He had breakfasted very pleasantly with Sir Bridgnorth Charlton, who was staying at the same hotel as himself, and had not the slightest idea that anything disagreeable awaited him; but he was rather struck by Higgins's manner, as he let him in.
Evidently the butler had something to communicate.
It may be proper to mention that, since Chetwynd's resumption of his own name, and appearance in his true character at Lady Thicknesse's, no allusion to the past had ever been made by Higgins, who had always been particularly respectful.
“Mr. Calverley,” he said, as they stood together in the vestibule, “I must prepare you for an interview with her ladyship and Mr. Scrope Danvers. They are in the dining-room, and I am directed to conduct you thither on your arrival. I know nothing, but should any questions be asked me, you may rely on my discretion.”
“I am greatly obliged to you, Higgins,” replied Chetwynd; “but you are at liberty to tell all you know respecting me. I desire no concealment. Of course, I should be glad to throw a veil over the past if I could; but that is impossible.”
No more was said.
The butler ushered him into the dining-room, where he found Lady Thicknesse and her nephew.
Her ladyship received him with her customary good nature, and begged him to be seated; but Scrope's manner was cold and haughty.
After a few preliminary remarks by Lady Thicknesse, Scrope interposed, and in a very grave tone said:
“Will you allow me to ask you a few questions, Mr. Calverley? I shall be sorry to give you pain, but circumstances compel me to adopt this disagreeable course.”
“Since the questions you desire to put refer, no doubt, to a very painful period of my life, it might, perhaps, have been better if you had spoken to me in private,” rejoined Chetwynd. “But proceed.”
“Pray understand that it is at my particular request that Lady Thicknesse is present,” said Scrope. “We have long been aware that some time ago you were in great difficulties, and on bad terms with your father and stepmother; but, until very lately neither of us knew you had attempted to commit suicide.”
“What you have heard is quite true, sir,” replied Chetwynd. “I was driven to desperation by my own folly; but I have never ceased to feel deep remorse for the attempt, and I daily thank Heaven that I was saved from the commission of the sinful act.”
Hitherto Lady Thicknesse had looked down, but she now regarded him with an interest she had never felt before.
“These sentiments do you credit, sir,” said Scrope. “But I must now ask what steps you took immediately after the attempt?”
“I endeavoured to obtain employment.”
“In what way?”
“I decline to answer that question, sir,” replied Chetwynd.
“As you please, sir,” said Scrope. “I can easily obtain the requisite information.”
And he rang the bell. The summons was promptly answered by the butler.
“Higgins,” observed Scrope, “when Charles Brown-low, the former footman, was discharged, did Mr. Tankard apply for the place?”
“He did, sir.”
“For his son?”
“No, sir; for a young man named Walter Liddel.”
“Are you certain that was his real name?”
“I can't be quite sure, sir,” replied Higgins. “At any rate it was the name given me by Mr. Tankard.”
“Did you see the party spoken of?”
“Oh, yes, sir! I saw him at Mr. Tankard's house, and was very much pleased with his appearance. The livery suited him extremely well.”
“Oh! then he had on the livery?”
“Yes, sir. I wished to see how it fitted, and itdidfit him to admiration. I never saw such a fine-looking footman in my life.”
“And you engaged him?”
“At once, sir. I thought him a great catch.”
“Did he enter on the situation?”
“Something prevented him. Either his father died quite suddenly, and left him a large fortune, or else he married; I don't recollect which.”
“Be serious, if you please, Higgins. Have you ever seen him since?”
“Not that I am aware of, sir.”
“Should you know him again if you saw him?”
“I don't think I should, sir. I only saw him in livery, and a handsome livery like ours sets a man off to advantage. Are these all the questions you propose to ask me, sir?”
“One more, and I have done; and I beg you will answer it distinctly. Do you see him now?”
“Walter Liddel? No, sir.”
“You are a very cautious fellow, Higgins, but it won't do,” said Scrope.
“Speak out, Higgins,” said Chetwynd. “I have no wish for concealment.”
“Now I look again,” remarked the butler to Scrope, “I should say there is a very strong resemblance between Walter Liddel and Mr. Chetwynd Calverley.”
“Enough!” cried Scrope. “You may retire.” Higgins bowed, and left the room.
“And now,” said Chetwynd, “may I ask the meaning of this inquiry?”
“My object is merely to establish a fact,” replied Scrope. “Lady Thicknesse and myself have just learnt, to our great surprise and annoyance, that our charming relative, Emmeline Barfleur, has had the imprudence to form an engagement with you.”
“Imprudence, sir!” cried Chetwynd.
“I might use a stronger term, but that will suffice. It cannot be very agreeable to those connected with her, that the daughter of the proud Sir Leycester Barfleur, who might marry any one she pleases, should throw herself away upon a—footman!”
Chetwynd absolutely started, but controlled himself by a great effort.
“I now understand your anxiety to secure Lady Thicknesses presence at our interview,” he said. “You have aimed a cowardly blow at me, but it has failed in effect. I treat your observation with scorn!” Then, turning to Lady Thicknesse, he added, “Since your nephew refuses to give me credit for acting like a gentleman, I must inform your ladyship that Emmeline is acquainted with the ridiculous circumstance of which so much has been made, and it merely excited her laughter. I have confessed all my follies and faults to her—all!—and she has forgiven me, because she believes in my promises of amendment.”
As he spoke the door opened, and Emmeline herself entered the room, accompanied by Mildred and Sir Bridgnorth Charlton.
Ithought I should be required as an important witness in the inquiry which I understood is going on here,” said Emmeline, stepping quickly forward, “so I have come to give my evidence.”
“You are too late, my love,” said Lady Thicknesse. “The inquiry is over.”
“Has it ended satisfactorily?” asked Emmeline.
“Not to me,” replied Chetwynd. “Your cousin Scrope has endeavoured to show that if you had not intentionally been kept in the dark as to certain matters, you would not have entered into an engagement which he holds to be utterly unworthy of you. Nor has he acknowledged his error, though every assurance has been given him that he is mistaken.”
“Will my amiable but incredulous cousin accept my assurance to the same effect?” observed Emmeline. “He shakes his head, and declines to answer. He is, therefore, out of court. Nevertheless, I will tell him, and all who choose to listen to me, that Mr. Chetwynd Calverley has behaved in the most honourable manner, and has concealed nothing from me. I will also tell my proud cousin, and he may make what use he pleases of the information, that I have engaged myself to as good a gentleman as himself, and that nothing that he or any one else can say will induce me to break my promise.”
“Thank you, from my heart!” said Chetwynