occurrences of the dreadful night, so far as he himself had 
 been concerned in them, rushed vividly upon him. He 
 remembered that he had been stationed on the very spot 
 where he was now standing with Mrs. Mansfield. Again 
 the loud report of the revolver startled him. Again the 
 assassin came forth, broke from him, and dashed along the 
 corridor. Again he started in pursuit, resolved at all 
 hazards to capture the miscreant, when he was suddenly 
 stricken down as if by a sharp blow, and his senses deserted 
 him. All the rest seamed a hideous and confused dream. 
 
 " Ever since the funeral, that room has been shut up, and 
 the door locked, Sir Clarence," remarked Mrs. Mansfield. 
 " Nobody is allowed to enter it but myself and Jodrell 
 though, for the matter of that, the servants are too frightened 
 to come near it. I have the key with me, if you choose to 
 go in." 
 
 He declined with a shudder. "To tell you the truth, 
 Mansfield," he said, " I don't like this part of the house, 
 and now that I have left my chamber, I will not return to 
 it." 
 
 " A room shall be immediately prepared for you in the 
 other wing, Sir Clarence," she rejoined. " I was about to 
 propose the change. I don't wonder at your disliking this 
 corridor after what has happened in it. I can assure you I 
 never pass that door without a fit of the horrors." 
 
 Presently they reached the picture-gallery, and as they 
 slowly tracked it, it was not without a sentiment of pride 
 that the young baronet regarded the long line of his 
 ancestors. 
 
 " I hope your portrait will soon be added to the collec- 
 tion, Sir Clarence," said Mrs. Mansfield, guessing what was 
 
306 Old Court. 
 
 passing in his breast. " Unfortunately, there is no portrait 
 of Sir Hugh. But that might do for him," she added, 
 pointing to a sombre figure of the time of Mary Tudor. 
 
 " There is nothing but inflexibility and severity written in 
 that dark countenance," said Sir Clarence " none of the 
 kindness discernible in my unfortunate uncle's features." 
 
 " I am glad to hear you speak of him in such terms, Sir 
 Clarence," she rejoined. " Indeed, you only do him justice. 
 Cold and stern as Sir Hugh appeared, he had a truly kind 
 heart, and when he did smile, it was the sweetest smile I 
 ever beheld. Pity he could not have been taken at such a 
 moment." 
 
 " I would rather he had been taken as he usually looked, 
 Mansfield. The gallery is incomplete without him. But 
 his place can never be filled up now. Though, were I an 
 artist, I am sure I could paint him, for his remarkable 
 features and peculiar look are fixed in my memory." 
 
 u So they are in mine, Sir Clarence. Ah, if you had seen 
 him as I saw him last, you would ever have a striking 
 picture before you ! I saw him before he was placed in the 
 coffin, and you would never have judged from his counte- 
 nance that his death had been violent. He seemed in a 
 calm sleep, and his features wore a happy smile. It did me 
 good to look at him, for I felt he was at rest." 
 
 Though the good housekeeper averred that this recol- 
 lection was consolatory to her, her tears flowed fast. 
 
 Jodrell happened to be in the hall as they descended the 
 grand staircase. Hastily summoning the whole of the 
 household, he drew them up in two lines to welcome their 
 young master. They were all arrayed in deep mourning, 
 and bowed and curtseyed as Sir Clarence, still supported by 
 Mrs. Mansfield, passed slowly on to the library, where he 
 found Mainwaring, who, it appeared, had just finished a 
 tolerably substantial luncheon. 
 
 " Bless my life, Sir Clarence ! is it you ? " cried the old 
 gentleman, starting up from the table. " This is an un- 
 expected pleasure. Delighted to find you are able to leave 
 your room. I was just going up-stairs to you. Why, 
 Mansfield, you didn't acquaint me with this wonderful 
 improvement in your master. Haven't you set him on hi? 
 legs rather too soon ? " 
 
Showing how Sir Hugtis Will was Lost. 307 
 
 " I hope Sir Clarence may not suffer for the imprudence, 
 Sir," rejoined the housekeeper. " He would come down to 
 see you." 
 
 " Well, I'm rejoiced to see him about again. I'm sure, 
 Sir Clarence, it will afford you great satisfaction to learn 
 that your cousin is much better. I saw her at breakfast this 
 morning at Brighton, and the roses are beginning to return 
 to her cheeks. Her spirits, also, have greatly improved; 
 and though she is not so lively as she used to be nor 
 could it be expected she is cheerful." 
 
 " Poor dear young lady," cried Mrs. Mansfield. " At one 
 time I never thought she would get over the shock." 
 
 " There is no cause for uneasiness now," said Main- 
 waring. " Change of scene has done wonders, but a great 
 deal is due to her aunt's judicious management. I see you 
 don't agree with me, Mansfield," he added, noticing that the 
 old housekeeper gave a shrug of dissent. "You don't think 
 her ladyship clever, or judicious eh? " 
 
 " I have not presumed to say so, Sir," she rejoined. 
 
 " But you seem to think so. Well, one thing is quite 
 clear, Lady Danvers has succeeded in bringing her niece 
 round, and far more quickly than could have been expected. 
 And how has she done this ? By interesting her in various 
 occupations by employing her mind by preventing her 
 from brooding over her griefs. I call that judicious treat- 
 ment. How say you, Sir Clarence ? " 
 
 " I agree with you," he replied. " But though glad, I am 
 rather surprised to learn that Lucetta has so soon shaken off 
 her grief." 
 
 " I don't say she has shaken it off entirely," replied Main- 
 waring, " but she doesn't give way to it. We can't be 
 always grieving, Mansfield." 
 
 " Ah ! we're soon forgotten when we're gone," sighed the 
 old housekeeper. 
 
 " It's very well you're not with your young lady, or you 
 would make her as melancholy as yourself. We've had 
 gloom enough in this house in all conscience. Henceforward 
 let us try a little cheerfulness. Nobody regrets your late 
 master more than I do. Nobody valued him more while 
 living. Nobody is less likely to forget him. But I sha'n't 
 be for ever moaning and groaning because he's ,jone. I've 
 
3o& Old Cotirt. 
 
 something else to do. My own turn will come quite soon 
 enough, and I sha'n't much care if I am speedily forgotten. 
 Meantime, I mean to make myself as happy and comfort- 
 able as I can. That's my rule of life. And now, my good 
 creature, go and attend to your own affairs. I've some 
 business to settle with Sir Clarence." 
 
 Thereupon the housekeeper left the room. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 MORE ABOUT THE WILL.j 
 
 JjEFORE we proceed to business, Sir Clarence," 
 said Main waring, as soon as they were alone, 
 " let me offer you my sincere congratulations 
 on the wonderful good fortune that has be- 
 fallen you. Only a few months ago you were absolutely 
 unknown, almost penniless, about to quit your own country 
 in search of fortune, and now you are distinguished by a 
 title, and possessed of large estates. The manner in 
 which you have acquired the title and property is equally 
 surprising. The miscreant who deprived your poor uncle 
 of life has actually cleared the way for you to wealth and 
 distinction. For all that, I hope to see him hanged. I 
 presume you have received a letter from Lucetta, informing 
 you that her father's will, made on the very day of his 
 untimely death, has been carried off by the assassin La 
 Hogue. The will may or may not be recovered, but the 
 draft of the document exists, written out by Sir Hugh him- 
 self." 
 
 " But the draft is unsigned and unwitnessed, as I under- 
 stand, and consequently valueless," remarked Sir Clarence. 
 " Very true," replied Mainwaring. "But I have some- 
 thing further to tell you. On the very day on which lie 
 was so unhappily taken from us, my lamented friend, your 
 
More About the Wilt. 3 
 
 Uncle, sent for me to his room. To my surprise, I found 
 he had left his bed, and was seated at a table. It would 
 almost seem he had a foreboding that his end was at hand, 
 and that his worldly affairs must be settled without delay. 
 He told me he had just made his will, and wanted me to 
 witness it. I replied that I was quite ready to do so, but I 
 thought he had made his will long ago. * So I did,' he 
 answered. ' Here is my former will/ showing me a 
 document which was lying upon the table ; * and now you 
 shall see it destroyed/ On this, he threw it into the fire, 
 and when it was quite consumed, again addressed me. 
 'You will understand from what I have just done that I 
 have altered my mind. Something tells me I shall not last 
 long, and therefore the task I have appointed to myself 
 must not be put off. I should not die in peace if I left it 
 unfulfilled.' He then -entered into certain painful details, 
 which I need not repeat, since you are fully acquainted 
 with them. But he added in conclusion and I must call 
 your particular attention to his words, which made a great 
 impression on me ' If I did not fulfil my solemn promise 
 to Amice I could not die in peace. Clarence has rejected 
 the gift I made him of my possessions, because he believed 
 the false charge brought against me by the villain La 
 Hogue. But when I am gone, he will know the truth. 
 He will know that his father's death was accidental. He 
 will know that I have striven to make every atonement for 
 an involuntary offence. And he will find that I have per- 
 formed my promise to his ill-fated mother. I have just 
 written out my will, by which I have bequeathed all my 
 property to him this old family mansion with the domains 
 attached to it all my estates, in short but I have charged 
 them with the payment of a considerable income to my 
 daughter, and with a marriage portion/ He then read me 
 the will, which was short and precise. I recollect every 
 word of it, and it was an exact transcript of the draft which 
 we possess. I suggested to him that he had better delay 
 the execution of the instrument, and consult his lawyer, but 
 he declined. ' I cannot rest till the matter is completed/ 
 he said. * I may be summoned suddenly to my account, 
 and must be prepared. 7 Shortly afterwards, Doctor Bland 
 made his appearance, and the will being read to him, and 
 
310 Old Court. 
 
 explanations respecting it given by Sir Hugh, Jodrell was 
 summoned, and the instrument duly signed and witnessed. 
 Subsequently, but while we were all three still present, the 
 will was placed by Sir Hugh himself in the despatch-box, 
 whence it was abstracted by the assassin. Luckily, we can 
 do without it." 
 
 " I do not see how," remarked Sir Clarence, gravely. 
 
 " I hope you won't allow any fantastic I was about to 
 say nonsensical scruples to interfere with the course you 
 ought to pursue. Lucetta is determined that her father's 
 intentions shall be carried out, so it will be idle worse 
 than idle in you to oppose her. We know perfectly 
 well that there was a will. We know it has been stolen. 
 Why, the devil should you allow a miscreant, an assassin, 
 like La Hogue to defeat your uncle's designs? Have I 
 not just told you how solemnly Sir Hugh spoke to me on 
 the subject, and how he declared that he could not die in 
 peace if he had not fulfilled his vow ? I believe he won't 
 rest in his grave if his last wishes are neglected." 
 
 " If Lucetta is determined that the draft shall be acted 
 upon, I shall offer no opposition,' 1 said Sir Clarence, " but 
 I do not consider myself legally entitled to the property, 
 and shall only hold the estates in trust for her, and shall be 
 ready to surrender them whenever called upon." 
 
 " All that shall be carefully explained to her," rejoined 
 the old gentleman. " It certainly is a very hard thing to 
 have a fine estate and a large mansion forced upon one, 
 and you are greatly to be commiserated. However, I am 
 glad you will yield to circumstances, and I must again 
 congratulate you upon what / look upon as a piece of re- 
 markable good fortune. If you wait till Lucetta calls upon 
 you to surrender the property, I fancy you will have to wait 
 a long time but I don't expect it will be quite so long 
 before you will have to provide the marriage portion. 
 Captain Fanshaw is in Brighton, and as attentive as 
 ever." 
 
 " So I supposed," replied Sir Clarence, the blood rushing 
 to his pale cheeks. 
 
 "A propos of Captain Fanshaw," continued Mainwarinpr, 
 " I am bound to say that he has behaved remarkably well, 
 so far as you are concerned, Sir Clarence. At the time of 
 
More About the Will. 311 
 
 the accident, when he was unlucky enough to hit you 
 instead of the assassin, he exhibited the greatest concern, 
 and since then he has displayed undoubted anxiety for 
 your recovery. Indeed, throughout the affair he has 
 manifested very good feeling. I think it right to mention 
 this, though 1 understand he has written to you. Of 
 course you entirely acquit him of any intention of harming 
 you?" 
 
 " Most certainly. I could not for a moment suppose 
 him capable of such an act. I have received a com- 
 munication from him, which I have not yet been able to 
 acknowledge, couched in the handsomest terms, in which 
 he expresses the deepest regret at the accident, and offers 
 me the most ample apologies for the affront shown me at 
 the barracks. If this is not sufficient, he is willing to 
 afford me satisfaction ; but of course a hostile meeting 
 between us now is altogether out of the question." 
 
 " Necessarily so," replied the old gentleman. " Both he 
 and Major Trevor have conferred with me, and all 
 offensive expressions used on the occasion by the captain 
 have been withdrawn. I trust, therefore, that the matter 
 may be considered as amicably arranged, and that you will 
 allow me to write to Captain Fanshaw to say so." 
 
 " Pray do so. I would not have Captain Fanshaw mis- 
 interpret my silence, or imagine that I reject his friendly 
 overtures. 7 ' 
 
 Proceeding to a table, on which writing materials were 
 placed, the old gentleman commenced his task, and having 
 completed the letter, he read it aloud to Sir Clarence, who 
 entirely approved of it. 
 
 " This is the right thing to do, and very glad I am it has 
 been done," remarked Mainwaring, as he directed the 
 black-bordered envelope, and sealed it with black wax. 
 " He is not half a bad fellow, this same Rainald Fanshaw, 
 and Major Trevor is a man after rny own heart. I dined 
 with them at the Preston barracks yesterday, and a capita] 
 dinner we had plenty of good claret, but no port that I 
 could drink. Decidedly military port what we used to 
 call ' black strap ' strong enough to blow your head off. 
 Talking of wine, Sir Clarence and of port wine in par- 
 ticular I may congratulate you on the wonderful cellar 
 
31* Old Court. 
 
 you have acquired. Not a better in the county. You 
 have to thank your granddad for it. As soon as you are 
 well enough, we'll look it over and take stock." 
 
 " As you like the wine, I hope you will drink many a 
 bottle of it," said Sir Clarence. "And this leads me to 
 make a proposition which I trust you will accept in the 
 spirit in which it is offered. Henceforth make Old Court 
 your home." 
 
 "A thousand thanks, Sir Clarence," replied the old 
 gentleman. " I fully appreciate your kindness, but I can't 
 give up my cottage. I have always been an independent 
 gentleman latterly a very poor gentleman, as you know, 
 but still independent. Obliged to you all the same. But 
 I must have some place that I can call my home, where I 
 can hang up my hat and great-coat, and sulk when I'm out 
 of temper." 
 
 " Which I am sure is very rarely the case," remarked Sir 
 Clarence. 
 
 " Ah, you don't know me. Ask my housekeeper, Mrs. 
 Lightfoot, and she'll tell you a different tale. But I'll 
 come as often as you choose to ask me stay as long as 
 you please and, moreover, I won't offer any decided 
 objection to an occasional bottle of Roritz port." 
 
 " I agree to the conditions," said Sir Clarence. " I quite 
 understand your feeling. Come when you please and go 
 when you please. You will always have your room. My 
 purse as well as my cellar will fre always at your command. 
 And as I know you are not overburdened with wealth, I 
 trust you will apply as freely to one as to the other. I am 
 already under the greatest obligations to you, and feel sure 
 that my debt will be increased. From circumstances, my 
 knowledge of the world, and indeed of the usages of society 
 in which I must henceforward move, is extremely limited, 
 and your experience and judgment will be of incalculable 
 advantage to me. I hope you will permit me to profit by 
 them. I have really no other friend to whom I can apply 
 for advice." 
 
 " My dear Sir Clarence, you will have plenty of friends," 
 replied the old gentleman, with a smile; "but I will venture 
 to sa.y you will find no one who will give you more dis- 
 interested counsel than myself. I have been so long and 
 
More About Ihe Wilt. 3rj 
 
 intimately connected with your family that I almost seem to 
 be a member of it, and regarding myself in that light, I will 
 presume to give you a little advice on the very onset of your 
 new career. Unquestionably your father was extravagant 
 very extravagant and I firmly believe if he had come into 
 the fine fortune which has fallen into your hands, he wo aid 
 have dissipated it. Your uncle had no expensive tastes. 
 Prudent and careful, he might and would have obtained a 
 very distinguished position if he had not been a prey to 
 morbid sensibility, which drove him into retirement, and at 
 last totally unfitted him for intercourse with the world. 
 Avoid both these dangers. Your grandsire was a good, 
 quiet, easy-going country gentleman, fond of hunting, fond 
 of good cheer, liberal, hospitable altogether an excellent 
 man. But you must be something more. Either I am very 
 much mistaken, or yqu have talents which will enable you 
 to play an important part in the world. It is reserved for 
 you, I firmly believe, to revive the lustre of your family 
 name, which for the last two generations has been some- 
 what obscured." 
 
 " I hope I may do so," cried Sir Clarence, earnestly. 
 
 " And now," pursued the old gentleman, " I must touch 
 upon another matter a matter of considerable delicacy, but 
 on which it is necessary that I should speak. I know you 
 are attached to your cousin Lucetta, and I cannot conceive 
 anything more calculated to conduce to your happiness than 
 a union with her. Moreover, by the marriage all difficulties 
 in regard to the property would be obviated. I once 
 encouraged your hopes, and persuaded you that you could 
 obtain this prize. I was wrong. Since I have been in 
 Brighton, I have seen enough to convince me that you have 
 not a chance. As well make up your mind at once." 
 
 " You think, then, that Captain Fanshaw has regained his 
 place in Lucetta' s affections ? " said Sir Clarence. 
 
 " I have no doubt whatever about it," replied Main- 
 waring. " You must no longer indulge any hopes." 
 
 For a few minutes there was a profound silence. The 
 young baronet's looks proclaimed the struggle going on 
 within. His cheeks flushed deeply, and then grew perfectly 
 white. 
 
 " Lucetta is not the only lovely girl in England," said 
 
314 Old Court. 
 
 Mainwaring, trying to cheer him. " A rich young baronet 
 has only to look around and choose." 
 
 " No, I shall never marry," said Sir Clarence, sadly. 
 
 " Nonsense : you think so now, but wait till you have got 
 over your love-sickness, and you'll think very differently. 
 But till you are perfectly cured, don't expose yourself to the 
 chance of a relapse. Lady Danvers has invited you to 
 Brighton, through me, but don't go. Don't see Lucetta for 
 a time. Don't think of her, if you can help it." 
 
 " You preach impossibilities. I can think of nothing 
 else. But I won't go to Brighton. I could not bear to 
 witness my rival's happiness." 
 
 " I am glad you have come to that determination. You 
 have plenty to do here, and there is no fear that Lucetta 
 will come back, for she has now quite as great a horror of 
 the old house as her aunt." 
 
 Very little more passed between them on this occasion. 
 The unwonted excitement made Sir Clarence feel faint, and 
 Mrs. Mansfield being summoned, he again availed himself 
 of her arm, and proceeded to a chamber which had been 
 prepared for him in a different part of the house. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A PAINFUL LETTER. 
 
 pR CLARENCE rapidly regained his strength. He 
 enjoyed the quiet life he was leading at Old 
 Court, and showed no disposition to quii the 
 place. 
 
 To say that he was perfectly happy would be incorrect. 
 He was still heart-sick. The presence of the one being 
 who would have made the place a paradise was wanting. 
 Do all he could, he could not conquer his love for Lucetta. 
 The long separation which had occurred between them for 
 he had not seen her since she left Old Court had not 
 worked the expected cure. Several letters had passed 
 between them, written in terms as affectionate as those 
 employed by brother and sister, and Lady Danvers had 
 repeatedly urged him to come to Brighton, saying how 
 delighted they would be to see him; but, true to his 
 resolution, he declined. 
 
 One day he received a letter calculated to extinguish any 
 vestige of hope which might have still lingered in his breast. 
 
 " I cannot disguise from myself, my dear cousin," wrote 
 Lucetta, " that the announcement which I have to make 
 will give you some pain. I sincerely hope not, but my 
 mind misgives me. I have long felt what has been the 
 real motive of your constant refusal to visit us at Brighton. 
 You do not like to see me because feelings which are only 
 perhaps partially overcome may be reawakened. If I judge 
 correctly, and this has been your motive, I think you have 
 acted wisely. I would not for the world give you pain, and 
 I might be compelled to assume a coldness towards you 
 which I am far from feeling, for, indeed, my dear cousin, I 
 love you dearly, as a sister, and shall always continue to 
 love you. On another account, also, it is perhaps better 
 
316 Old Court. 
 
 that you have not come to Brighton, though I almost feel 
 ashamed of alluding to anything so silly. Rainald, as you 
 may have observed, is of a singularly jealous nature, and, in 
 spite of all that has occurred, will persist in regarding you 
 as a rival. From this cause, and perhaps from a similar 
 feeling on your own part, I have always been apprehensive 
 lest some fresh misunderstanding should arise between you. 
 In mentioning this, do not let me give you any erroneous 
 idea of Rainald. He always speaks of you in the very 
 highest terms, and never ceases to regret having accidentally 
 wounded you. Still, he is jealous, and that makes me 
 afraid you should meet. Hereafter, I hope you will be the 
 best friends possible. 
 
 " And now, though reluctant to approach it, I must come 
 to the main object of my letter. For some time my 
 engagement with Rainald has been interrupted. Notwith- 
 standing his entreaties, I would not agree to renew it till I 
 had quite recovered from the shock of the late terrible 
 event. I am now so much better that I have no reasonable 
 excuse for further delay. The engagement has been 
 renewed. Poor papa had given his sanction to the marriage, 
 and at the last interview I had with him, on the very day of 
 his death, he seemed anxious that it should take place. My 
 aunt also quite approves of it, and I hope you, dear 
 cousin, will not disapprove. But the marriage, though 
 decided upon, will not take place for some months, for I 
 would not show such disrespect to my beloved father's 
 memory as would be implied by abridging the proper term 
 of mourning. 
 
 "I hope and trust that I shall not give you pain in 
 making this communication. Henceforward you must think 
 of me only as Rainald's wife, for such I shall be. It will 
 delight me beyond expression to learn that you have found 
 some one worthy of you, and I hope there will soon be a 
 new and charming mistress of Old Court. 
 
 "I am enchanted to find you like the old place so much. 
 I once used to think it delightful, and it would be delightful 
 still if I could divest myself of the painful associations 
 connected with it. In time these feelings will be subdued, 
 and then I shall be able to revisit the scenes where I have 
 been so happy, Even as I write, I cannot help picturing to 
 
A Painful Letter, 317 
 
 myself the gardens of which I used to be so fond, and the 
 flowers that I used to tend. I wonder whether the trees 
 in the park look as magnificent as they did last spring. 
 But I must not think of them. Write me a few lines in 
 reply, and believe me, 
 
 "YOUR AFFECTIONATE LUCETTA. 
 
 "P.S. I know somebody who would exactly suit you." 
 
 This letter gave Sir Clarence exquisite pain. Though he 
 was fully prepared for it, the announcement came upon him 
 with crushing effect, and produced a sickness of the heart 
 such as he had never before experienced. He tried to re- 
 read the letter, which he had laid down, but a mist came 
 over his eyes, arid prevented him from proceeding beyond a 
 few lines. Tears relieved his overladen breast, and then he 
 became easier. So calm, indeed, did he feel, so completely 
 master of himself, that he sat down at once to answer the 
 letter, and succeeded so well in his task, that Lucetta her- 
 self was surprised by the warmth of his congratulations and 
 by the cordiality of his expressions in regard to Rain aid. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 ON THE PANTILES. 
 
 |NE morning, about a week after this event, Sir 
 Clarence was at breakfast with Mainwaring, when 
 another letter arrived from Lucetta, in which she 
 spoke of Lady Fanshaw and her daughter. 4< Ask 
 Mr. Mainwaring about Ida Fanshaw," she said, in con- 
 clusion. " He has seen her." 
 
 On being appealed to, the old gentleman acknowledged 
 that he had seen both mother and daughter when he was in 
 Brighton, and added that he thought Ida remarkably 
 pretty. 
 
 " How comes it you have never mentioned her before?" 
 remarked Sir Clarence. 
 
 " Simply because I know Captain Fanshaw is not an 
 agreeable subject with you." 
 
 " I have got over all that," said Sir Clarence, with affected 
 indifference. " Tell me what his sister is like." 
 
 "Ah ! now you puzzle me," cried Mainwaring. "It is a 
 difficult thing to describe a pretty girl. But she is not in 
 the least like Lucetta quite a different style neither is she 
 at all like her brother. A blonde, with delicately formed 
 features, azure eyes, and wavy golden tresses. Rather tall 
 than otherwise, slender and graceful. Age, I should say, 
 about nineteen. There, will that do ? " 
 
 " I should think so," replied Sir Clarence, smiling. 
 " You are rather enthusiastic in your description, my good 
 friend. I daresay Ida Fanshaw is pretty, but I don't 
 admire golden hair." 
 
 " Pshaw ! " cried the old gentleman. " Wait till you see 
 her. When you do, I'll be bound you'll fall in love with 
 her. I tell you she's a bewitching creature irresistible. 
 Eyes, that poets might write sonnets about golden locks, 
 
On tht Pantiles. y^ 
 
 that beat those of Queen Bess and teeth, that would put 
 to shame a carcanet of pearls." 
 
 " She seems to have bewitched you, for you have grown 
 poetical on the sudden. I never knew you in such raptures 
 before." 
 
 " See her, and you'll be in raptures too," rejoined the old 
 gentleman. "If I were lord of Old Court," pursued 
 Mainwaring, " I would offer my hand to Ida Fanshaw." 
 
 " No more on that subject, if you please," said Sir 
 Clarence, gravely. "I have no thoughts whatever of 
 marrying. Ida Fanshaw may be all you represent her, but 
 she has no attraction whatever for me. Possibly I may 
 meet her on some occasion, but I have not the slightest 
 curiosity to behold her." 
 
 " Humph ! Like Benedick, you mean to die a bachelor, 
 eh ? I rather fancy Benedick's fate is reserved for you, and 
 that I shall live to see a lady in this house." 
 
 "A truce to this jesting. When I have quite forgotten 
 Lucetta I will act on your suggestion not till then." 
 
 Perhaps to hide his annoyance, the old gentleman took 
 up the Kentish Gazette, which was lying on the breakfast- 
 table, and, after glancing over its columns for a few minutes, 
 remarked : 
 
 " I see there's a promenade concert at Tnnbridge Wells 
 to-day. Suppose we drive over, and have a look at it. The 
 day is remarkably line, and it will be a good opportunity for 
 trying the new mail-phaeton and the horses. Shall we do it 
 eh?" 
 
 " By all means," replied Sir Clarence. " I was about to 
 propose a drive to Knowle, but Tunbridge Wells will be 
 better." 
 
 " Knowle will do for another day. The concert at the 
 Wells will be amusing. It will bring together all the pretty 
 girls in the neighbourhood, and who knows " 
 
 " I care nothing either for the concert or the pretty girls," 
 interrupted Sir Clarence, " but I shall enjoy the drive. The 
 country is charming, and I want to try the new horses.' 1 
 
 " You'll be delighted with them. The prettiest pair of 
 chestnuts you ever clapped eyes on. At what time shall we 
 start ? I'll go round to the stables presently, and give orders 
 to Drax," 
 
3-'o Old Court. 
 
 " Tell him to be ready at noon that will be quite early 
 enough," said the young baronet, rising, and quitting the 
 room. 
 
 " I think I have him now," chuckled Mainwaring. " But 
 I must take care he don't see this paper," he added, folding 
 it up and putting it in his pocket. 
 
 At noon, a very handsome mail-phaeton, spick and span 
 new, to which a pair of splendid chestnuts were harnessed, 
 was driven round to the hall door by Drax, and excited the 
 admiration of Jodrell and Pigot, who were standing on the 
 steps watching the coachman's performance. 
 
 " Nice turn-out, ain't it?" said Drax, looking down at 
 them proudly. 
 
 " Couldn't be handsomer," responded Jodrell. " Does 
 Mr. Mainwaring great credit." 
 
 " I've had summut to say to it myself," said Drax, with a 
 wink, "but Mr. Mainwaring is quite welcome to the credit. 
 He wouldn't have got these 'osses if it hadn't a been for me, 
 and there ain't their match to be seen in Hyde Park." 
 
 " I hope we shall show 'em there one of these days," 
 remarked Pigot. te What's the use of a drag like that and 
 blood 'osses, with nobody to look at 'em ? " 
 
 " Never you fear, Dick," cried Drax, with another 
 expressive wink. " We shall have th' opportunity afore long, 
 or I'm greatly mistaken. We're a goin' to Tunbridge Wells 
 to-day." 
 
 " That's not on the road to Lunnon,' 1 rejoined Pigot. 
 
 " Not the shortest road, I grant," returned the coachman, 
 " but it may take us there in the end." 
 
 "What d'ye mean, Drax?" asked Jodrell, looking up at 
 him curiously. 
 
 " Nothing more than I says," replied the coachman, 
 putting on a demure look. 
 
 " Well, I wish I was going to the Wells with you," said 
 Pigot. " There's some life there summut to see." 
 
 "Why, what on earth d'ye want to see that you can't find 
 here ? " cried Jodrell, testily. " I'm sure you've every 
 comfort." 
 
 " I wants amusement," returned Dick. " I'm dying of 
 enwee. I can't stand it much longer." 
 
 A stop was here put to the discourse by the appearance 
 
On the Pantiles. 321 
 
 of Sir Clarence and Mainwaring, and the servants moved 
 aside respectfully while the two gentlemen remained on the 
 steps examining the well-appointed equipage and magnificent 
 horses. The old gentleman's looks denoted great internal 
 satisfaction. 
 
 " That will do, I think, Sir Clarence eh ? " 
 
 The young baronet thought it would. 
 
 While they are lighting cigars preparatory to taking their 
 seats in the phaeton, a fitting opportunity seems to offer for 
 glancing at our young friend's personal appearance, especially 
 as he is about to make his debut in society. 
 
 By this time he had quite recovered his good looks, and 
 indeed appeared handsomer than when we first beheld him. 
 His manner and bearing had materially improved, and a 
 certain gravity heightened the effect of his features. His 
 dark habiliments suited him extremely well, and displayed 
 to advantage his tall, slight, but well-proportioned figure. 
 Mainwaring, who scrutinised him carefully from head to foot, 
 muttered to himself, " He'll do." 
 
 Drax having surrendered the reins to his young master, 
 and the two gentlemen having seated themselves in the 
 phaeton, the spirited animals started off at a word, and 
 were soon speeding through the park, making the deer 
 fly off to their coverts. The day was delightful one of 
 those days in which Nature seems to put forth all her 
 beauty. Impossible to be dull when all around seemed 
 so bright and smiling. The park was enchanting, and 
 lovely landscapes opened upon them as they pursued their 
 course. 
 
 Mile after mile they went on, passing through a varied 
 and most beautiful district, richly cultivated, well wooded, 
 watered by numerous streamlets, embellished by noble parks 
 and stately mansions, and rendered yet more picturesque 
 by numerous hop-gardens, until they reached the extensive 
 and pleasant heath at the foot of which lies Tunbridge 
 Wells. 
 
 Arrived at this point, which commands magnificent views 
 on all sides, Sir Clarence pulled up for a moment to look 
 around, and while he surveyed the woody hills, or allowed 
 his eyes to stray along the devious valleys in search of some 
 striking point, Mainwaring contented himself with watching 
 
322 Old Court. 
 
 objects nearer at hand notably, numerous donkey-drivers 
 making their way amid the furze-bushes, groups of young 
 folks collected beside the huge rocks jutting out upon the 
 heath, and vehicles of many kinds tracking the roads cut 
 through the turf. 
 
 While they were thus occupied, a very stylish-looking 
 barouche was seen approaching, and naturally attracted 
 attention towards it. In this carriage three persons were 
 seated, a middle-aged lady who had by no means lost her 
 beauty; a very graceful-looking girl, evidently the lady's 
 daughter; and an elderly gentleman, most probably the 
 lady's husband, who sat with his back to the horses. Both 
 ladies were charmingly dressed in light spring attire. As 
 the carriage came on they descwed Mainwaring, and 
 bent graciously to him, and of course he returned the 
 salutation. 
 
 At the same time, it was quite evident that both ladies 
 were attracted by Sir Clarence, and the old gentleman with 
 them raised his head and a very fine head it was and 
 fixed a pair of keen dark eyes upon him. At one moment 
 it seemed as if the middle-aged dame was about to stop the 
 carriage, and if Sir Clarence had looked at his friend just 
 then, he would have perceived that he appeared uneasy ; 
 but the lady changed her mind, and to Mainwaring's relief, 
 the carnage went on. 
 
 " Who are those people ? " inquired Sir Clarence. 
 
 " Who are they ? " cried the old gentleman, a little em- 
 barrassed. " Bless my life, how stupid I am ! I shall 
 forget my own name next. They are the Buckhursts Sir 
 Robert and Lady Buckhurst. Very nice people. I dare- 
 say we shall meet them on the Parade by-and-by, and I'll 
 introduce you." 
 
 "Do they live in this neighbourhood?" inquired Sir 
 Clarence. 
 
 " No, their place is in one of the Eastern counties 
 Norfolk or Suffolk, I forget which," replied Mainwaring; 
 "but they have a house in Grosvenor Square, and live 
 chiefly in town. Miss Buckhurst is pretty, don't you think 
 so ? " he added, with a comical look. 
 
 " I scarcely remarked her," replied Sir Clarence. "But 
 Lady Buckhurst seems a fine woman.' 7 
 
On the Pantiles. 323 
 
 "An extremely fine woman," said Mainwaring. "I'm 
 uncommonly glad they happen to be here." 
 
 The barouche, which was making its way rather slowly 
 along a winding road across the heath, was still in sight, with 
 its polished panels reflecting the sunbeams, and as Sir 
 Clarence, who was likewise driving towards the town, 
 though by a different route, kept his eye upon it, he thought 
 perhaps it was mere fancy, for how could he be sure at 
 such a distance that the ladies occasionally turned their 
 gaze in his direction. 
 
 On reaching the town, which looked lively and bustling, 
 being full of private carriages and hired vehicles of one kind 
 or another, they alighted near the entrance to the Pantiles, 
 and sent on Drax with the phaeton to the Sussex 
 Hotel. 
 
 On ascending the steps near which gushes forth the now 
 neglected spring from which the place originally derived its 
 celebrity, a very gay scene was presented to their view. 
 Lively airs proceeded from a band placed in an orchestra 
 reared amid the trees shading the Pantiles, as this agreeable 
 promenade is designated, and a well-dressed throng, chiefly, 
 however, consisting of the fairer portion of creation, paced 
 to and fro, making it quite evident that they came there to 
 see and be seen, to chatter, laugh, and flirt, rather than to 
 listen to the music. This pleasant place of rendezvous re- 
 tains an air of past times, and seems exactly adapted to the 
 laced, powdered, red-heeled fops and patched and painted 
 belles of the last century, when a certain Sir Lionel Chet- 
 wynd, whose portrait may be seen at Old Court, and who was 
 killed in a duel on the heath, was a conspicuous actor there. 
 Mainwaring could not go back quite so far as this, but he 
 told his companion that he recollected the Pantiles more 
 than fifty years ago, and spoke of a great number of 
 important personages of both sexes whom he had beheld 
 there 
 
 In his hot youth, when George the Third was king. 
 
 Our young baronet was too strikingly handsome not to 
 attract attention, and he had not taken many turns, when it 
 was bruited about that he was no other than Sir Clarenca 
 
314 Old Court. 
 
 Chetwynd, who had recently come into his property in so 
 singular a manner. No sooner was this known than he be- 
 came the general mark of observation, and the rather 
 impertinent curiosity of the assemblage annoyed him so 
 much that he would have withdrawn, if Mainwaring, 
 who had just caught sight of Lady Buckhurst and her 
 daughter amid the throng, had not persuaded him to re- 
 main. 
 
 " Do allow me to introduce you," he urged. " You will 
 find them most agreeable acquaintances. Take a seat for 
 a moment on that bench while I tell them who you are, and 
 then I'll present you in due form." 
 
 Sir Clarence complied, and seating himself beneath a 
 tree, watched his old friend approach the ladies, who 
 received him with smiles. Lady Buckhurst had still a very 
 elegant figure, and there was an unmistakable air of high 
 breeding about both her ladyship and her daughter. The 
 latter appeared to have inherited all her mother's grace and 
 refinement of manner, with her mother's delicacy of feature, 
 symmetry of person, and incomparable beauty of hands 
 and feet. Large blue eyes, finely-pencilled brows, golden 
 tresses, and a ravishingly fair complexion, constituted the 
 sum of her attractions. Both ladies were charmingly 
 dressed, and their toilettes formed the admiration of all those 
 collected on the Pantiles. 
 
 After a few minutes' conversation with the ladies, both of 
 whom seemed very much amused by what he had to say 
 especially the younger lady, who laughed heartily Main- 
 waring left them, and, rejoining Sir Clarence, told him, with 
 a well-pleased look, that Lady Buckhurst would be en- 
 chanted to make his acquaintance. 
 
 Accordingly, the presentation took place. 
 
 Sir Clarence fancied Miss Buckhurst's charming counte- 
 nance wore a very arch expression as he bowed to her, and 
 she seemed to have some difficulty in restraining her merri- 
 ment, but a look from her mother checked her. Both ladies 
 were very lively, and possessed the art of light conversation 
 to perfection, gliding imperceptibly from one topic to 
 another ; and their manner was so agreeable, that they soon 
 set the somewhat bashful young baronet quite at his ease. 
 Without knowing how, he found himself engaged in a very 
 
On the Pantiles. 32$ 
 
 animated conversation. To his great surprise, they both 
 appeared perfectly well acquainted with his history, talked 
 so much about Old Court, and seemed to take so much 
 interest in the place, that in common civility he could not 
 help expressing a hope that they would honour him with a 
 visit while they were in the neighbourhood. 
 
 " Do you hear what Sir Clarence proposes, mamma ? " 
 cried Miss Buckhurst. "He is good enough to ask us to 
 come and see Old Court. I should like it ot all things." 
 
 " Nothing would please me more than to see a place of 
 so much interest, and of which I've heard so much," replied 
 her ladyship; " but I fear your papa is not equal to so long 
 a drive." 
 
 " Oh, papa will spare us for one morning, I'm sure. He 
 can amuse himself very well here. I'll undertake to obtain 
 his consent." 
 
 " If you choose to exert your powers of persuasion. Miss 
 Buckhurst, there can be very little doubt that you will suc- 
 ceed," said Sir Clarence, with a gallantry that almost 
 surprised himself. " I shall be delighted to see Sir Robert, 
 of course, but if he should be unable to accompany you, I 
 hope that circumstance may not deprive me of the pleasure 
 of seeing you." 
 
 A half smile crossed Miss Buckhurst's countenance as 
 she threw a glance at her mother. 
 
 " Well, Sir Clarence, we will accept your very obliging 
 invitation," said her ladyship. " But you must not expect 
 Sir Robert." 
 
 u Pray fix a day when I may hope to see you. I 
 shouldn't like to be out of the way." 
 
 " Why not come to-morrow ? " cried Mainwaring. 
 
 "We have nothing particular to do," urged Miss Buck 
 hurst. 
 
 " To-morrow be it, then," said her ladyship. " But really 
 this is taking you too completely at your word, Sir 
 Clarence." 
 
 " Not in the least," he rejoined. " I shall be delighted 
 to see you." 
 
 " Pray come in time for luncheon," said Mainwaring, wha 
 seemed enchanted with the arrangement. 
 
 Agreed to by the ladies, who thought luncheon a good idea.- 
 
326 Old Court. 
 
 A few more turns up and down. More lively talk. At 
 last, her ladyship, averring that she had some purchases to 
 make, took leave of Sir Clarence, and stepped with her 
 daughter into one of the shops lining the Pantiles. 
 
 Feeling no longer any interest in the promenade, Sir 
 Clarence descended the steps leading to the Sussex Hotel. 
 
 While Mainwaring was refreshing himself with a biscuit 
 and a glass of sherry, the phaeton was brought out, and 
 soon afterwards conveyed its occupants across the heath. 
 Our friends had a very pleasant drive home. Their conver- 
 sation turned chiefly upon the Buckhursts, and Mainwaring 
 perceived with satisfaction that the desired impression had 
 been produced. A nice little dinner closed a very agreeable 
 day, and the Roritz seemed to have more than its usual 
 flavour. 
 
 " I wonder what Lucetta will say when she hears of my 
 new acquaintance?" remarked Sir Clarence. "She'll 
 expect me to ask the Fanshaws next but I won't." 
 
 " Oh no. She'll be perfectly content with what you've 
 done," replied the old gentleman, with a laugh. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 BEFORE LUNCHEON. 
 
 JRDINARILY, Sir Clarence never troubled him- 
 self about morning callers, and rarely was at 
 home to them. Mr. Mainwaring did the honours 
 of the house. What was the meaning of this 
 singular exception to the rule ? Neither Mrs. Mansfield nor 
 Jodrell could tell. But both remarked that their young 
 master was in unusually good spirits, and found out from 
 Pigot that he had been somewhat longer than usual over his 
 toilette, and had twice or thrice changed his coat. As the 
 time approached when the visitors might be expected, he 
 and Mainwaring might be seen pacing to and fro upon the 
 lawn, in expectation of the arrival. 
 
 At last, from one of the upper windows of the hall, at 
 which the old housekeeper was stationed, an elegant 
 barouche could be descried ascending the rising ground of 
 the park, anon concealed by the trees, then reappearing, 
 until it eventually passed through the gates and drove up to 
 the door. Mrs. Mansfield was perfectly astonished to find 
 how very charming were its occupants. She had never 
 dreamed that Lady Buckhurst could be so handsome and 
 as to the younger lady, she was quite a beauty almost as 
 pretty as her own dear Lucetta, though in a different style. 
 Altogether, she was surprised and pleased. She beheld Sir 
 Clarence hurry towards the carriage, looking handsomer, 
 she thought, than he had ever looked before she saw the 
 smiles interchanged with the ladies she saw him assist 
 them to alight she heard pleasant voices and light laughter 
 as the party entered the house she saw the carriage drive 
 oft towards the stables and then, having so far satisfied 
 her curiosity, she withdrew from the window. 
 
 The two ladies appeared enchanted with the old house 
 noted everything, admired everything. No changes what- 
 ever having been made since poor Sir Hugh's time, it is 
 
328 Old Court. 
 
 needless to accompany them to the picture-gallery and the 
 library, with which the amiable reader is familiarised, or to 
 linger with them on the grand staircase. 
 
 When the party were quitting the gallery, Mainwaring 
 drew Lady Buckhurst's attention to a sombre corridor, and 
 said, in a low voice, 
 
 " There the tragic event occurred." 
 
 Lady Buckhurst imparted this piece of information to her 
 daughter in a whisper, and the latter paused and cast a 
 timorous glance down the passage. 
 
 " Was it there that Sir Clarence was wounded ? " she 
 inquired of Mainwaring. 
 
 " At the further extremity of the corridor," replied the 
 old gentleman. 
 
 Comprehending what was passing, Sir Clarence asked 
 Miss Buckhurst if she would like to see Sir Hugh's chamber. 
 She hesitated, but her mother manifesting great curiosity on 
 the subject, Mrs. Mansfield was sent for, and presently 
 appearing with the key, the party proceeded to the room. 
 
 The door was unlocked, and a creeping horror came over 
 the ladies as they entered the gloomy apartment, which was 
 in no respect altered since the fatal night. 
 
 Mrs. Mansfield explained the circumstances to them. 
 
 "Here stood the table," she said, "at which poor Sir 
 Hugh was seated ; and behind yon curtains Captain 
 Fanshaw was hidden." 
 
 Both ladies looked curiously in the direction indicated. 
 
 " You know what subsequently occurred/' pursued Mrs. 
 Mansfield. 
 
 " Oh, yes," cried Miss Buckhurst. " Don't describe it, 
 please. I can't stay here a moment longer. Come with 
 me, mamma," she cried, hurrying out of the room, followed 
 by Lady Buckhurst and Mainwaring. 
 
 " Excuse me for saying so, Sir Clarence, but I think you 
 did wrong to bring the ladies here," remarked Mrs. Mans- 
 field. 
 
 "They came at Mr. Mainwaring's suggestion, not mine/' 
 said Sir Clarence. 
 
 Just then the fragment of a newspaper which was lyinj 
 underneath the table caught his attention, and he picked it 
 up. 
 
Before Luncheon. 329 
 
 ''How came this paper here?" he cried, glancing at it. 
 " I thought no one entered this room but yourself, Mans- 
 field ? " 
 
 " No one does, Sir Clarence, except Jodrell, and he never 
 comes in without me. I keep the keys both of this room 
 and the dressing-room." 
 
 " When were you here last? " inquired Sir Clarence, still 
 looking curiously at the paper. 
 
 " Bless me, how particular you are. About a week ago, 
 as near as I can guess." 
 
 "Not yesterday?" 
 
 " Certainly not yesterday." 
 
 " But this is a portion of the supplement to yesterday's 
 Times. Look at the date." 
 
 " Save us, so it is ! " she exclaimed, staring at the paper 
 in astonishment. " Who can have dropped it here ? " 
 
 "That we must find out," he said. "Some one, it is 
 evident, has access to this room besides yourself and 
 Jodrell." 
 
 " It may be the ghost," rejoined the old dame, with a 
 shudder. 
 
 "What ghost?" 
 
 " Don't ask me, Sir Clarence. You know whose ghost it 
 must be that sits nightly at that table." 
 
 "Sits here?" 
 
 "On the very chair on which he was shot. All the 
 servants believe this room to be haunted. Several of them 
 have heard the ghost. Some have seen him." 
 
 " I didn't think you had been so weak and credulous as 
 to share their superstitious fears, Mansfield. Ghosts don't 
 read newspapers. Some living person has been here, and it 
 must be your business to find out who that person is. Lock 
 up the room, and take good care of the key." 
 
 And putting the piece of newspaper in his pocket, he 
 went out. 
 
 The ladies were in the picture-gallery with Mainwaring, 
 and gladly agreed to adjourn to the gardens. 
 
 There everything was fresh, fragrant, sunny, delightful. 
 Miss Buckhurst was quite enthusiastic in her admiration of 
 the beauty of the parterres. 
 
 " No credit is due to me for their arrangement/' said Sir 
 
330 Old Court. 
 
 Clarence ; " they were planned by rny cousin Lucettr, 
 These flower beds were her delight, and I have kept them 
 up just as she left them." 
 
 " I am sure it would charm her to see them/' said the 
 young lady. "She has often spoken to me of these 
 gardens." 
 
 "Indeed!" exclaimed Sir Clarence. "I was not aware 
 you knew her." 
 
 " I know her intimately," replied Miss Buckhurst. " We 
 are the dearest friends possible, though our friendship is of 
 very recent date. I fondly persuade myself she likes me as 
 much as I like her. I don't think we have a secret from 
 each other. I met her at Brighton only a few weeks ago, 
 and it was her vivid description of your charming old house 
 that made me long to see it. I am sure she will be pleased 
 to learn that my curiosity has been gratified. I shall not 
 fail to tell her how enchanted I am with the gardens." 
 
 " You surprise me greatly, Miss Buckhurst," he replied. 
 " I did not imagine I was meeting one of Lucetta's friends, 
 but the circumstance adds to my gratification in seeing you. 
 Of course you know that Lucetta is engaged and perhaps 
 you know Captain Fanshaw ? " 
 
 " Oh yes, I know him tolerably well." 
 
 "And like him?" 
 
 " Very much." 
 
 " Do you happen to know his sister ? " 
 
 " I fancy so," she replied, with a smile. " But pray don't 
 ask me what I think of her. I might prejudice you against 
 her." 
 
 "Nay, let me hear the truth. Mr. Mainwaring quite 
 raves about her." 
 
 " The dear old gentleman is very silly," laughed the 
 young lady. " Don't believe what he says." 
 
 " I don't. I suspect he has a motive for praising her to 
 roe." 
 
 " A motive ! " she exclaimed, quickly. " What possible 
 motive can he have ? I have just called him silly, but I 
 ought to have called him meddling. I shall scold him 
 presently." 
 
 "Meantime, favour me with your own opinion of the 
 young lady. Your description is sure to be accurate." 
 
Before Luncheon. 331 
 
 " There you are quite mistaken, Sir Clarence. I am the 
 very last person to whom you should apply for a correct 
 description of Ida Fanshaw." 
 
 "At least you can tell whether she is pretty? " 
 
 " Lucetta thinks so." 
 
 "Is she amiable?" 
 
 " Lucetta thinks her amiable." 
 
 " But what do you think ? " 
 
 " I don't think about her at all," she rejoined, with a 
 laugh. " So pray don't ask me any more questions." 
 
 For a moment Sir Clarence looked quite puzzled. Sud- 
 denly a light flashed upon him. 
 
 " You must think me very stupid," he said, " for not 
 recognising you from the first." 
 
 " Recognising me, Sir Clarence ! " she cried, with affected 
 surprise. " What do you mean ? 
 
 " I now understand that I have been conversing all this 
 time with Miss Fanshaw," he rejoined. " I richly deserve 
 to be laughed at." 
 
 " But I won't venture to laugh till you pronounce our 
 pardon for the little trick we have played you. You are 
 quite right in your surmise. I am no other than the Ida 
 Fanshaw whom you heard so ridiculously praised by Mr. 
 Main waring." 
 
 " Upon my honour, I don't think his praises ridiculous at 
 all," interrupted Sir Clarence. 
 
 " But then he had a motive for them, you know," she 
 observed, with an arch look. 
 
 " Spare me, I entreat," he said. 
 
 "Well, since you are penitent, I must be merciful. This 
 little plot was contrived by Lucetta and myself, and mamma 
 and Mr. Main waring were persuaded to join in it. We were 
 obliged to have recourse to stratagem, because we knew 
 very well that you would decline to be introduced to Lady 
 Fanshaw and her daughter." 
 
 " Entirely a misapprehension, I assure you." 
 
 "Not on our part," she rejoined, shaking her charming 
 little head. "We were too well informed. Recollect that 
 Mr. Mainwaring was with us. Women will have their own 
 way. Directly I learnt that you would not invite us to Old 
 Court, I was resolved that you should. And here we are,' 1 
 
332 Old Court. 
 
 "And enchanted I am to see you," rejoined Sir Clarence, 
 gallantly. 
 
 " It was our intention to mystify you to the end, and to 
 go away without letting you know the real names of your 
 guests. But I played my part so badly, that you detected 
 me. I ought to tell you that papa did not at all approve of 
 the scheme, and would take no part in it. Otherwise, he 
 would have been delighted to accompany us. But some 
 day, I hope, you will condescend to receive him in his true 
 character." 
 
 Sir Clarence made a suitable reply. 
 
 While this conversation was taking place, Mainwaring and 
 Lady Fanshaw (as we must henceforth designate her) had 
 entered one of the hothouses, but they now reappeared, and 
 as they drew near the young pair, Ida exclaimed, 
 
 " We are found out, mamma. Sir Clarence's ingenuity . 
 has penetrated our device, but he is good-natured enough to 
 forgive it, in consideration of the motive." 
 
 " The motive is too complimentary to myself not merely 
 to command my forgiveness, but my gratitude," he said, 
 bowing to her ladyship. " I need scarcely say that I am 
 more gratified to see Lady Fanshaw at Old Court even than 
 Lady Buckhurst." 
 
 "Lady Buckhurst is my sister," said Lady Fanshaw, "so 
 I have made free with her name for the occasion, or rather, 
 I adopted it at Mr. Mainwaring's suggestion." 
 
 "Yes, yes," cried the old gentleman, who looked perfectly 
 enchanted, "I am the real culprit ! I take all the blame 
 upon myself. But, in my opinion, Sir Clarence ought to be 
 infinitely obliged to me for the trouble I have taken for 
 him." 
 
 " So I am, my good friend so I am more obliged than 
 I can readily express," rejoined the young baronet. " But 
 let us go in to luncheon," he added, offering his arm to 
 Lady Fanshaw. 
 
 So they proceeded to the house, Mainwaring chuckling 
 incessantly all the way. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 AFTER LUNCHEON. 
 
 5|N elegant collation awaited them in the dining- 
 room, and the drive having given the ladies an 
 appetite, they appeared to enjoy the good things 
 set before them. Somehow, ladies do enjoy lun- 
 cheon more than any other meal. The champagne gave 
 life to the conversation, and the harmless pleasantries of 
 the old gentleman, who would keep recurring to the little 
 plot and claiming the entire merit of its conception, caused 
 a great deal of merriment. It seemed that the secret had 
 already transpired, for Jodrell, when spoken to on the 
 subject, said he was quite aware that he had the honour 
 of waiting upon Lady Fanshaw and her daughter. Her 
 ladyship's servants, of course, had told him all about it. 
 Whether Sir Clarence thought it incumbent upon him to 
 pay more attention to his guests now that he knew who 
 they really were, or whether he was better pleased with 
 them, we cannot pretend to say. Certainly he did his 
 best to make himself agreeable, and succeeded. 
 
 While thus conversing with Ida, and experiencing the 
 full force of her witchery of manner and the power of her 
 soft blue eyes, the young baronet first admitted to him- 
 self the possibility that Lucetta might be superseded in 
 his regard. And so rapidly did the spell of the golden- 
 haired enchantress operate, that ere luncheon was over he 
 began to think that he could love again nay, he was 
 not quite sure that he was not in love already. It may 
 be that Ida came resolved on conquest. It may be that 
 this was the aim and object of the plan arranged between 
 herself and Lucetta. On these points we have no precise 
 information. JBut if conquest were her aim, she could 
 not doubt that she had attained it. Sir Clarence could ' 
 
334 Old Court. 
 
 not conceal in fact, did not attempt to conceal the 
 effect produced upon him by the beautiful girl. He was 
 now effectually cured of the disease under which he had 
 so long laboured, but he was threatened with another 
 attack quite as formidable as the first. 
 
 While chatting and laughing with Lady Fanshaw, Main- 
 waring noted all that was passing between the young pair, 
 and soon comprehended how matters stood. Perhaps the 
 satisfaction which he felt made him drink a little more 
 champagne than he otherwise would have done, and his 
 spirits rose in proportion. 
 
 Another walk in the garden took place after luncheon, 
 and as Mainwaring had still a great deal to show to 
 Lady Fanshaw, it chanced that the young pair were 
 occasionally left together for a few minutes, and the old 
 gentleman, who watched them from a distance, thought 
 all was going on prosperously. 
 
 They were standing beneath a tree on a little green 
 mound, which commanded charming views of the mansion 
 and park. 
 
 "And you are really pleased with the old house, Miss 
 Fanshaw ? " said Sir Clarence. 
 
 " Delighted with it. Don't make any changes, I beg of 
 you. Improvements, as they are called, will only spoil it." 
 
 " Could you make up your mind to live in such an old- 
 fashioned place ? " 
 
 " I daresay I could. I like the country, and am fond of 
 a garden. With such a garden as this I could always feel 
 happy." 
 
 A rejoinder rose to Sir Clarence's lips, but he repressed 
 it, and remained silent. His looks, however, betrayed him. 
 
 "You seem to like the place greatly, and no wonder," 
 she remarked. 
 
 " Sometimes I find it rather solitary." 
 
 " That is your own fault. You can soon make it as gay 
 as you please. Fill the house with company. Have croquet 
 parties on the lawns, and all sorts of out-of-doors and in- 
 doors amusements, and you won't complain of solitude." 
 
 " I have not felt equal to society until quite lately. Con- 
 sequently, I have refused all the invitations offered me, but 
 henceforward I mean to adopt a very different course, and 
 
After L imcheon. 355 
 
 mix with the world. Lucetta is very anxious that I should 
 marry." 
 
 u Don't mind what she says," rejoined Ida. "You ac- 
 knowledge you have seen very little of the world, and can 
 know nothing of our sex. You don't even know your own 
 tastes. Make no hasty choice. Look about you.' 1 
 
 " I think you are laughing at me." 
 
 " I am speaking seriously. Giving you sound advice." 
 
 " I won't promise to follow it. I prefer Lucetta's counsel/' 
 
 " Well, you are the best judge of what will contribute to 
 your happiness. But were I in your place, I should never 
 think of marrying for ten or twenty years to come." 
 
 s< Ten or twenty years ! I can't wait quite so long, even 
 to please you. I hope to be married before many months 
 are over." 
 
 "Then I suppose you have already made your choice?" 
 
 " Have I not explained that I have hitherto led a solitary 
 life? I have seen no one." 
 
 " Then don't be captivated by the first fair face you meet. 
 Choose somebody as nearly as possible resembling Lucetta, 
 and you will chose well." 
 
 " Lucetta herself shall choose for me." 
 
 " Not a bad plan, perhaps, since you have so little 
 reliance upon your own judgment. No one should choose 
 for me. : * 
 
 " I have every confidence in Lucetta. I can pretty well 
 guess on whom her choice will fall and so, I think, can 
 you." 
 
 In spite of herself, Ida could not conceal the confusion 
 which this remark occasioned, and seeing Lady Fanshaw 
 and Mainwaring advancing, she instantly proposed to rejoin 
 them. 
 
 " One moment, Miss Fanshaw," implored Sir Clarence, 
 with a look impossible to misunderstand. 
 
 Ida, however, was deaf to the appeal, and walked on 
 quickly, and Sir Clarence was obliged to follow. 
 
 The time for departure having now nearly arrived, the 
 ladies returned to the house, and found the carriage waiting 
 for them at the door. 
 
 At this juncture. Sir Clarence made a last effort to have 
 another word with Ida, but failed as before. 
 
336 Old Court. 
 
 While he was assisting Lady Fanshaw to the carriage, she 
 followed quickly far too quickly with Mainwaring. In 
 another instant she was by her mother's side, and the 
 carriage door was shut by the footman. He could only 
 press her hand. 
 
 " Adieu ! Sir Clarence/ 1 said her ladyship. " Come over 
 soon to Tunbridge Wells." 
 
 And the carriage dashed through the gates. 
 
 " Sir Clarence is very handsome. Don't you think so ? " 
 remarked Lady Fanshaw, as they drove through the noble 
 park, and admired its long sweeping glides. " He seemed 
 particularly attentive to you, 1 thought." 
 
 "Attentive!" replied the younger lady. " He has half 
 proposed to me already." 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 AGAIN AT THE " OLD SHIP." 
 
 j]BOUT a month after the event last described, 
 which, trifling a'S it may seem, exercised an 
 important influence on the young baronet's future 
 career, Sir Clarence and Mainwaring arrived one 
 evening at Brighton. Of course they put up at the " Old 
 Ship," and of course dined well. Mr. Bacon expected them. 
 He did not require to be- reminded of the old port, but 
 brought up a special bottle after dinner. 
 
 " I knew you would not forget me, Mr. Bacon," said the 
 old gentleman, with a smile, as the urbane host filled his 
 glass. 
 
 " From r the same bin as the last, Mr. Mainwaring," 
 replied Mr. Bacon, " I hope you will find the wine in good 
 Condition." 
 
Again ai the " Old Ship? 337 
 
 " Perfect ! " cried Main waring, smacking his lips. " If 
 anything, better than the last." 
 
 " Allow me to assist you, Sir Clarence ? " 
 
 " I rarely drink port wine, Mr. Bacon," replied the young 
 baronet. 
 
 " My young friend does not understand what is . 
 good," cried Main waring. " Give him some claret, Mr. \ 
 Bacon." 
 
 " I think I can please you, Sir Clarence," said the ! 
 host. 
 
 So a bottle of Lafitte was brought, and highly approved, 
 though the old gentleman stoutly declined to give an opinion 
 upon it, declaring that he wouldn't insult the port. 
 
 " Pray, Mr. Bacon," said Mainwaring, as the host was 
 about to retire, " can you tell me where Sir Nevil and Lady 
 Fanshaw are staying ? " 
 
 " At the Bedford. They arrived there yesterday. My 
 information is accurate, as I had it from Captain Fanshaw, 
 who called to let me know that I should have the honour of 
 seeing you and Sir Clarence here to-day. Of course it would 
 be almost superfluous to mention that Miss Fanshaw is 
 staying with Lady Danvers in Adelaide Crescent, as you 
 must be aware of the circumstance." 
 
 "You think Sir Clarence must know that eh, Mr. 
 Bacon?" cried Mainwaring, chuckling as he filled his 
 glass. 
 
 " I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Fanshaw and Miss 
 Chetwynd as they rode out towards the Dyke this morning, 
 accompanied by Captain Fanshaw and Major Trevor," 
 pursued Mr. Bacon, "and two more graceful figures on 
 horseback I never beheld. Quite a picture. I watched 
 them till they were nearly out of sight." 
 
 "Of course you are aware that Captain Fanshaw is 
 engaged to Miss Chetwynd ? " remarked Mainwaring. 
 
 "I am quite aware of the circumstance, Sir," rejoined 
 the host. "And I have heard upon what I consider 
 tolerably good authority that Miss Fanshaw is likewise 
 engaged." 
 
 " Not to Major Trevor," laughed the old gentleman. 
 
 " No the major is not so fortunate," said the host. " It 
 does not become me to make any remark ? but I cannot help 
 
Old Court. 
 
 saying that whoever obtains Miss Fanshaw's hand may be 
 accounted a very enviable person." 
 And with a bow he withdrew. 
 
 " I am entirely of our worthy host's opinion," remarked 
 Main waring, as soon as they were alone. "I didn't 
 suppose he had been so well informed. But Brighton is a 
 terribly gossiping place, and a lovely girl like Ida must be 
 given away to somebody. Besides, there was no occasion 
 for secresy." 
 
 "But the affair is not quite settled yet," rejoined Sir 
 Clarence. " To-morrow will decide my fate. Till I have 
 seen Sir Nevil I cannot consider myself secure ; for though 
 I am possessed of Ida's heart, though I flatter myself I am a 
 favourite with her mother, still Sir NeviPs consent to the 
 match is wanting, and till that is obtained the matter cannot 
 be considered as decided. It is strange that Sir Nevil and 
 I should not have met, so that I know nothing of him 
 personally. I am told he is rather obstinate and dis- 
 agreeable." 
 
 " He is pompous and haughty, but quite a gentleman," 
 rejoined Main waring* " In the conversation which I had 
 with him on the subject of the proposed marriage, the only 
 objection that he raised was in regard to your title to the 
 property, and the impossibility, as it seemed to him, of 
 your making an adequate settlement upon his daughter." 
 
 " I hope you explained all to him, and told him exactly 
 how I am circumstanced?" said Sir Clarence. 
 
 " I kept nothing back whatever," replied the old gentle- 
 man. " We got on remarkably well to a certain point, 
 and he seemed perfectly satisfied with your proposals ; 
 but when I was obliged to inform him that Sir Hugh's 
 will was lost, he quite started, and seemed to think that 
 an awkward matter. I told him that the directions of the 
 will would be strictly carried out, but he did not seem 
 satisfied. However, there is no real difficulty, so I make 
 no doubt the affair will be settled to-morrow. It cannot 
 be denied that the loss of the will is a most vexatious 
 circumstance. There seems no chance whatever of 
 recovering it, any more than of bringing the assassin to 
 justice." 
 
 03 1 don't despair of either/' rejoined Sir Clarence, " You 
 
Again at the " Old Ship." 339 
 
 remember that I found a fragment of a newspaper in Sir 
 Hugh's chamber. On examining it I noticed an ad- 
 vertisement which ran thus : 
 
 THE LOST WILL MAY BE RECOVERED. 
 
 It would almost seem to apply to the will we have 
 lost." 
 
 " There are other lost wills beside Sir Hugh's/' said 
 Mainwaring. " But the advertisement may have been 
 concocted by La Hogue. It sounds like it. Perhaps 
 we may learn something at the newspaper-office." 
 
 "I cannot help thinking that the fragment of newspaper 
 was designedly left in my uncle's room," said Sir Clarence. 
 " If so, La Hogue must have been there." 
 
 " Upon my soul ! it looks like it," said the old gentle- 
 man, after some reflection, which he assisted by a glass 
 of wine. " We must set a trap for him. But we sha'n't 
 easily catch such a cunning fox. Meantime we have 
 another matter to attend to, to which this is secondary." 
 
 "The recovery of the will appears to me to be of primary 
 importance." 
 
 " Let us see what to-morrow brings forth, and act accord- 
 ingly," said Mainwaring. 
 
 They were still sitting over their wine, when the door 
 opened, and Captain Fanshaw came in. From the cordial 
 way in which the young men met, it was quite clear that 
 the most friendly feelings now subsisted between them. 
 Rainald also appeared very glad to see Mainwaring, and 
 shook hands heartily with him. 
 
 " I have just left the girls, Sir Clarence," he said. "All 
 the party are dining at the Bedford, so there will be no use 
 in your going to Adelaide Crescent to see them this even- 
 ing. I don't want to alarm yon, my dear fellow, but I've 
 rather bad news for you." 
 
 "Bad news!" exclaimed Sir Clarence, uneasily, while 
 Mainwaring's looks betokened anxiety. " What soil of bad 
 news ? " 
 
 " Not to make a long tale about it, the governor don't 
 half like the loss of Sir Hugh's will, and makes all sorts of 
 difficulties and objections you understand." 
 
340 Old Court. 
 
 " I was sadly afraid he would," said Sir Clarence. 
 
 " All we can say to him is of no use," pursued Rainald. 
 " He's so confoundedly obstinate, that when once he gets a 
 thing into his head there's no turning him. I've tried my 
 hand pretty hard, but with little effect. There's no use in 
 repeating what he says. You'll hear it all to-morrow, with 
 some additions, I'll be bound. But don't be down-hearted. 
 We shall get over him. Lucetta is confident she can 
 manage him." 
 
 " I'm glad to hear that," said Sir Clarence. 
 
 " We shall recover the will yet, you'll see, Captain/' said 
 Main waring, confidently. 
 
 "You think so!" rejoined Rainald. "Convince the 
 governor of that, and you'll settle all difficulties. But I 
 must be off." 
 
 " Take a glass of claret," said the young baronet. 
 
 " No thanks ! I've had claret enough at the Bedford. 
 My brougham's at the door. I must go back to the 
 barracks. I only just called to prepare you for to-morrow. 
 Good-night ! " 
 
 And he quitted the room, leaving the two gentlemen in 
 no very pleasant frame of mind. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 SIR NEVIL FANSHAW. 
 
 jjjEXT morning, immediately after breakfast, Sif 
 Clarence betook himself to Adelaide Crescent 
 He was shown into the drawing-room, where he 
 expected to find Lucetta alone ; but to his great 
 surprise, and, we may add, to his annoyance, he found Sir 
 Nevil and Lady Fanshaw. They were seated together, 
 evidently engaged in - earnest conversation, but when the 
 young baronet came in, her ladyship arose, and, after greet- 
 ing him very warmly, presented him to her husband. 
 
 Sir Nevil was a portly old gentleman, about seventy, or 
 perhaps a little more, but tolerably well preserved, though 
 he had suffered a good deal from gout, as the chalk-stone 
 swellings on his finger-joints betrayed. The old baronet 
 had marked features, an aquiline nose, black bushy brows 
 overhanging keen black eyes, and iron-grey hair. Ordinarily, 
 his manner was rather haughty and repelling, but he was 
 exceedingly courteous to Sir Clarence, as might naturally be 
 expected. 
 
 After a little general conversation, which, in spite of all 
 efforts to the contrary, soon became constrained, Sir Nevil 
 glanced significantly at her ladyship, and she at once took 
 the hint, and, making some slight excuse, quitted the 
 room. 
 
 Sir Clarence then felt that the dreaded moment was 
 come. Nor was he long kept in suspense. 
 
 " What I have to say to you, Sir Clarence, would have 
 been infinitely better stated by my lawyer," began the old 
 baronet ; " but I adopt this course, because, though it is 
 disagreeable to talk over business matters in connexion 
 with a proposed matrimonial alliance, there is a singularity 
 in your case which renders private discussion indispensable. 
 Let me premise that your offer to my daughter appeared on 
 
342 Old Court. 
 
 the first blush entirely agreeable both to myself and Lady 
 Fanshaw. We are fully sensible to your personal merits ; 
 and, indeed, a variety of circumstances conspired to make 
 the match satisfactory to us. At that time, I need scarcely 
 say, I was totally unaware how you are situated in regard 
 to Old Court. I had been given to understand by my son 
 that you inherited the estates from your late uncle, Sir 
 Hugh Chetwynd. But I now find that the will is lost. 
 Consequently, the whole property goes to Lucetta, and the 
 bare title remains to you." 
 
 "That is so, Sir Nevil," remarked the young baronet. 
 "I am informed that Lucetta desires to be guided by 
 the draft of the will prepared by her father, but left un- 
 signed," pursued Sir Nevil; "but I do not think, in justice 
 to himself, that my son, Captain Fanshaw, should accede 
 to such an arrangement. Most undoubtedly, / am opposed 
 to it strongly opposed and you must excuse my freedom 
 in telling you so. Sir Hugh had a perfect right to bequeath 
 his property to whomsoever he might think fit, the estates 
 not being entailed. He chose to pass over his daughter in 
 your favour. But his design having been frustrated by the 
 abstraction of the will, the estates go to the daughter and I 
 think she ought to keep them." 
 
 " I have always entertained this view, Sir Nevil, as Mr. 
 Mainwaring will inform you," replied Sir Clarence. " I 
 have no claim whatever to my uncle's property, and am 
 willing to resign it at once to Lucetta." 
 
 "Permit me to say that you are acting nobly, Sir 
 Clarence, and quite consistently with the high character 
 I had heard of you," said the old baronet. "It would 
 give me unfeigned satisfaction to have you for a son-in-law. 
 Lady Fansha\v has a warm regard for you. Ida, I believe 
 nay, I am sure is sincerely attached to you. Rainald 
 likes you, and I myself could not fail to like you. But, 
 under the circumstances, you will feel that the marriage 
 cannot possibly take place. I assure you I am sincerely 
 sorry for it." 
 
 Sir Clarence was saved from the necessity of making any 
 reply to his speech, which cat him to the heart, by the 
 entrance of Lucetta. She was attired in deep mourning, 
 which in no wise detracted from the grace and beauty of 
 
Sir A T vi! FattshaW* 343 
 
 her figure, while it set off the clearness of her complexion. 
 By this time she had quite recovered her beauty, though 
 there was still a shade of melancholy in her countenance. 
 
 A very affectionate greeting took place between the 
 cousins. Lucetta then went up to the old baronet and 
 kissed his brow. 
 
 " You have just come in time, my love," he said, regard- 
 ing her fondly. " I have had some conversation with Sir 
 Clarence, and nothing can be nobler than his conduct. 
 He declines altogether to take the property." 
 
 " The property is rightfully yours, Lucetta, and I cannot 
 take it," said Sir Clarence. 
 
 " Exactly. That is what I told you, my dear," remarked 
 Sir Nevil. " The property is yours. You are Sir Hugh's 
 only child, and heiress." 
 
 " Of course all my hopes of a union with Ida are over," 
 pursued Sir Clarence, sadly. 
 
 " Of course," remarked Sir Nevil. " I'm very very 
 sorry for it, but it can't be helped. I cannot give my 
 daughter to a man who has nothing, however highly I may 
 esteem him." 
 
 " But Sir Clarence Chetwynd is not precisely in that 
 predicament," said Lucetta, with a spirit that rather con- 
 founded the old baronet. "He has Old Court, and all the 
 domains belonging to it, and those, I think, may count for 
 something." 
 
 "Your father's property is yours, my dear, not your 
 cousin's," rejoined Sir Nevil, quietly. "Sir Clarence 
 acquiesces in that opinion, as he could not help doing, 
 since there is no will." 
 
 " This is perfectly true, Lucetta," said Sir Clarence. 
 " I don't consider it mine," she cried, firmly, "and not all 
 the lawyers in Westminster Hall shall force me to take it. 
 I know how my poor father intended to leave it, and I will 
 take care his intentions are not frustrated. If the property 
 is mine, as you assert, Sir Nevil, I can do what I please 
 with it, and I shall give it to my cousin." 
 
 " You will wrong Rainald if you do," said Sir Nevil, 
 somewhat angrily. " But I don't think, on reflection, that 
 you will act so foolishly." 
 
 " Cousin," said Lucetta, turning to Sir Clarence, " you 
 
344 Old Court. 
 
 need not be under the slightest apprehension that you will 
 be disturbed in the enjoyment of the property. I will take 
 care that it shall be made over to you." 
 
 "Lucetta, this must not be," he rejoined. 
 
 " But I say it shall be, 3 ' she cried. " Luckily, you can't 
 prevent me." 
 
 " We shall hear what Rainald has to say to this ! " ex- 
 claimed Sir Nevil, who had now worked himself up into a 
 passion. "If he is of my mind, I know what he will do." 
 
 Fortunately, the old gentleman was prevented from giving 
 utterance to all the suggestions of his anger. The door 
 opened, and a numerous party flocked in, comprising Lady 
 Danvers and Lady Fanshaw, Ida and her brother, and lastly 
 Mr. Main waring. 
 
 As Sir Nevil's looks proclaimed his anger, Rainald ran 
 forward towards Lucetta. Sir Clarence did not attempt 
 to advance to Ida, but held himself aloof from the 
 company. 
 
 "You look excited, Sir pray calm yourself," said Rainald 
 to his father. 
 
 "I may well be excited," rejoined the old baronet. 
 " Lucetta won't listen to reason." 
 
 " I have simply told Sir Nevil what I mean to do," she 
 rejoined. "You are aware of my intentions, Rainald." 
 
 " Certainly," he replied, " and I think it is the right thing 
 to do. Is Sir Clarence to be deprived of the property be- 
 cause the will can't be found ? " 
 
 " He has no more right to the property than you have," 
 cried Sir Nevil. " I don't like to express the strong opinion 
 I entertain of Lucetta's conduct, but I think it " 
 
 "Hold, Sir," interrupted his son. "You may say what 
 you will be sorry for hereafter." 
 
 "There must be no further misunderstanding on this 
 point," said Lucetta. " I take all present to witness, that 
 unless the will be found, I shall make over the property to 
 Sir Clarence." 
 
 " Quite right ! " cried Rainald, approvingly. " Quite 
 right \'\ 
 
 " Quite wrong, I say ! " roared Sir Nevil. " You are a 
 fool to talk thus, and can't see your own interest. Why 
 should you give away Old Court ? " 
 
Sir Nevil Fans haw. 345 
 
 "You forget yourself, Sir. I have nothing to do with the 
 place." 
 
 "But your intended wife has. What have you to say to 
 that?" 
 
 " That she has a perfect right to deal with her own." 
 
 " I deny it. She has no right to throw the estates away 
 for a mere question of feeling." 
 
 " But the estates will remain in the family. If they don't 
 benefit me, they will benefit Ida," said Rainald. 
 
 "No, they won't," cried Sir Nevil. "I'll take care of 
 that. Everything shan't be carried against me. By this 
 arrangement you fancy you can make sure of my consent to 
 Sir Clarence's union with Ida. But you are mistaken. I 
 refuse it peremptorily refuse it." 
 
 "Recal those words, father," said Rainald. 
 
 " He may have the property, but he shan't have her," 
 cried Sir Nevil. 
 
 " For Heaven's sake, hear me, Sir ! " 
 
 "Not another word. Don't provoke me, or I'll retract 
 my consent to your own marriage." 
 
 And, despite all efforts to stop him, the infuriated old 
 baronet rushed out of the room, followed by Lady Fanshaw 
 and his daughter. 
 
 of ttje dFift!) Voofc 
 
BOOK VI. 
 
 SIR HUGH'S WILL. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 GOING TO THE STATION. 
 
 flHERE were visitors at Old Court. 
 
 Among them was one person who could scarcely 
 have been looked for there, after the stormy scene 
 we have just described as taking place in Adelaide 
 Crescent. This was Sir Nevil Fanshaw. When the irascible 
 old baronet's anger subsided he listened to the representa- 
 tions of his wife and daughter. He would not, indeed, con- 
 sent to an immediate marriage between Sir Clarence and 
 Ida, but he allowed the engagement to continue, in the hope 
 that the missing will might be found. Thus the difficulty 
 was got over, and all went on smoothly as before. 
 
 The arrangement, however, had the effect of postponing 
 Rain aid's happiness, for Lucetta positively declared that he 
 should not lead her to the altar till Sir Clarence and Ida 
 could accompany them. Both weddings must take place on 
 the same day, and at the same church. Naturally, Rainald 
 thought this stipulation rather hard, but he submitted with 
 the best grace he could probably believing that there would 
 be no great delay after all. 
 
 Acting upon Mainwaring's suggestion, Sir Clarence in- 
 vited the whole party to Old Court. Sir Nevil readily 
 accepted the invitation, as he wanted to see the place, and 
 took his wife and daughter with him. Every preparation 
 had been made by Sir Clarence for his guests, and special 
 
Going to the Station. 347 
 
 instructions were given to the housekeeper and butler, which 
 tvere carefully carried out. Rainald and Major Trevor 
 arrived on the same day in time for dinner. All passed off 
 satisfactorily. Sir Clarence was assiduous in his attentions 
 to the old baronet, and Mainvvaring and the major kept him 
 in perfect good humour throughout the evening, and sent 
 him to bed extraordinarily cheerful. 
 
 Next day, there was to be a further accession to the party. 
 Lucetta and her aunt were expected from Brighton. Lucetta 
 had not been at the old house since the period of the dire 
 catastrophe, and even now shrank from revisiting the place ; 
 but she could not resist her cousin's earnest solicitations, 
 and promised to come. 
 
 After luncheon, as the day was exceedingly fine, Sir 
 Clarence and all his guests set out for Edenbridge to meet 
 the new comers some in one way, some in another. 
 Captain Fanshaw, who was a capital whip, drove the mail- 
 phaeton, intending to bring Lucetta back with him; her 
 place, in the interim, being occupied by Mainwaring. Sir 
 Clarence rode with Ida, and Major Trevor set out with 
 them, but soon finding himself de trop, he trotted after the 
 mail-phaeton. Sir Nevil and Lady Fanshaw were in their 
 own barouche. The old baronet had got a slight headache 
 perhaps he had drunk rather too much wine overnight 
 and was rather irritable in consequence. 
 
 As we have said, it was a brilliant summer's day a trifle 
 too hot, perhaps but the park was magnificent, and the 
 road, generally speaking, shady, so the heat did not much 
 signify. 
 
 It certainly did not incommode Ida and Sir Clarence as 
 they rode side by side, and very close together, beneath the 
 trees. Even at a distance you would have known they were 
 lovers. The steeds seemed to sympathise with their riders, 
 and went on quite quietly. 
 
 We know better than to intrude upon the pair, and shall 
 therefore rejoin Captain Fanshaw and Mainwaring, who 
 were bowling along the shady road. Major Trevor had 
 dropped behind, so they had the talk to themselves. 
 
 " Did Sir Clarence tell you about a letter which he got 
 this morning, relating, as we suppose, to the will?" remarked 
 the old gentleman, 
 
343 Old Court. 
 
 " No, he didn't mention it," replied the other, surprised 
 "What of it?" 
 
 '' Your sister's bright eyes put the matter out of his head, 
 no doubt," said Mainwaring. " He can think and talk of 
 nothing but her." 
 
 4 ' Yes, he's awfully spooney. Worse than I am and I'm 
 bad enough. But what about the letter?" 
 
 " I have it by me. Sir Clarence gave it me. I'll 
 read it." 
 
 " Do so," replied the captain. 
 
 And the old gentleman, putting on his spectacles, took a 
 letter from his breast-pocket, and read as follows : 
 
 " TO SIR CLARENCE CHETWYND, BART. 
 " HONOURED SIR, 
 
 " Some circumstances have come to my knowledge 
 respecting a certain missing document, which I shall be 
 happy to impart to you, provided you will grant me a private 
 interview. I will take an early opportunity of waiting upon 
 you for the purpose. 
 
 " Very respectfully yours, 
 
 " THOMAS WALKER." 
 
 " Tom Walker writes a good clerk-like hand," observed 
 the old gentleman, " but his letter lacks both date and 
 address. What do you think of it ? " 
 
 " That it means business," rejoined the captain. " I'm 
 surprised Sir Clarence didn't mention it to me ; but, as you 
 just observed, his head's too full of other matters. I hope 
 Mr. Walker may soon put in an appearance, and bring the 
 will with him. It would be worth while to give a good sum 
 for the document. Once ours, we could turn the tables on 
 the governor, who wouldn't have another word to say for 
 himself." 
 
 Thus chatting, they reached the station, where a 
 waggonette was already drawn up, destined for the servants 
 and the luggage. 
 
 The two gentlemen at once alighted and repaired to the 
 platform, to await the train which was shortly expected. 
 Meanwhile the barouche came up, quickly followed by 
 Major Trevor, but Sir Clarence and Ida found the shady 
 
Going to the Station. 349 
 
 road so agreeable that they still lagged behind. However, 
 they now cantered on, and reached the station just as the 
 train came up. 
 
 Hastily dismounting, Sir Clarence consigned his horse to 
 a groom, and ran in to meet the ladies. He wns ju t in 
 time to bee them assisted out of a coupe by Captain Fun- 
 shaw and Mainwaring. 
 
 Lucetta, of course, was attired in deep mourning, and her 
 graceful figure and remarkable beauty excited the admiration 
 of all such passengers in the train as were fortunate enough 
 to obtain a glimpse of her. The captain's manifestation of 
 delight wis not to be mistaken, and the meeting of the 
 lovers offered an agreeable divertissement to the spectators, 
 and furnished them with a topic of conversation afterwards. 
 Meanwhile, Lady Danvers's servants had got out of a 
 second-cla^s carriage, and at the same time two other 
 persons alighted from the same compartment, on whom a 
 moment's attention must be bestowed. Not that there was 
 anything particularly noticeable in their appearance, but it 
 was evident, from a few remarks that passed between them 
 in an under tone, that they were interested by the pretty 
 little scene being enacted on the platform, and that they 
 were watching the parties very keenly, though furtively. 
 
 One of these persons was a middle-sized, middle-aged 
 man, of muscular make, but not stout, and wore a shabby 
 blue coat, which had once been braided, buttoned tightly 
 across his broad chest. No traces of linen were apparent, 
 but a stiff black cravat of a bygone fashion propped up 
 his chin, and combined with the cut of his jet-black 
 whiskers, gave him somewhat of a military air. His 
 features were hard, and by no means agreeable in expres- 
 sion, but his firmly-set mouth and square chin showed great 
 determination. A shiny silk hat, which had undergone 
 some crushing, crowned his head. He might be a railway 
 inspector, or a member of the detective police. Shabby as 
 he looked, his manner was such as to command the atten- 
 tion of the porters. 
 
 His companion, who seemed to act under his orders, 
 was a great deal shabbier in appearance than himself. An 
 old man for such his long ragged grey beard proclaimed 
 him and a cripple. Though his right leg seemed almost 
 
Old Court. 
 
 disabled, he managed to hobble about briskly enough by 
 the aid of a crutch-handled stick. His shoulders were 
 rounded almost to deformity, and materially diminished his 
 height. His features were partially concealed by a broad- 
 leaved hat. He wore an old tattered brown paletot, which 
 would have been accounted dear at five shillings, and all 
 the rest of his apparel patched boots included appeared 
 of corresponding value. His accents as well as his features 
 seemed to betray a Hebrew origin, and if you had met him 
 in a back street, or seen him peering down an area, you 
 would infallibly have set him down as an old Jew clothes- 
 man. 
 
 This individual, who was addressed by his companion as 
 Nathan, seemed to be well acquainted with all our friends 
 on the platform, and pointed out each of them to his 
 principal ; but none of them knew him, for they passed close, 
 beside him on their way out, and scarcely noticed him. 
 
 The two men gave up their tickets to the collector, and 
 went out of the station, hanging about till our friends had 
 departed. They saw Lucetta take the seat which Main- 
 waring had lately occupied in the mail-phaeton, and noticed 
 the captain's well-pleased looks as he drove off. They saw 
 Lady Danvers and Mainvvaring enter the barouche, they 
 saw Major Trevor trot off by himself, and they saw Sir 
 Clarence and Ida follow. They saw the luggage placed in 
 the waggonette, and Mr. Hammond and the lady's-maid 
 entered the vehicle, and then they quitted the station and 
 proceeded to the inn. 
 
 Here they procured some refreshment, and, having par- 
 taken of it, engaged a light chaise to convey them to Old 
 Court. 
 
 It chanced that our old acquaintances, Mr. Plessets, of 
 Aylesford, and Mr. Thomas Rollings, of the same place, 
 were in the bar of the inn taking a glass of ale with the land- 
 lord when the two men came in. Struck by their appear- 
 ance, Plessets questioned the landlord about them, and 
 obtained some rather curious information respecting the 
 individual in the shabby blue frock-coat. The landlord 
 knew nothing whatever about the little lame Israelite. 
 When the chaise was ordered for Old Court, certain sus- 
 picions, which the shrewd Mr. Plessets had begun to enter- 
 
Coming Back. 351 
 
 tain, were confirmed. However, he took no steps at the 
 time, but allowed the two men to depart in the chaise un- 
 molested, and then giving a hint to Big Tom, the gig 
 belonging to the latter was quickly brought out, and was 
 soon afterwards rattling off in the direction of Old Court. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 COMING BACK. 
 
 jjHILE this was going on, the party from the station 
 were pursuing their way to the Hall. The oc- 
 cupants of the barouche were very merry. Lady 
 Danvers had a great deal to say to Lady Fan- 
 shaw, and a great deal to hear in return, so they talked away 
 incessantly, while an equally animated conversation was 
 kept up between Mainwaring and Sir Nevil; the old 
 baronet being so much interested by the discourse that 
 he quite forgot his headache. Major Trevor followed his 
 own devices, and having nobody to talk to, emptied his 
 cigar-case. 
 
 Sir Clarence and Ida rode on very leisurely, rarely putting 
 their horses beyond a walk, and halting occasionally to 
 look at some charming prospect, so that they were soon left 
 behind, and did not reach the hall till long after the rest of 
 the party. 
 
 Rainald had started first, as we have shown, with Lucetta 
 by his side, in the mail-phaeton, and, having the fleetest 
 horses, soon got considerably ahead. Much the same sort 
 of conversation passed between him and his fair companion 
 as took place between the enamoured equestrians, and their 
 discourse would have proved equally uninteresting to a 
 third party. 
 
 Rainald tried to be as gay as he could, and talked in the 
 
 2 A 
 
352 Old Court. 
 
 lightest vein, in order to keep up Lucetta's spirits, being 
 well aware how extremely nervous she felt at returning to 
 the old house. Not till they entered the park did she 
 manifest much emotion. From that moment her agitation 
 increased, and it was rather in a melancholy state that they 
 drew up at the hall door. 
 
 Here, however, some improvement took place, for 
 Jodrell's expressions of delight on beholding her could not 
 fail to call a smile to her countenance, and in another 
 minute she was affectionately embraced by her old nurse, 
 who, having watched the approach of the mail-phaeton from 
 an upper window, hurried down to the entrance-hall to meet 
 her. 
 
 With a heart full almost to bursting, she then proceeded 
 to her own room with Mrs. Mansfield, and gave vent to her 
 t^ears. No one was better able to console her than the good 
 old dame, and when Ida entered her room to see how her 
 friend was going on, she found her looking quite cheerful. 
 
 " I am so glad to find you better, dear," said Ida, kissing 
 her affectionately. "Rainald quite alarmed me about you." 
 
 " It was very wrong in him to do so, for there was 
 nothing really the matter with me," replied Lucetta. " I" 
 was far less affected by the sight of the old place than I 
 expected to be, and now I have completely conquered my 
 emotion." 
 
 "Ah, it does my old heart good to see you here again, 
 my dear," said Mrs. Mansfield. " Now that you have come 
 back, the house will look like itself again." 
 
 " It can never look as it used to do to me, Mansfield," 
 replied Lucetta, sorrowfully. " I shall be almost afraid to 
 walk about, lest I should find it changed." 
 
 " Bless you, dear, you needn't be afraid of that. There 
 hasn't been a single piece of furniture disturbed since 
 since you left. Sir Clarence is most particular. He won't 
 allow anything to be moved." 
 
 " The place can never be the same to me as heretofore. 
 It is no longer my father's house. It is my cousin's. You 
 have got a new master, Mansfield, and you will soon have 
 a new mistress/' said Lucetta, glancing at Ida as she 
 Sjroke. 
 
 " Very true, my dear," replied the old housekeeper, with 
 
Coming Back, 353 
 
 difficulty repressing her tears, "and I couldn't desire a 
 kinder or better master than Sir Clarence, or a nicer 
 mistress than this young lady is sure to prove, but I'm a 
 foolish old woman, and can't help clinging to those I've 
 loved. You know I nursed you, dear." 
 
 "You are a dear good old creature, and I shall never 
 cease to love you," replied Lucetta ; " but you must transfer 
 your affection to your new mistress, unless you choose to 
 come and live with me." 
 
 " I don't think I can part with her, Loo," said Ida ; " and 
 I'm sure Sir Clarence can't." 
 
 " Fond as I am of you, dear, and you know I love you 
 like a mother," said Mrs. Mansfield to Lucetta, " I can't 
 make up my mind to leave the old house. I was born here, 
 and have lived here all my days, and if it shall please Sir 
 Clarence and the lady he has chosen for a wife, to retain 
 me, I hope to die here." 
 
 " Be sure you shall never leave Old Court, save by your 
 own free will, Mansfield," said Ida. " If ever I am mistress 
 here, as I may be one of these days " 
 
 " Dear heart a day, Miss, there's no doubt about it," 
 interrupted the housekeeper. 
 
 " Well, whenever I am mistress here, I shall treat you just 
 as Lucetta would have treated ypu." 
 
 " There, Mansfield, you see what I have done for you," 
 said Lucetta. " Since I can't stay with you myself, I have 
 found some one else who will take equal care of you. It 
 will be your own fault if you're not happy." 
 
 " I feel I don't deserve so much kindness," said the old 
 dame. 
 
 " Yes you do, for you're the best creature living," said 
 Lucetta, "and luckily you'll meet with your deserts. So 
 now, don't cry, or you'll set me off again, and I want to get 
 quite composed before dinner." 
 
 No sooner was this magic word pronounced, than Mrs. 
 Mansfield declared she must go down-stairs instanter, and 
 look after the flowers for the table and the dessert, and see 
 that all was getting on properly. 
 
 " That's a dear faithful old creature, and you'll find her 
 invaluable," remarked Lucetta, as the housekeeper left thena, 
 " She 4W* ^ld Jodrell belong to the place," 
 
354 Old Court. 
 
 " And neither shall quit it, as I have just said/' rejoined 
 Ida. " But there's the dinner-bell. I must go and dress." 
 
 " I have not much spirits, and still less appetite, but I 
 suppose I must go through the form of dinner,' 1 said 
 Lucetta. " Everybody would think it odd if I didn't 
 appear." 
 
 " Certainly. They would fancy all sorts of things. Out 
 of consideration for Rainald, if for no other reason, you 
 must sit down with us." 
 
 " I have something to do, and sha'n't feel easy till it is 
 done," said Lucetta, gravely. " Come to this room to-night 
 before you retire to rest. I want to speak to you." 
 
 Ida regarded her friend earnestly and enquiringly, but 
 Lucetta did not seem inclined to say more then, so she with- 
 drew to her own room, where she found her lady's-maid 
 waiting for her. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 A MOONLIGHT STROLL IN THE GARDEN. 
 
 JOTHING worthy of note occurred at dinner. 
 Finding that three of his guests, whom it is need- 
 less to particularise, were inclined to sit over their 
 wine, Sir Clarence excused himself in the best 
 way he could, and repaired with Rainald to the garden, 
 whither the ladies had gone to enjoy a stroll upon the 
 lawn. 
 
 The night was enchanting. Nearly at the full, the moon 
 flooded the roof and gables of the ancient mansion with its 
 beams, glittered on the window-panes, and cast gigantic 
 shadows on the ground. It was one of those nights that 
 seem made for lovers, and it will not seem surprising, there- 
 fore, that two amorous couples should have strayed away 
 
A MoonLght Stroll in the Garden. 355 
 
 from the lawn, each in a different direction, with the avowed 
 design of listening to the nightingales that were answering 
 each other from the trees, but really to indulge in their own 
 converse unrestrained. 
 
 They found the walks so charming, and thought each 
 object they beheld, bathed in moonlight, so exquisitely 
 beautiful, that they would willingly have strolled on till 
 Dian herself had sunk. But they were not allowed the 
 opportunity, for the elder and more discreet dames, now 
 reinforced by the gentlemen from the dining-room, who, 
 being a little elevated by the Roritz they had imbibed, 
 disturbed the stillness of the night by their laughter, came 
 in search of them, and brought them back to the house. 
 
 " Really, Sir Nevil," said Mainwaring, as they slowly 
 followed the others, "you must make these young folks 
 happy." 
 
 " Happy!" exclaimed Sir Nevil. "They are happier 
 now than they will be when their dreams are realised. Do 
 you suppose Lady Fanshaw and I ever take moonlight 
 rambles together? Not we. They ought to feel obliged to 
 me for not giving way too soon." 
 
 "Well, since you mean to give way in the end," said 
 Mainwaring, thinking he saw symptoms of yielding, " we 
 must be content." 
 
 "Find Sir Hugh's will, and Til offer no further oppo- 
 sition," said the old baronet, pausing as he spoke near the 
 entrance of a dark yew-tree alley. " Find the will, I say, 
 and both marriages shall take place with my full and free 
 consent." 
 
 " I hold you to your promise, Sir Nevil. I hold you to 
 your promise ! " cried Mainwaring. 
 
 " I never made a promise in my life, Sir, that I didn't 
 keep it," cried the old baronet, proudly. "Sir Clarence 
 Chetwynd is a very fine young fellow, and has excellent 
 qualities both of heart and head. The more 1 see of him, 
 the better I like him. But he ought not to accept this 
 place from Lucetta, and she ought not to give it a\vay. 
 Though I cannot hinder the arrangement, I will be no party 
 to it, and will oppose it stoutly as long as I'm able. If the 
 will should be recovered, all my objections will vanish, and 
 I will give him my daughter at once." 
 
35^ Old Court. 
 
 " Then possibly the two marriages may take place within 
 a week," said Mainwaring. " I'm quite sure there will be 
 no delay on the part of the young folks." 
 
 " Find the will, and there shall be none on mine," re- 
 joined the old baronet. "But I don't fancy you will find it 
 in a week." 
 
 " We may find it to-morrow. Sir Clarence has received a 
 communication which seems likely to lead to the desired 
 result." 
 
 "Ah, indeed! A communication, eh? Of what 
 nature ? " 
 
 "A letter from a person styling himself Tom Walker. 
 We expected him here to-day, but he has not turned up. 
 No doubt we shall see him to-morrow." 
 
 Sir Nevil did not appear to attach much importance to 
 Mr. Walker's communication, and they went on towards the 
 house. No sooner were they out of sight, than the two 
 individuals who had left the inn at Edenbridge in a fly 
 emerged from the yew-tree alley. 
 
 On the return of the party, tea and coffee were served in 
 the drawing-room, and music and singing, in which Rainald, 
 as well as his sister and Lucetta, took part, beguiled the 
 rest of the evening. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 LUCETTA'S STRANGE DESIGN. 
 
 jjAVING dismissed her lady's-maid, Ida proceeded 
 to Lucetta's room, where she found that young 
 lady and Mrs. Mansfield. 
 
 " Mansfield is endeavouring to dissuade me 
 from a design I have formed, Ida," remarked Lucetta, as 
 the other came in. 
 
 " I'm quite sure you'll agree with me, Miss," observed the 
 housekeeper. " It's the strangest and silliest notion that 
 ever entered a young lady's head. What do you think she 
 proposes to do?" 
 
 " I'm sure I can't tell," said Ida, surprised. 
 
 "You'll never guess. She wishes 10 visit her father's 
 room to-night." 
 
 "To-night!" exclaimed Ida. "Why, it's close upo? 
 midnight. On no account, darling Loo. You're certain to 
 get a terrible fright. 1 have been in that chamber in the 
 daytime, and dismal enough I found it, but at night it must 
 be dreadful." 
 
 " I have made up my mind to go," said Lucetta, 
 resolutely. "I don't ask you to awmpany me, because I 
 see how timid you are, but I myself have not the slightest 
 fear." 
 
 " Since nothing else will turn you from your purpose," 
 said Mrs. Mansfield, " I must speak out, and tell you that 
 the room is haunted haunted by the ghost of your poor 
 murdered father. He has been seen by more than one 
 person seated in his chair, as he used to sit in life. Suppose 
 you were to see him, dear and it's likely enough he might 
 appear to you you would never recover from the shock." 
 
 " I am not superstitious, Loo," said Ida, " but there was 
 something in the sombre appearance of that chamber that 
 
358 Old Court. 
 
 powerfully affected my imagination, and it does not in ths 
 least surprise me to learn that it is haunted." 
 
 " It is haunted, Miss," persisted Mrs. Mansfield. 
 " Question Jodrell. Question the rest of the servants. 
 They'll all tell you the same story." 
 
 Just at this moment the pendule on the chimney-piece 
 struck twelve. 
 
 " There ! the witching hour has arrived," cried Ida. 
 " You can't go now. Go to bed like a dear good child, and 
 sleep soundly. To-morrow we'll visit this dreadful chamber 
 together." 
 
 " No, I shall visit it to-night/' rejoined Lucetta. " An 
 irresistible impulse draws me thither." 
 
 "Well, you shan't go alone," said the old housekeeper. 
 " Since you are bent upon it, I'll go with you. If anything 
 happens, you musn't blame rne. I've done my best to 
 prevent you." 
 
 " I suppose I must screw up my courage and go too," 
 said Ida. " How surprised they will all be at breakfast to- 
 morrow, when they learn we have been in the haunted room 
 at midnight." 
 
 " I hope you will have nothing dreadful to relate," said 
 Mrs. Mansfield. 
 
 They were just setting out, when the housekeeper 
 discovered that she had left the key in her own room. She 
 went for it at once, and remained away so long that Lucetta 
 began to think she did not mean to return. At last, 
 however, she reappeared. 
 
 "I hope you have found the key?" said Lucetta, 
 quickly. 
 
 " Oh yes, here it is," replied the old dame, showing it to 
 her. "I should have been back sooner but there is 
 something strange going on down-stairs." 
 
 " Indeed!" exclaimed Ida, astonished. "Are not the 
 gentlemen gone to bed?" 
 
 " No, Miss," replied the old housekeeper. "Jodrell told 
 <me in a very hurried manner that they were all in the library, 
 ^engaged on some very important business, but he gave me 
 no further information, and I waited a few minutes, thinking 
 lie would come back ; and that's what detained me." 
 
 " It must be something very important to keep papa up 
 
Mr. Thomas Walker. 359 
 
 so late," said Ida. " He is ordered to keep early hours, 
 arid always goes to bed at eleven o'clock. My curiosity is 
 strongly excited. Let us go down-stairs and ascertain what 
 it is all about." 
 
 " Go down if you like, and take Mansfield with you," 
 rejoined Lucetta. " I shall fulfil my self-appointed task." 
 
 " Don't suppose I mean to desert you," cried Ida. " Come 
 along." 
 
 And they quitted the room, and proceeded towards the 
 picture-gallery, beyond which lay the corridor, wherein the 
 haunted chamber was situated. 
 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 MR. THOMAS WALKER. 
 
 jjEAVING them on their way to the haunted room, 
 we will now go down-stairs and ascertain what 
 was taking place in the library. 
 
 But in order to explain matters fully, it will be 
 necessary to go back to an earlier period of the evening. 
 Shortly after the return of the party from their moonlight 
 walk in the garden, and while tea was being served, Jodrell 
 took Sir Clarence aside, and informed him that a person 
 calling himself Mr. Thomas Walker desired to speak with 
 him. 
 
 "I told Mr. Walker to come again in the morning," 
 remarked the butler, " but he says he must see you to-night. 
 He states that, having written to you to explain his business, 
 he feels quite certain you will grant him an interview. He 
 has the appearance of a detective officer." 
 
 "Shabby blue frock-coat tightly buttoned up, black 
 
 whiskers, high cheek bones, large chin " 
 
 " The identical man ! " cried Jodrell. 
 
360 Old Court. 
 
 " I saw him at the station ; but there was an odd-looking 
 little Jew with him then." 
 
 " No one is with him now, Sir Clarence. What shall I 
 say to him ? " 
 
 " I can't see him till the ladies retire. Give him some 
 refreshment in your own room, and make him comfortable. 
 But if he offers to depart, detain him. Keep a strict watch 
 over his movements." 
 
 " It shall be done, Sir Clarence," returned Jodrell. " I 
 was about to mention that Mr. Plessets and Mr. Rollings 
 are here. They are in my room, and I'll give them a hint 
 to look after Mr. Walker." 
 
 On being made acquainted with this circumstance by Sir 
 Clarence, Mainwaring immediately left the room, and 
 managed to obtain a peep at Mr. Walker as he sat with 
 Plessets and Rollings in the butler's room, discussing a glass 
 of brandy-and-water, and was so struck by his appearance 
 that he gave some special directions concerning him to 
 Jodrell. 
 
 Subsequently, the old gentleman had a little private 
 conversation with Plessets, which induced him to make 
 some further arrangements, as will appear hereafter. 
 
 AVhen the ladies retired, a consultation took place among 
 the gentlemen, at which Jodrell assisted. Certain pre- 
 paratory arrangements were made, and when these were 
 completed, Mr. Walker was informed by the butler that Sir 
 Clarence would see him in the library. On being 
 introduced, Mr. Walker cast a sharp glance round the 
 room, but seemed reassured on rinding the young baronet 
 alone. 
 
 Sir Clarence was seated at a table, on which a moderator 
 lamp was placed, and signed to Walker to take a seat. The 
 latter, who maintained his self-possession perfectly, com- 
 plied ; but not a word passed between them till Jodrell had 
 withdrawn. 
 
 "Now, Mr. Walker," said Sir Clarence, "state your busi- 
 ness, if you please." 
 
 " Before stating it, Sir Clarence," rejoined the other, with 
 a singular and rather disagreeable smile, " I must take the 
 liberty to inform you that I am a detective officer, and was 
 employed in the search after La Hogue. Had I not been 
 
Mr. Thomas Walktr. 361 
 
 interfered with, I should have captured him, for I was on 
 the right scent." 
 
 " Is it too late to capture him now, Mr. Walker ? " 
 
 "Much too late, Sir Clarence. He's no longer in the 
 country, and won't be fool enough to return and jeopardise 
 his safety. But if I can't Catch La Hogue for you, and give 
 you the gratification of hanging him, I can do something 
 which may be equally satisfactory to you I can enable you 
 to recover your uncle's will." 
 
 "You are certain the document is in existence ?" 
 
 "Not only is it in existence, but it shall be restored to 
 you, provided " 
 
 " I am willing to pay for it." 
 
 "Exactly, Sir Clarence exactly. But understand me. 
 I am not seeking to make a bargain with you on my own 
 account. The will is not in my possession, but in the hands 
 of another party, who puts his own price upon the restora- 
 tion. Between you and me the affair might be quickly con- 
 cluded, for I'm very moderate in my expectations ; but with 
 the party in question the case is different." 
 
 " If I mistake not, Mr. Walker, I saw you at the Eden- 
 bridge station this morning ? " 
 
 " Proud to think I attracted your attention, Sir Clarence. 
 Yes, I was there. But I didn't presume to make myself 
 known to you then." 
 
 " A little Jewish-looking man was with you the person, 
 I suppose, who has got the will ? " 
 
 "You've hit it, Sir Clarence. He was the very man. 
 And an arrant Jew he is." 
 
 " How came the will into his possession ? " 
 
 " He bought it from La Hogue, and unless he lies con- 
 foundedly, paid a long price for it. He wants two thousand 
 for his bargain.' 1 
 
 " Two thousand, eh ? " 
 
 " That's his figure. I told you he is an unconscionable 
 Jew. But there's no use in attempting to bate him down. 
 He'd rather burn the will than .not get what he wants ior it* 
 So he says, at least," 
 
 " Is he here ? " 
 
 "No, Sir Clarence. I am employed to negotiate the 
 affair for him. If you agree to his terms, I will take 
 
362 Old Court. 
 
 care that the arrangement shall be faithfully carried 
 out." 
 
 " I must consult my friends before accepting the propo- 
 sition," said Sir Clarence, stepping towards the side-door, 
 which was left slightly ajar. " Come in, gentlemen." 
 
 And, at the words, Rainald and the major, followed 
 by Mainwaring and the old baronet, rushed into the 
 room. 
 
 " You have played me an unhandsome trick, Sir Clarence/' 
 said Walker, who looked disconcerted for a moment, but 
 quickly regained his composure, " but you yourself will be 
 the loser by it. You won't get the will. I have the honour 
 to wish you good night." 
 
 And bowing to the company, he prepared to leave the 
 room. 
 
 "Slop, Sir!" cried Mainwaring, in a loud authoritative 
 voice. " We don't mean to part with you thus. We have 
 heard all that you have said to Sir Clarence, and don't 
 believe a word about your Hebrew associate. We are 
 certain that you have got the will. Produce it ! " 
 
 " My statement to Sir Clarence was perfectly correct," re- 
 joined Walker. "The document is in the hands of another 
 party, who will now infallibly destroy it. Attempt to detain 
 me at your peril ! " 
 
 And he made towards the door, but had not reached it, 
 when it flew suddenly open, and he found himself in the 
 clutches of Big Tom Rollings and PJessets. 
 
 "Let me go, or you'll repent it," he roared. 
 
 " This bounce won't do with us," said Plessets. " We 
 know who you are well enough." 
 
 " Who am I, then?" demanded Walker, haughtily. 
 
 " Sam Sharkey, a ticket-of-leave man," rejoined Plessets. 
 " We learnt all about you from the landlord of the inn at 
 Edenbridge." 
 
 Sharkey appeared confounded. 
 
 " Give up the will, and you shall go," said Mainwaring, 
 stepping towards him. 
 
 "Ton honour I haven't got it," rejoined Sharkey. 
 " Search me, and convince yourself." 
 
 " Where is your Jewish associate ? " continued Main- 
 waring. " You must find him for us." 
 
Who was Found in the Haunted Room. 363 
 
 " Put it more civilly, old gent. Promise to let me off, and 
 I'll tell you where to find him, and who he is." 
 
 " I know who he is," cried Sir Clarence. " He is the 
 assassin, La Hogue." 
 
 "Not far wrong, Sir Clarence/* replied Sharkey. 
 
 "Where is he?" 
 
 "Concealed in a chamber in the disused wing of the 
 house," returned Sharkey. "If you secure him, you'll find 
 the will upon him. Now let me go. 51 
 
 " Release him ! " said Sir Clarence. " I know where to 
 find the assassin. Come with me," he added to Rainald 
 and the major. 
 
 All three rushed forth, and hurried up the grand staircase, 
 but when they gained the corridor a dense volume of smoke 
 stopped them. 
 
 "Great Heaven! the" house is on fire!" exclaimed Sir 
 Clarence. " This is the villain's work." 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 WHO WAS FOUND IN THE HAUNTED ROOM. 
 
 jjHE corridor in which Sir Hugh's room was situated, 
 though containing some of the largest and best- 
 furnished bed-chambers in the mansion, was now 
 entirely disused. Sir Clarence, as we know, had 
 long since removed from it, and none of his guests were 
 lodged in this part of the house. The main approach to the 
 corridor was from the gallery, but a back staircase, closed 
 by a spring door, communicated with the lower rooms. 
 Needless to say that the household shunned the sombre 
 passage, and never visited it at night. 
 
 Lucetta, who was a little in advance of the others, was 
 the first to enter the corridor. Her taper only illuminated 
 
364 Old Court. 
 
 the Bearer portion of the gloomy passage. Lower down/it 
 was buried in obscurity. Could it be fancy, or did she 
 really behold a dark figure standing close to the wall, not 
 far from the door of the haunted room ? Without stopping 
 to satisfy herself on the point, she hurried back to the others 
 who were still in the gallery. 
 
 ''Good gracious, Loo! what's the matter?" cried Ida, 
 startled by her looks. " Have you seen something fright- 
 ful ? " 
 
 Lucetta explained the cause of her alarm, and Ida then 
 thought they ought to go back, but Lucetta, who by this 
 time had begun to be ashamed of her terror, was averse to 
 the proposition, and Mrs. Mansfield volunteered to go on 
 first, and ascertain whether there really was anyone in the 
 corridor. 
 
 Accordingly she went on, but presently returned, and, 
 signing to them to advance, they complied, but it was not 
 without a shudder that the two young persons followed her 
 down the passage. 
 
 There was nothing to justify Lucetta's fears. Only a few 
 old high-backed carved chairs were to be seen. Only the 
 sound of their own footsteps could be heard. 
 
 They soon reached the door, and Lucetta strove to collect 
 all her energies while Mrs. Mansfield applied the key to 
 the lock. But she was spared the trial for the moment, 
 for, after a few ineffectual attempts, the old housekeeper 
 was obliged to confess that she could not unfasten the 
 door. 
 
 " I can't make out what ails it," she said, " but it seems 
 as if the door were locked inside." 
 
 "That's impossible!" cried Lucetta. 
 
 " Well, it's quite clear we can't get in, and I'm not sorry 
 for it," observed Ida. 
 
 " Have you the key of the dressing-room ? " asked 
 Lucetta. 
 
 Mrs. Mansfield said she had, and that door being un- 
 locked without difficulty, they went into the room. 
 
 An inner door, as the reader is aware, communicated 
 with the adjoining chamber, and summoning up all her 
 resolution, Lucetta entered it, and stepped into her father's 
 room. 
 
Who was Found in the Haunted Room. 
 
 Her companions were preparing to follow, when a 
 piercing scream broke upon their ears, and, though greatly ' 
 terrified, they both rushed in. 
 
 Several strange objects were lying about on the table 
 and on the chairs an old tattered brown paletot, a broad- 
 leaved soft black hat, and a false grey beard and there- 
 was also a candle, which had evidently just been ex- 
 tinguished. 
 
 But their attention was chiefly directed to Lucetta, who 
 had sunk on a chair almost overcome by terror. 
 
 "Oh, Mansfield!" she cried, clasping the old house- 
 keeper convulsively round the neck. "Save me from him 
 save me ! " 
 
 " Calm yourself, my love. No one shall harm you while 
 I am able to defend you," replied the good old dame, try- 
 ing to soothe her. 
 
 " I have seen him, I tell you, Mansfield," cried Lucetta. 
 <; Take me hence ! take me hence ! Support me ! My 
 strength is quite gone." 
 
 "Have you seen the ghost, dear?" asked Ida, in a 
 whisper, and looking blanched with terror. 
 
 " No, the assassin, La Hogue," replied Lucetta. " I 
 saw him distinctly. He is here still." 
 
 " Here ! " almost shrieked Ida. " Great Heavens ! what 
 will become of us? We shall all be murdered to a 
 certainty." 
 
 " No, ladies," said La Hogue, stepping from behind the 
 bed, whither he had retreated. " No, ladies," he continued, 
 bowing as he advanced. "You need not be under the 
 slightest apprehension. You may rely upon it I won't 
 harm you, provided you don't make a disturbance. 
 Excuse me," he added, intercepting Ida, who was about to 
 fly into the dressing-room. " I can't permit you to depart." 
 
 He then went into the dresiiflg-room, deliberately locked 
 the outer door, put the key in his pocket, and came back. 
 Meanwhile, Ida, almost desperate with fright, vainly tried 
 to open the door cf the chamber in which they were left. 
 
 " You won't get out without my permission, Miss Fan- 
 shaw," he said. "And I trust you won't force me to put 
 you to inconvenience. I promise to relieve you of my 
 presence very shortly." 
 
Old Court* 
 
 " What brings you here, villain ! " cried Lucetta, who by 
 this time had in some degree recovered her courage. 
 " How dare you set foot within this chamber, which you 
 have stained with my dear father's blood ? Does not the 
 thought of your guilt shake your soul ? Have you no fear 
 of the dead ? " 
 
 " I am not troubled with many qualms of conscience/'' 
 replied La Hogue, indifferently. " I am more afraid of the 
 living than of the dead, but am not much afraid of either. 
 I suppose you have heard that this room is haunted ? " 
 
 " The ghost has been seen, you profane and unbelieving 
 wretch!" cried Mrs. Mansfield. "Take care it doesn't 
 appear now to blast you." 
 
 " The ghost is here already, Madam, and stands before 
 you," rejoined La Hogue. "Having an object in 
 occasionally visiting this room, it suited my purpose to 
 frighten the servants, and yourself and Jodreli in particular, 
 And I succeeded almost better than I expected,' 1 he added, 
 with a slight laugh. 
 
 " Your audacity is unparalleled, villain ! " cried Mrs. 
 Mansfield. " No one but the most hardened wretch would 
 personate the ghost of his victim, and sit in his victim's 
 chair." 
 
 " Well, it was rather a novel idea, and I give myself 
 credit for it," returned La Hogue. " But I hope you won't 
 believe in ghosts for the future, Mrs. Mansfield, now you 
 have heard my explanation." 
 
 "Don't address rne so familiarly, monster!" cried the 
 housekeeper, indignantly. " I abhor the sight of you." 
 
 " I have a few words to say to Miss Chetwynd, and then 
 I won't trouble you longer," said La Hogue. "Depend 
 upon it, the ghost won't be seen again in this room. This 
 is my last appearance in the character." 
 
 " I now understand how that piece of newspaper came 
 here," cried Mrs. Mansfield. "You left it." 
 
 " To be sure I did. I left it here on purpose to call 
 attention to the advertisement about the will. I wonder 
 Sir Clarence did not take the hint." 
 
 " Have you got my father's will ? " cried Lucetta, starting 
 up. " If so, make some slight atonement for the dreadful 
 crime you have committed, and restore it," 
 
Who was Pound in the Haunted Room. 367 
 
 " I came here for the express purpose of restoring it, 
 Miss Chetwynd," he replied. " My intention was to place 
 it upon that table, where it might be found to-morrow by 
 Sir Clarence. But since you have come here so un- 
 expectedly, I shall adopt another course. I must tell you 
 fairly that I do not mean to restore the will without pay- 
 ment." 
 
 "It would be unreasonable to expect you to do so," 
 cried Lucetta, scornfully. 
 
 " Extremely unreasonable," said La Hogue. " My 
 terms have by this time been made known to Sir Clarence, 
 and I feel sure will be accepted by him." 
 
 " You feel sure of that? " exclaimed Lucetta. 
 
 "Quite sure," he rejoined. "And I feel equally sure 
 that you will see them fulfilled. Entertaining that convic- 
 tion, I shall have no hesitation in leaving the will with you, 
 if you will give me your promise " 
 
 " I will give you no promise. I will make no compact 
 with my father's assassin," cried Lucetta. 
 
 "As you please," rejoined La Hogue, with affected in- 
 difference. "Good-night, ladies." 
 
 "Do not imagine I will allow you to depart," said 
 Lucetta, with a resolution that astonished all her hearers. 
 " I have my father's murder to avenge. Help me to arrest 
 the assassin ! " she added to the others. " He must not 
 escape." 
 
 " Don't compel me to have recourse to violence," said 
 La Hogue. " Whatever you may think, it is foreign to my 
 nature." 
 
 " You shall kill us all before we will let you go, villain ! " 
 cried Mrs. Mansfield. " Our shrieks will bring assistance." 
 
 " Shriek away as hard as you can, woman. You forget 
 there is no one in this part of the house." 
 
 "I will find a means of bringing assistance," cried the 
 old housekeeper. 
 
 And before La Hogue could prevent her, she rushed to 
 the windows and set fire to the curtains, which instantly 
 flamed up. 
 
 "Devil take you, you crazy eld beldame!" cried La 
 Hogue. ;< Do you want to burn the house down ? " 
 
 "I want to p: event your escape. I want to have you 
 
 2 B 
 
368 Old Court. 
 
 hanged that's what I want," replied Mrs. Mansfield, 
 planting herself before the door, determined to oppose his 
 exit, while Lucetta and Ida, though greatly terrified, guarded 
 the outlet to the dressing-room. 
 
 " Don't be afraid of the wretch, my dears don't be 
 afraid. He daren't harm you. We shall have assistance in 
 a minute," cried the old housekeeper, encouragingly. 
 
 " He sha'n't pass this way, except over my dead body," 
 said Lucetta. 
 
 Meanwhile, the flames of the curtains had communicated 
 with the dry old woodwork above the windows. The hang- 
 ings of the bed also caught fire, and burnt with astonishing 
 rapidity. 
 
 " You had better let me out quietly, ladies," said La 
 Hogue. " You'll soon find this place too hot for you." 
 
 "Don't think it, villain," cried Mrs. Mansfield. "You 
 sha'n't come near the door." 
 
 " Out of my way, you stupid old fool ! " cried La Hogue, 
 " I don't want to harm you. I merely want to let you out." 
 
 "You sha'n't do it, I tell you," rejoined the housekeeper, 
 firmly. 
 
 " But these poor girls will be burnt to death," said La 
 Hogue. " Don't you see how the flames are spreading ? " 
 
 "We are not afraid," exclaimed the two damsels 
 together. 
 
 Their resolution was, indeed, taxed to the utmost ; but 
 neither of them gave way. The fire was momently increas- 
 ing, and the room fast filling with smoke. 
 
 "You fancy you have secured me," cried La Hogue; 
 " but I can easily get out." 
 
 " Not unless you leap through the window and break 
 your neck, and so save the hangman a labour," retorted 
 Mrs. Mansfield. 
 
 " I'm not quite driven to that yet," he said. " I'm 
 better acquainted with the ins and outs of this room than 
 you are, old lady, though you've lived in the house all your 
 life." 
 
 " What d'ye mean, villain ? " cried Mrs. Mansfield. 
 
 " I happen to have foimd out a sliding panel which will 
 Secure my retreat," he said, " so I can get away at any 
 moment without asking your leave." 
 
Who was Found in the Haunted Room. 369 
 
 " I don't believe you," said Mrs. Mansfield. 
 
 " Well, you'll see that is, if this cursed smoke will allow 
 you/' he rejoined. " I wonder how you can stand it, 
 ladies," he added. " I'm half suffocated." 
 
 No reply was made to the address. The two girls main* 
 tained their position at the door. 
 
 "Here, old woman, take the key," cried La Hogue, 
 throwing it on the floor. " Let them out. I don't wish 
 them to be burnt to death, and they will be if you remain 
 here many minutes longer." 
 
 As he spoke, he turned round and disappeared in the 
 dense volume of smoke. 
 
 Almost instantly afterwards loud and fierce execrations 
 proclaimed that he could not find the sliding panel. 
 
 Resolved at any hazard to prevent his escape, Mrs. Mans- 
 field rushed towards the side of the room from which his 
 vociferations arose. But she was driven back by the flames 
 and smoke. 
 
 The fire was now spreading with most alarming rapidity. 
 Part of the old oak wainscoting near the windows had 
 caught fire, and had already communicated with the floor, a 
 portion of which was ignited. As we have mentioned, the 
 bed was in flames, and the dry old timbers of the ceiling 
 above it were crackling and blazing. 
 
 Mrs. Mansfield tried to find the key which the assassin 
 had thrown down, but blinded by the smoke, failed to 
 discover it. 
 
 All this time La Hogue's furious execrations showed that 
 he was still in the room still unable to find the sliding 
 panel. But, though driven almost desperate, he would not 
 desist from the quest. 
 
 Lucetta and Ida, almost frenzied with terror, had re- 
 treated to the dressing-room, and as soon as Mrs. Mansfield 
 joined them, the door of communication was closed and 
 bolted. 
 
 Here they were safe for the moment, but as the outer 
 door was locked, if help did not quickly arrive they must 
 inevitably perish by the most dreadful of all deaths. As 
 yet their cries and shrieks were unanswered. 
 
 They had not been more than a minute in the dressing* 
 room when La Hogue was heard beating against the door 
 
370 Old Court, 
 
 of communication, and imploring, in hoarse accents, to be 
 let out. 
 
 His dreadful cries moved Lucetta to compassion, and 
 though Mrs. Mansfield besought her not to do so, she opened 
 the door. 
 
 Horrifying was the spectacle presented to her. There 
 stood the assassin, wrapped in flames, his habiliments burn- 
 ing, his hair on fire, his features blackened and writhing 
 with agony. By a last effort he threw a small black leather 
 case towards her, exclaiming in a voice that scarce sounded 
 human, " Tis the will ! take it ! " 
 
 He then reeled backwards, and fell. The vengeful flames 
 rioted over their prey. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE PROGRESS OF THE CONFLAGRATION. 
 
 ]]VEN at that terrible juncture, Lucetta could not 
 help examining the little leather case. It was 
 shrivelled and scorched. But the dying man had 
 not deceived her. The will was there, and un- 
 injured. 
 
 She then flew towards the window, whither her com- 
 panions had already retreated. By opening the door, she 
 had given admittance to the flames, and the dressing-room 
 was now on fire. Half stifled by the vapour, too much 
 terrified even to pray, the poor damsels gave themselves up 
 for lost. Each saw her own terror depicted in the death- 
 like looks of the other. Though dreadfully frightened, as 
 she might well be, and apprehending the worst, Mrs. Mans- 
 field, even at that fearful extremity, retained something like 
 self-possession, and throwing open the window, shrieked 
 loudly for assistance. 
 
The Progress of the Conflagration. 371 
 
 Just then hopes were awakened in the breasts of the 
 terrified girls hopes, however, destined to be speedily 
 crushed. Voices were heard in the corridor, and in- 
 effectual attempts were made to burst open the door. With 
 what intense anxiety did they listen to the efforts made 
 for their deliverance, and how fearfully was their anguish 
 increased when these efforts failed ! 
 
 " Help us, or we are lost ! " shrieked Ida. " The room is 
 on fire." 
 
 "Go round to the front to the window ! " cried Lucetta. 
 "That is our only chance of escape. But, for Heaven's 
 sake, be quick!" 
 
 What was said in reply by those in the corridor could not 
 be distinguished, but the battering at the door continued, 
 though the strong lock and bolt showed no symptoms of 
 yielding. It was a moment fraught with anguish indescrib- 
 able to the poor damsels. 
 
 " Oh, Ida ! " exclaimed Lucetta. " Nothing is left us but 
 resignation to a dreadful death. But for me you would not 
 be here. Forgive me, dearest ! forgive me ! " 
 
 " I do forgive you from the bottom of my heart, sweet 
 girl," rejoined the other, kissing her. " I fancied we had 
 many years of happiness before us, but I was deceived. 
 It is terrible to die thus but it will soon be over. Let us 
 try to pray while there is yet time." 
 
 "Yes, let us turn our thoughts to Heaven," rejoined 
 Lucetta. " In a few minutes all will be over." 
 
 And they knelt down together. It was a touching sight 
 to see those two young beautiful creatures trying to prepare 
 themselves for the dreadful fate that apparently awaited 
 them. 
 
 Just then the alarm-bell began to ring violently, and other 
 sounds proclaimed that the fire was discovered. 
 
 Once more hope revived. 
 
 Again Mrs. Mansfield looked out of the window, and 
 her heart leaped with joy as she descried several persons 
 hurrying towards this part of the house. She called out 
 loudly to them for help, and her cries were immediately 
 answered by a shout. 
 
 " We are coming ! we are coming ! " vociferated the 
 men, 
 
373 Old Court. 
 
 " Your prayers are answered, my dears," said Mrs. Mans- 
 field to the still kneeling damsels. " Deliverance is at hand. 
 They are coming to save us. Look out, and you will see 
 them ! " 
 
 But neither of them could rise. Their strength was utterly 
 gone. 
 
 " I can see them quite plainly now," continued Mrs, 
 Mansfield. "The men are bringing a ladder. Sir Clarence 
 and Captain Fanshaw are with them." 
 
 " Yes, yes, I hear their voices," cried Ida. " We are 
 saved ! we are saved ! " 
 
 The revulsion of feeling was too much for her, and she 
 fell back insensible. 
 
 Lifting Lucetta in her arms, Mrs. Mansfield placed her at 
 the open window. The light of the conflagration rendered 
 the space below as bright as day, and she beheld several 
 men preparing to rear a ladder against the window. 
 With them were Sir Clarence and Rainald, and as soon as 
 she herself became visible, they both called out that they 
 would be with her in a moment. 
 
 Assistance had only just come in time. A few minutes 
 later, and all would have been over. The flames had 
 gained the corridor and had driven away those who had 
 brought implements to burst open the door. No help, 
 therefore, could have been obtained from that quarter. 
 Indeed, an impassable barrier was now offered by the blaz- 
 ing boards. 
 
 Externally, likewise, appearances were almost equally 
 alarming. Some minutes before the arrival of the men, 
 flames had burst forth from the windows of Sir Hugh's 
 chamber, and now shone ruddily on the upturned and 
 anxious visages of the throng beneath. The crackling of the 
 timbers and the roaring of the flames showed how rapidly 
 the conflagration was spreading, while showers of sparks 
 burst from a hole in the roof. Luckily the night was per- 
 fectly calm, so that for the present the fire was confined to 
 this particular portion of the building, and some hopes were 
 entertained that the rest might be saved. The immediate 
 business, however, was to rescue those who were exposed 
 to the fury of the flames. 
 
 The foregoing details have occupied some time, but such 
 
The Progress of the Conflagration. 373 
 
 was the expedition used, that almost immediately after 
 Lucetta's appearance at the window, the ladder was placed 
 against the stone sill, and Sir Clarence and Rainald 
 mounted to her rescue. As Rainald sprang into the room 
 she sank into his arms in a state of complete insensibility. 
 By the united exertions of their preservers both damsels 
 were landed in safety, and were at once conveyed to 
 another part of the house, under Rainald's charge. 
 
 Poor Mrs. Mansfield, who would not stir till they had 
 been carried down, managed to descend the ladder without 
 assistance, and then the anxious spectators evinced their 
 heartfelt delight by a lusty cheer, while Plessets and Rollings, 
 who were among them, rushed up to congratulate her on 
 her narrow escape. 
 
 " It has been a narrow escape indeed," said the old 
 housekeeper, " and I can never feel sufficiently grateful to 
 the merciful providence that has spared our lives. For 
 myself, it could matter little, but what a shocking death it 
 would have been for those two dear young ladies ! " 
 
 'Too shocking to think of, Mansfield," cried Sir 
 Clarence, who overheard the remark ; " but don't imagine 
 that your own life is of no consequence. I would rather 
 the house were burnt down than any harm had befallen 
 you." 
 
 "And the house will be burnt down, I fear, Sir Clarence," 
 said Mainwaring, " unless the engine from Sevenoaks arrive 
 soon. Our own wretched fire-engine won't act, and the 
 hose is out of order. But that's always the case." 
 
 Just then flames burst forth from the window, showing 
 how imminent had been the peril of those who had been 
 brought down. So sensibly was this felt on all hands, that 
 an involuntary groan arose from the throng. 
 
 " The Lord be thanked for our signal deliverance ! the 
 Lord be thanked !" ejaculated Mrs. Mansfield. 
 
 " Are you aware how the fire originated, Mansfield ? " 
 inquired Sir Clarence. 
 
 " I myself was the cause of it," she replied. " I won't 
 attempt to deny it. I've much to answer for, but I acted 
 from the best of motives. I set fire to the window-curtains 
 in Sir Hugh's bed-room to prevent the escape of the assassin 
 La Hogue." 
 
374 Old Court. 
 
 11 Ah ! I felt sure he was there," cried Sir Clarence* 
 st What has become of him ? " 
 
 " Give yourself no further trouble about the wretch, Sir 
 Clarence," she rejoined. " He has met with the punishment 
 he merited. He has been burnt to death burnt to death, 
 I say, in the very room where his foul crime was com- 
 mitted." 
 
 Exclamations of astonishment and horror burst from all 
 around. 
 
 " Justice, then is satisfied ! " exclaimed Sir Clarence. 
 
 " But I have something more to tell you," pursued the 
 old housekeeper " something that cannot fail to yield you 
 satisfaction. Sir Hugh's will has been recovered. The last 
 and best act of the villain's guilty life was to give it up." 
 
 " Amazement ! " exclaimed Sir Clarence. " Where is the 
 will?" 
 
 " It is here," replied Rainald, who had just returned. "It 
 is here," he added, giving him the little leather case 
 containing the document. " Lucetta has sent it to you. 
 You are now indisputably master of Old Court." 
 
 " Provided the fire will spare it to him," said Mainwaring. 
 " Heavens, how fiercely it burns ! " 
 
 " This part of the house is doomed, undoubtedly," said 
 Sir Clarence ; " but I still hope we shall be able to preserve 
 the main part of the building." 
 
 "All depends on the speedy arrival of the engine from 
 Sevenoaks," said Mainwaring. " The conflagration has now 
 got such head that no efforts on our part will suffice to 
 extinguish it." 
 
 " It will never be extinguished if we stand looking on 
 1 thus inertly. We must all lend a hand to the work. Don't 
 stay here, Mansfield. You will be far better in-doors, as 
 long as you can find shelter there." 
 
 "Oh dear! oh dear!" she cried, clasping her hands in 
 agony. " Little did I think that I should ever be the cause 
 of burning the old house down. Do say you forgive me, Sir 
 Clarence?" 
 
 " Forgive you of course I do. But the house is not yet 
 burnt down, Mansfield. And if it should be, it can be 
 rebuilt. So don't distress yourself, and be quite sure, come 
 what may, thvt I sha'n't blame you." 
 
How the Fire was Extinguished* 375 
 
 Thus comforted, the faithful old creature proceeded to 
 the principal entrance of the mansion. The hall-door was 
 standing wide open, and half-distracted servants, men and 
 women, were hurrying out with pieces of furniture, pictures, 
 and valuables, and piling them on the lawn. 
 
 It was a scene of wild confusion, and, quite unable to 
 bear it, Mrs. Mansfield passed through the bustling throng 
 as quickly as she could, and made her way to the library, 
 where she found the two young ladies, each lying on a sofa, 
 attended by Lady Fanshaw and Lady Danvers. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. 
 
 j]HOUGH barely an hour had elapsed since the out- 
 break of the fire, it had already made such progress 
 as to render certain the destruction of the portion of 
 the building in which it raged. All efforts, there- 
 fore, were directed to the preservation of the main body of 
 the structure ; and such energetic measures were used by 
 Sir Clarence and Rainald, aided by Major Trevor and 
 Mainwaring Sir Nevil, owing to his infirmities, was unable 
 to render any personal assistance that the fire, though it 
 could not be checked, was prevented from extending in this 
 direction until the arrival of the engine from Sevenoaks. A 
 portion of the gallery was injured, but the portraits were all 
 removed in time, and deposited on the lawn. 
 
 Viewed from this point, the burning mansion presented a 
 most magnificent spectacle. Flames were bursting from all 
 the windows, upper and lower ; the roof was on fire, partially 
 consumed, and threatening each moment to fall in an event 
 which soon afterwards occurred. All the rest of the building 
 was lighted up by the conflagration, and never was the old 
 
376 Old Court. 
 
 pile seen to such advantage never did it look so picturesque 
 and beautiful as at that awful juncture, when threatened by 
 immediate destruction. 
 
 Sir Nevil, who had stationed himself on the lawn, gazed 
 at the ancient structure with profound regret, fully persuaded 
 it would soon be numbered among the things that are past. 
 Happily, such was not its destiny. 
 
 Not only was the old mansion illuminated, but the 
 beautiful little church adjoining it was lighted up so 
 vividly by the fire, that the minutest details of the 
 architecture were discernible. 
 
 In other respects the picture was very striking. Figure? 
 could be seen in various parts of the building, and Sir 
 Clarence and Rainald occupied a perilous position on the 
 roof. Plessets and Rollings exerted themselves wonderfully, 
 and received the hearty thanks of Sir Clarence for their 
 services. Numerous farmers and rustics, summoned by the 
 alarm-bell, which never ceased ringing, helped to carry 
 buckets of water for the supply of the little engine belonging 
 to the house, and which, being got into working order at 
 last, poured its ineffectual streams into the blazing pile, 
 rather heightening than quenching the fire. 
 
 The lawn, as we have intimated, was covered with pieces 
 of furniture, and various other articles. All the old family 
 portraits from the picture-gallery had been brought there. 
 As the night was perfectly fine and dry, these objects were 
 not likely to sustain any damage, except from the sparks 
 and fiery flakes which occasionally fell near them. The 
 shouts of the servants and of the farmers mingled with the 
 ceaseless din of the alarm-bell and the clamour of the rooks. 
 The latter, scared by the fire and by the various noises, 
 were flying around, cawing loudly and piteously. Over- 
 head hung a canopy of smoke, blotting out the stars. 
 
 If things had remained long in this state, the destruction 
 of the entire fabric would have been inevitable, for the 
 scanty appliances of the place were insufficient to check the 
 progress of the fire. But just when Sir Clarence and those 
 with him began to despair of saving the building, a power- 
 ful fire-engine, accompanied by several active men, arrived 
 from Sevenoaks. These men set to work at once with a will 
 and being subsequently reinforced by a second engine and 
 
How the Fire was Extinguished* 377 
 
 another body of firemen from Edenbridge, they succeeded 
 in mastering the conflagration. 
 
 By daybreak all danger was over. The blackened walls 
 and frameless windows looked very ghastly, and smoke still 
 rose from some smouldering timbers, but the bulk of the 
 house was safe. 
 
 The wing in which the fire originated was totally 
 destroyed. 
 
 Nothing remained to point out the fatal chamber save 
 bare walls and the blackened mantelpiece. Search was 
 made for the remains of the assassin, but only the skull and 
 a few charred bones were found lying amidst other rubbish 
 in the vault beneath. 
 
 Accompanied by Rainald and the others, who had worked 
 energetically with him throughout the night, Sir Clarence 
 went to communicate the satisfactory intelligence to the 
 ladies. He found them in the library, still very much 
 alarmed, but quite recovered. With them was Sir Nevil, 
 fast asleep in an easy-chair. Rousing himself, the old 
 baronet stared at their smoke-begrimed faces and disordered 
 apparel. 
 
 " You bring bad news, I fear," he cried. "Are we no 
 longer safe here ? " 
 
 " On the contrary, Sir Nevil," replied Sir Clarence, "we 
 bring good news. The fire is completely extinguished. 
 The house is saved ! " 
 
 Joyful exclamations arose, and it will not, we hope, 
 appear very surprising that, under the peculiar circumstances 
 of the case, each young lady should so far lose sight of 
 propriety as to throw herself unhesitatingly into the arms of 
 her lover and kiss his blackened cheek. 
 
 " And now, Sir Nevil," cried Sir Clarence" now that 
 the will is found- now that I am, in truth, master of Old 
 Court, I claim fulfilment of your promise. I claim my 
 bride." 
 
 " You shall have her," replied the old baronet. " I am 
 a man of my word. The marriage shall take place as soon 
 as you please. Not yours alone, but Ranald's." 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 RECORDS TWO MARRIAGES AT SAINT GEORGE*S, HANOVER 
 SQUARE. 
 
 |HE pleasantest part of our task has now to be per- 
 formed. We have nothing but happy events to 
 chronicle. 
 
 Though all parties were now united in one 
 common aim though Sir Clarence and Rainald were both 
 
 : indisposed to brook further delay, and Sir Nevil had become 
 just as impatient as he had heretofore been obstinate a 
 good deal of tedious and common-place business had to 
 be transacted. Lawyers had to be consulted, and though 
 they used, or pretended to use, all possible despatch, un- 
 avoidable delays occurred. Sir Hugh's will had to be 
 proved, large sums of money had to be raised, deeds to be 
 prepared, settlements to be made all which matters neces- 
 sarily occupied some time. 
 
 Rather more than a month was spent in these tiresome 
 preliminary arrangements, and during that interval Sir Nevil 
 had returned with his wife and daughter to Grosvenor Square. 
 Sir Clarence likewise came up to town, leaving Mainwaring 
 at Old Court to superintend the reconstruction of the portion 
 of the building destroyed by the fire. 
 
 At length the day was fixed on which the two couples 
 were to be united. The milliners had performed their work 
 to admiration. The trousseaux of the brides were ready. 
 Everything was ready. 
 
 The marriages were celebrated at St. George's, Hanover 
 Square, and a number of distinguished personages, relatives 
 and friends of the Fanshaws, were present on the auspicious 
 occasion. Charming girls were the bridesmaids, and 
 charmingly attired, but not one of them could compare 
 with our brides ? than whom two lovelier creatures neve* 
 
Two Marriages at Saint George's. 379 
 
 knelt at that altar. As a matter of course, Major 
 Trevor was Rainald's best man, and Captain Dashwood, 
 of the same regiment, performed the like office for Sir 
 Clarence. 
 
 A sumptuous dejetiner awaited them at the mansion in 
 Grosvenor Square, and after partaking of all sorts of deli- 
 cacies, and quaffing iced Cliquot and Roederer after 
 listening to a good many appropriate speeches from Mr. 
 Mainwaring and others, some of which drew tears from the 
 elderly folks the happy couples took their departure, setting 
 out in different directions, Captain Fanshaw and his bride 
 shaping their course towards the family seat in Suffolk, 
 and Sir Clarence and Lady Chetwynd proceeding to Old 
 Court. 
 
 Beautiful, very beautiful, looked the ancient mansion as 
 they drove towards it in an open barouche drawn by four 
 horses on that fine summer evening. Beautiful, very 
 beautiful, looked the deer park, with its magnificent groves, 
 now in their fullest beauty, and its long sweeping glades. 
 Ere long they passed through the great gates. Already the 
 work of reconstruction had made considerable progress, and 
 the old mansion had begun to resume its wonted aspect. A 
 number of the tenantry, who had heard of their expected 
 arrival, were congregated on the lawn to greet them, dressed 
 in their holiday attire, and these shouted loud and long as 
 the carriage containing the happy pair drove up. 
 
 On either side of the steps, which were strewn with 
 flowers, the household were arranged, the mourning which 
 they had hitherto worn for the late baronet being now laid 
 aside. 
 
 At the entrance stood Jodrell, his countenance lighted 
 with smiles of welcome, and just inside the door might be 
 discerned the kindly countenance of Mrs. Mansfield. Like 
 the rest of the household, both these worthy persons had 
 discontinued their mourning. 
 
 Amid joyous shouts, amid kindly greetings and blessings, 
 Sir Clarence and his lovely bride alighted from the carriage 
 and entered the house. While Sir Clarence was warmly 
 thanking Jodrell and all those around for their congratula- 
 tions, Lady Chetwynd ran up to the old housekeeper and 
 kissed her affectionately. 
 
3&o Old Court. 
 
 And now, having brought them back to the ancient 
 mansion in the heyday of happiness, and with every pros- 
 pect of continued felicity, we shall leave them there ; merely 
 mentioning that within a few days after their return, our 
 excellent friend Mr. Mainwaring reappeared, and, unless we 
 are misinformed, is still a guest at OLD COURT. 
 
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 mounted on linen, 5s. 
 
 AUNT FANNY'S NURSERY TALES AND RHYMES. 
 
 With Illustrations in Colours. Cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. ; or mounted on 
 linen, 5s. 
 
 THE CHILD'S OWN BOOK OF LARGE COLOURED 
 
 PICTURES. Folio, cloth gilt, price 3s. 6d. ; picture boards, 2s. 6d.; 
 Indestructible Edition, mounted on linen, boards, 5s. ; cloth, 6s. 
 
 THE NEW NURSERY PICTURE BOOK. Folio, cloth 
 gilt, price 3s. 6d. ; picture boards, 2s. 6d. ; Indestructible Edition, 
 mounted on linen, boards, 5s. / cloth, 6s. 
 
 THE NEW PRETTY PICTURE BOOK. Folio, cloth gilt, 
 price 3s. 6d. ; picture boards, 2s. 6d. ; Indestructible Edition, 
 mounted on linen, 5s. ; cloth, 6s. 
 
 THE BOOK OF CHILDREN'S HYMNS AND RHYMES, 
 
 With Coloured Frontispiece and numerous Engravings. Crown 
 8vo, cloth gilt, gilt edges, 3s. 6d. ; cloth gilt, 2s. 6d. 
 
 THE STORY OF STORIES; or, Bible Narratives for the 
 Young. Ey Mrs. LEATHLEY. With full-page Illustrations. Crown 
 8vo, cloth gilt, price 3s. 6d. 
 
 EDWIN AND MARY; or, The Mother's Cabinet. With 
 Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, gilt edges, 3s. 6d.: cloth gilt, 
 2s. 6d. 
 
 THE CHILD'S GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE, Revised by 
 H. R. HAMILTON. Cloth gilt, price 2s. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York. 
 
 72 
 
Price 
 
 3/6 
 
 3/6 
 6/- 
 
 l/- 
 
 to 
 
 2/6 
 
 6eZ. 
 
 PRESENT BOOKS FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 AUNT FANNY'S PICTURE PRESENT BOOK. With 
 many Illustrations printed in Colours. Cloth gilt, 5s. 
 
 CHILD'S OWN BOOK OF SCRIPTURE PICTURES, 
 
 OLD TESTAMENT. With over 100 Illustrations. Folio, wrapper 
 boards, 3s. ; cloth gilt, 5s. 
 
 CHILD'S OWN BOOK OF SCRIPTURE PICTURES, 
 
 NEW TESTAMENT. With over 100 Illustrations. Folio, wrapper 
 boards, 3s. ; cloth gilt, 5s. 
 
 THE CHILD'S FAMOUS PICTURE BOOK. With over 
 400 Pictures. Cloth gilt, 5s. ; picture boards, 3s. 
 
 THE CHILD'S WONDER PICTURE BOOK. With Hun- 
 dreds Of Illustrations. Cloth gilt, 5s. ; picture boards, 3s. 
 
 THE PRETTY PAGE SCRAP BOOK. With Hundreds of 
 Illustrations. Folio, wrapper boards, 3s. ; cloth gilt, 5s. 
 
 THE ROYAL COLOURED PICTURE BOOK. With 
 Coloured Pictures and other Illustrations. Folio, picture boards, 
 3*. 6d. ; cloth gilt, 5s. 
 
 THE ROYAL PICTORIAL STORY BOpK. With col- 
 oured Pictures and other Illustrations. Folio, picture boards, 
 3s. 6d. ; cloth gilt, 5s. 
 
 THE ROYAL NURSERY PICTURE BOOK. Containing 
 48 pages Of Coloured Pictures, and 64 pages of descriptive Letterpress 
 and Engravings. Folio, picture boards, (is. ; cloth gilt, 7*. 6d. 
 
 THE PRINCESS PICTURE BOOK. With Coloured and 
 
 Other Illustrations. Demy 8vo, boards, Is. ; cloth gilt, Is. Gd. ; 
 Indestructible Edition, boards, 2s. ; cloth gilt, 2s. 6d. 
 
 ANN and JANE TAYLOR'S POETRY for CHILDREN. 
 
 With full-page and other Engravings. Crown 8vo, handsomely bound, 
 cloth gilt, price 3s. (id. 
 
 BIBLE STEPS FOR LITTLE PILGRIMS; or, Scripture 
 Stories for Little Folks. With Coloured Pictures and 135 full-page and 
 other Engravings. Imperial i6mo, cloth gilt, price 5s. 
 
 A Iso to be had in 6d. Divisions : 
 
 i. The Story of the Creation and the Deluge. 2. The Story 
 of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 3. The Story of Joseph and his 
 Brothers. 4. The Story of Moses. 5. The Story of the Judges. 
 6. The Story of David. 7. The Story of the Prophets. 8. The Life 
 of Jesus. 9. Stories of the Parables. 10. Stories of the Miracles, 
 ii. Stories of the Apostles. 
 
 SIXPENNY COLOURED INDESTRUCTIBLE 
 BOOKS. 
 
 Beautifully printed in Colours, demy 8vo, on linen, price 6d. each. 
 
 1 The Easy ABC Book. 
 
 2 Letter ABC Book. 
 
 3 Easy Words and Pretty Pictures. 
 
 4 Easy Nursery Rhymes, Old and New. 
 
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 73 
 
PRETTY GIFT BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. 
 
 THE MERCIE SUNSHINE ERIES. 
 
 Ornamental boards, price Is. per volume ; or cloth gilt, price 2s. 
 
 1 Mercie Sunshine's Chats about Animals, illustrated. 
 
 2 Mercie Sunshine's Chats about Birds, illustrated. 
 
 3 The Sunny Home. By MERCIE SUNSHINE, illustrated. 
 
 4 The Shilling Nursery Rhymes for Children, must. 
 
 5 The Shilling Nursery Rhymes and Stories, must. 
 
 6 The Shilling Funny Nursery Rhymes, illustrated. 
 
 7 Old Nursery Tales. With Coloured Illustrations. 
 
 8 The Cinderella Nursery Story Book. With musts. 
 
 9 Nursery Stories and Pictures for the Young, must. 
 
 10 Nursery Songs With Coloured and other Illustrations. 
 
 11 Nursery Ballads. With Coloured and other Illustrations. 
 
 12 Nursery Stories. Withcolouredandotherlllustrations. 
 
 13 Sunny Hours. By MERCIE SUNSHINE, niustrated. 
 
 14 Wonderful Days ; or, Stories for the Little Ones. must. 
 
 15 Wonderful Deeds. With Coloured and other Illustrations. 
 
 1 6 Wonderful Lives. With Coloured and other Illustrations. 
 
 17 The Wonderful Story. With Coloured and other musts. 
 
 1 8 Wonderful Sayings. With Coloured and other musts. 
 
 19 Irene and the Gipsies. By MERCIE SUNSHINE, must. 
 
 20 The Sparrow's Christmas Party, illustrated. 
 
 21 Stories about Pets. By MERCIE SUNSHINE, must. 
 
 22 A Box of Sugar Plums. By MERCIE SUNSHINE, must. 
 
 23 Dickory Dock. By MERCIE SUNSHINE, niustrated. 
 
 24 The True Story of the Five Little Pigs, niustrated. 
 
 25 Birdie and Bobbie: How they Kept House, illustrated. 
 
 THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LIBRARY. 
 
 Illustrated, and attractively bound for Sunday School Rewards, &c. 
 Fcap. 8vo, cloth gilt, gilt edges, 2s. each. 
 
 1 The Noble Wife. 
 
 2 The Triumph of Truth. 
 
 3 The Faithful Servant. 
 
 4 The Widow's Son. 
 
 5 The Greek Slave. 
 
 6 The Hero Martyr. 
 
 7 The Pilgrim Kings. 
 
 8 Child's Life of Christ. 
 
 9 The Good Sailor Boy. 
 
 10 The Christian Prince. 
 
 11 Faithful Missionary. 
 
 12 The Boy Pilot. 
 
 13 Fidelity Rewarded. 
 
 14 Virtue Triumphant. 
 
 INDESTRUCTIBLE TOY BOOKS, 
 
 Fcap. 8vo, picture boards, each Is. ; cloth gilt, Is. 6d. 
 
 1 Easy Alphabet Book, i 3 Nursery Stories. 
 
 2 Nursery Tales. | 4 Nursery Pictures. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York, 
 
 ~ 74 
 
GOOD BOOKS FOR LITTLE PEOPLE. 
 
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 "GOOD AIM" SERIES. 
 
 The feature of this series of Bocks is to encourage in childhood a 
 spirit^ of love, gentleness, and cheerfulness^ while affording amusement 
 and interest. 
 
 Elegantly bound, cloth gilt, price Is. each. 
 
 1 The Original Poems for Children. By ANN and 
 
 JANE TAYLOR. 
 
 2 The Basket of Flowers. Coloured Frontispiece. 
 
 3 Ellen's Idol. By E. S. PHELPS. with Frontispiece. 
 
 6 Goldy and Goldy's Friends, illustrated. 
 
 7 The One Thing Needful, illustrated. 
 
 12 The Orphan Boy; or, Peasant to Prince. Illustrated. 
 
 13 Tom, Tom, the Printer's Son. illustrated. 
 
 14 Only a Dandelion. Author of "Stepping Heavenward." 
 
 15 Follow Me. By the Same. Illustrated. 
 
 16 New Year's Bargain. By SUSAN COOLIDGE. illustrated. 
 
 17 In the Beginning ; or, From Eden to Canaan, must. 
 
 18 Conquerors and Captives; or, David to Daniel, must. 
 
 19 The Star of Promise; or, Bethlehem to Calvary, must. 
 
 20 The History of the Robins, illustrated. 
 
 21 Hymns for Infant Minds. ANN and JANE TAYLOR. 
 
 22 Rhymes for the Nursery. ANN and JANE TAYLOR. 
 
 23 Little Susy's Six Birthdays. By the Author of " Step- 
 
 ping Heavenward.'* Illustrated. 
 
 24 Little Susy's Little Servants, illustrated. 
 
 25 Little Susy's Six Teachers. Ditto. 
 
 26 On'y a Penny ; or, One of the Least of These. By the 
 
 Author of "A Trap to Catch a Sunbeam." With Illustrations. 
 
 27 The Contented Home. Author of "Basket of Flowers." 
 
 28 Help One Another ; or, How to be Happy, illustrated. 
 
 29 Buried in the Snow : A Tale of the Mountains, must. 
 
 30 The Lost Child ; or, A Mother's Love. Illustrated. 
 
 31 Summer-House Stories. By Miss M. A. PAULL. must. 
 
 32 The Child's Own Book of Poetry, profusely must. 
 
 33 Trust in God ; or, The Little Savoyard, illustrated. 
 
 34 Help in Need ; or. Rich and Poor, illustrated. 
 
 35 Dottie and Tottie; or, Home for the Holidays, must. 
 
 36 Harry, the Drummer; or, The Boy Soldier, illustrated. 
 
 37 The Boy's Book of Poetry, illustrated. 
 
 38 The Girl's Book of Poetry, illustrated. 
 
 39 Little Henry and his Bearer. With Frontispiece. 
 
 40 The Babes in the Basket, with Frontispiece. 
 
 41 Faithful Georgie. By GRACE STEBBING. illustrated. 
 
 42 Keble's Christian Year, illustrated. 
 
 43 Chats about Knowledge ; or, New Evenings at Home. 
 
 44 The Fairy Tales of Science. By the same Author. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York. 
 
 75 
 
PRETTY GIFT BOOKS. 
 
 Price 
 
 2/6 
 
 THE "LITTLE PET" SERIES. 
 
 Imp. i6mo, picture boards, 2s. each; cloth silvered, 2s. Gd. 
 
 i Our Little Pet's Own Picture Book, iso Illustrations. 
 2. New Comical Nursery Rhymes& Stories, illustrated. 
 
 3 Pretty Little Lessons for Pretty LittleChildren. must. 
 
 4 Easy Tales and Pleasant Stories. 200 Engravings. 
 
 5 Bible Sketches from Old and New Testaments, must. 
 
 6 Sacred Readings for Young Children. 60 Engravings. 
 
 8 The Child's Own Book of Pictures.Tales, and Poetry. 
 
 9 Favourite Nursery Rhymes for Nursery Favourites. 
 
 10 Merry Rhymes and Stories, illustrated. 
 
 11 Brave Old Ballads. With Coloured Plates. 
 
 12 Robin Hood, and other Ballads. With Coloured Plates. 
 
 13 Moral Nursery Tales for Children. With Illustrations. 
 
 14 Children's Nursery Tales. With many illustrations. 
 
 HANS ANDERSEN'S STORY BOOKS. 
 
 Fcap. 8vo, cloth gilt, with Coloured and other Illustrations, Is. each. 
 
 1 The Christmas Tree. 6 The Silver Shilling. 
 
 2 The Garden of Para- 7 The Snow Queen. 
 
 disc. 8 The Ice Maiden. 
 
 3 The Willow Tree. 9 Li ttle Ida's Flowers. 
 
 4 The Silent Book. | IO LittEe Tuk. 
 
 5 The Little Mermaid. ! Ix what the Moon Saw. 
 
 LARGE-PAGE PICTURE BOOKS. 
 
 Folio, ornamental wrappers, Is. each. 
 
 1 The Pleasant Picture 
 
 Book. 
 
 2 The Amusing Picture 
 
 Book. ture Book. 
 
 4 The Merry Heart Pic- 
 ture Book. 
 6 The Pretty Rhyme Pic- 
 
 THE GOOD GIFT LIBRARY. 
 
 Elegantly bound, cloth gilt, price 6d. each ; ornamental wrapper, 3d. 
 
 i Little Susy's Little Servants. 
 By E. PRENTISS. 
 
 - 2nd Series. 
 
 3 Little Susy's Birthdays. 
 
 4 2nd Series. 
 
 5 Little Susy's Teachers. 
 
 6 Little Susy's Teachers. 2nd S. 
 
 7 Original Poems. By ANN and 
 
 JANE TAYLOR. 
 
 2nd Series. 
 - 3rd Series. 
 
 10 Watts's Songs. 
 
 1ZS The above can also be had in SHILLING PACKETS ; Packet I. con- 
 taining Nos. i, 2, 3, and 4, and Packet II. containing Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York. 
 
 76 
 
Price 
 
 3/6 
 
 21- 
 
 l/- 
 
 GIFT BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. 
 
 THE DAISY MAYFIELD SERIES. 
 
 In picture boards, 3s. each ; or cloth gilt, 5s. 
 
 2 Merry Sunbeams. With 200 Engravings. 
 
 6 The Pretty Gift Book for Good Girls and Boys. 
 
 7 The Fireside Picture Book. 
 
 8 The Children's Treasure Picture Book. 
 
 9 The Nursery Treasure Picture Book. 
 
 10 Little Lily's Large-Type Picture Book. 
 
 11 The Child's Own Book of Nursery Rhymes, Songs, 
 
 Pictures and Music. 
 
 THE CHILDREN'S SERIES OF 
 
 ILLUSTRATED GIFT BOOKS. 
 
 Handsomely bound in cloth gilt, picture on cover, 3s. Gel. each. 
 
 1 Moral Nursery Tales for Children. With many 
 
 Engravings. 
 
 2 The Children's Picture Gift Book of Music and 
 
 Song. With many Engravings. (Also in picture boards, 2s. Gd.} 
 
 3 Chats about Animals and Birds. By MERCIE 
 
 SUNSHINE, Author of " The Sunny Holidays," &c. Beautifully 
 Illustrated. 
 
 4 The Sunny Holidays ; or, The Adventures of the 
 
 Allen Family. By MERCIE SUNSHINE. Beautifully Illustrated. 
 
 7 Nursery Songs and Ballads. Coloured Illustrations. 
 
 8 Nursery Tales and Stories. Coloured Illustrations. 
 
 THE 
 
 SUNBEAM PICTURE BOOK SERIES. 
 
 Imperial i6mo, picture boards, 2s. ; cloth gilt, 3s. 
 
 1 The Primrose Picture Book. With nearly 200 Pictures. 
 
 2 My Little Friend, with nearly 200 Engravings. 
 
 3 The Daisy Picture Book, with about 200 Illustrations. 
 
 4 The Keepsake Picture Book. With 200 Illustrations. 
 
 5 The Golden Story Book, with 200 Illustrations. 
 
 6 Charlie and Rosie. With about 100 Illustrations. 
 
 7 Lottie Lightheart. With about 100 Pictures. 
 
 8 The Happy Home Picture Book. With 100 Illustrations. 
 
 9 Sunny Child Life. With about 100 Illustrations. 
 
 NEW LARGE TYPE PICTURE BOOKS. 
 
 1 Our Baby's Picture Book. p r ofueiv Illustrated. 
 
 2 Child's Pretty Page Picture Book. Fully Illustrated. 
 
 3 Pretty Pictures for Little Folks. Profusely Illustrated. 
 
 4 Child's Picture Story Book, with full-page Illustrations. 
 
 5 Little Tales for Little People. Full-page Illustrations. 
 
 6 Our Young Folks' Picture Book. Profusely Illustrated. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York. 
 
 77 
 
COLOURED PICTURE BOOKS. 
 
 WARWICK HOUSE TOY BOOKS. 
 
 Great care Jias been taken to render these books worthy to be wha t it 
 is confidently hoped they will become -Ti-iE MOST POPULAR CHILDREN'S 
 TOY BOOKS OF THE DAY. 
 
 In handsome wrapper, Is. each ; mounted on linen, ,vtf. 
 Those marked * cannot be supplied mounted* 
 
 *i Domestic Animals. 
 *2 Home & Field Animals. 
 9 Household Pets. 
 10 Picture Alphabet. 
 14. Country Scenes ABC. 
 
 16 Master Mousie's Sup- 
 per Party. 
 
 18 Little Red-Riding Hood. 
 
 19 Little Alfred's Visit to 
 
 Wombwell's Menagerie. 
 
 26 Mamma's New Picture 
 
 Alphabet. 
 
 41 Nursery Rhymes ABC. 
 
 42 Cock Robin. 
 
 43 The Pussy-Cat's Hunt- 
 
 ing Party. 
 
 44 Pretty Pets and Happy 
 
 Playmates. 
 
 46 The Babies' Alphabet 
 
 and A B C of Animals. 
 
 47 A B C of Wonders, and 
 
 Little Traveller's Alphabet. 
 
 48 The Royal Alphabet, 
 
 and Little Shopkeeper's 
 A B C. 
 
 49 Tottie's Favourite Nur- 
 
 sery Rhymes. 
 
 50 Dick Whittington, and 
 
 other Nursery Stories. 
 
 51 Doggie's Dinner Party, 
 
 and Pussie's Tea Party. 
 
 52 Cinderella, and The 
 
 Babes in the Wood. 
 
 53 John Gilpin, and The 
 
 House that Jack Built. 
 
 54 Pussy-Cat Alphabet. 
 
 55 Punch & Judy Alphabet 
 
 56 Mamma's New Picture 
 
 Scripture Alphabet (Old Tes- 
 tament). 
 
 57 Mamma's New Picture 
 
 Scripture Alphabet (New Tes- 
 tament). 
 
 58 Jenny Wren Alphabet. 
 
 59 House that Jack Built. 
 
 THE PRETTY PRIZE PICTURE BOOKS. 
 
 With Coloured and other Illustrations, Is. each ; cloth gilt, Is. 6d. 
 
 1 The Pretty Prize Picture Book of Easy Alphabets. 
 
 2 The Pretty Prize Picture Book of Nursery Tales. 
 
 3 The Pretty Prize Picture Book of Nursery Stories. 
 
 AUNT MARY'S INDESTRUCTIBLE BOOKS. 
 
 Imperial 16010, picture wrappers, Gel. Coloured Plates. 
 
 i The Coloured Picture j 5 The Easy Reading Pic- 
 ture Book. 
 6 The Nursery 
 
 ABC Book. 
 
 2 Picture Alphabet Book. 
 
 3 Easy Words and Pretty 
 
 Pictures. 
 
 4 Pretty Coloured Picture 
 
 Book. 
 
 Rhyme 
 
 Book. 
 
 7 The Little Story Book. 
 
 8 Songs and Rhymes for 
 
 the Little Ones. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York. 
 
PICTURE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 Price 
 
 6d. 
 
 3d. 
 
 NEW SIXPENNY JUVENILE SERIES. 
 
 Fcap. 8vo, with Illustrations, cloth gilt, gilt edges, price 6(1. each. 
 
 1 Glorious Footprints ; or, Britain's Great Men. 
 
 2 Stirring Scenes in English History. 
 
 3 Trial and Triumph : Children's Troubles and Joys. 
 
 4 Little Susy's Six Servants. By ELIZ. PRENTISS. 
 
 5 Little Susy's Birthdays. By same Author. 
 
 6 Little Susy's Teachers. By same Author. 
 
 7 Original Poems. By ANN and JANE TAYLOR. 
 
 8 PoemsforChildren. By A. &J. TAYLOR and Dr. WATTS. 
 
 AUNT FANNY'S SIXPENNY TOY BOOKS. 
 
 In Colours, 410, coloured wrapper, price 6d. each ; on linen, Is. each. 
 
 5 Alphabet of Animals. 
 
 6 Aunt Fanny's ABC. 
 
 7 Cock Robin. 
 
 8 Nursery Rhymes Al- 
 
 phabet. 
 
 9 Aunt Fanny's Nursery 
 
 Rhymes. 
 
 10 Naughty Chickens. 
 
 11 Punch and Judy. 
 
 12 Old Mother Hubbard. 
 
 13 The Book of Animals. 
 
 14 Three Little Kittens. 
 
 19 Alphabet of Games. 
 
 20 Alphabet of Toys. 
 
 21 Poppy and Totty. 
 
 23 Cinderella. 
 
 24 The House that Jack 
 
 Built. 
 
 25 John Gil pin. 
 
 26 Dick Whittington, 
 
 27 Doggie's Dinner Party. 
 
 28 Pussie's Tea Party. 
 
 29 The Babes in the Wood. 
 
 30 Nursery Stories. 
 
 31 Little Shopkeeper's 
 
 Alphabet. 
 
 32 Litt'e Traveller's Al- 
 
 phabet. 
 
 33 Tottie's Nursery 
 
 Rhyme Book. 
 
 I 34 Famous Nursery 
 
 Rhymes. 
 
 j 35 The Royal Alphabet. 
 
 36 The Babies' Alphabet. 
 
 37 The ABC of Animals. 
 33 The A B C of Wonders. 
 
 . 39 The House that Jack 
 
 Built Alphabet. 
 
 THREEPENNY INDESTRUCTIBLE BOOKS. 
 
 1 Picture Alphabet. 
 
 2 Alphabet of Nursery Rhymes. 
 
 3 Nursery Rhymes. 
 
 4 Nursery Ditties. 
 
 5 The Dog's Dinner Party. 
 
 6 Three Little Kittens. 
 
 7 Babes in the Wood. 
 
 8 Red Riding Hood. [Slipper. 
 
 9 Cinderella ; or, the Little Glass 
 
 10 Cock Robin. 
 
 11 Old Mother Hubbard, 
 
 12 Punch and Judy. 
 
 Superbly printed in Colours, fcap. 8vo, Mounted on cloth, each 3d. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York. 
 
 79 
 
CHEAP TOY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 Price 
 
 2d. 
 
 Id. 
 
 3d. 
 
 2d. 
 
 2d. 
 
 Id. 
 
 THE NATIONAL NURSERY TALES. 
 
 With Coloured Pictures. Stitched in wrapper, price 2d. each. 
 
 1 Little Red Riding Hood. 
 
 2 Puss in Boots. 
 
 3 Jack and the Beanstalk. 
 
 4 Cinderella. 
 
 ; Jack, the Giant Killer, 
 i Goody Two Shoes. 
 ' The Three Bears. 
 ! Tom Thumb. 
 
 WARD AND LOCK'S 
 PENNY PICTURE FIRST BOOKS. 
 
 Profusely Illustrated, and stitched in attractive coloured wrapper, price 
 Id. each. 
 
 1 The Easy ABC. 
 
 2 Easy Words. 
 
 3 Easy Spelling. 
 
 4 Easy Reading. 
 
 GRACIE GOODCHILD'S PRETTY PICTURE 
 BOOKS. 
 
 Beautifully printed in Colours, demy 8vo, coloured wrapper, price 3(7. 
 each. 
 
 Picture Nursery 
 
 1 Pretty Picture Alphabet. 
 
 2 Pretty Picture A B C. 
 
 3 Pretty Picture Primer. 
 
 4 Pretty 
 Rhymes. 
 
 AUNT AFFABLE'S PRETTY PLAY BOOKS. 
 
 Royal 8vo, coloured wrappers, plain, price 2d. each ; coloured, 3d. each. 
 
 1 The ABC Book. I 3 Death and Burial of Cock 
 
 2 A B C of Objects. Robin. 
 
 4 Child's Picture Book of Animals. 
 
 THE CHILD'S PICTURE BIBLE STORIES. 
 
 Royal 8vo, coloured wrapper, plain, price 2d. each; coloured 3d. each. 
 
 1 Life and Teachings of our 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 2 From the Creation to the 
 
 Deluge. 
 
 3 The History of Abraham, 
 Isaac, and Jacob. 
 
 4 The Story of the Mighty Men 
 
 of Israel. 
 
 5 The History of David. 
 
 6 The Apostles and our 
 
 Saviour's Teaching. 
 
 PENNY COLOURED TOY BOOKS. 
 
 Beautifully printed in Colours. In Packets, containing 12 Books, Is. each. 
 
 1 A Picture Alphabet. 
 
 2 Alphabet of Nursery Rhymes 
 
 3 Nursery Rhymes. 
 
 4 Nursery Ditties. 
 
 5 The Dog's Dinner Party. 
 
 6 Three Little Kittens. 
 
 Babes in the Wood. 
 
 8 Red Riding Hood. 
 
 9 Cinderella. 
 
 10 Cock Robin. 
 
 11 Old Mother Hubbard. 
 
 12 Punch and Judy. 
 
 BEETON'S PENNY CHILDREN'S BOOKS. 
 
 Price Id. each ; the Series of Six, post free for 8d. 
 
 1 Beeton's Pictorial ABC. j 5 Beeton's Pictorial History of 
 
 2 Beeton's Pictorial Speller. England. 
 
 3 Beeton's Pictorial Primer. 6 Beeton's Pictorial Bible His- 
 
 4 Beeton's Pictorial Reader. j tory. 
 
 WARD, LOCK & CO., London, Melbourne, and New York.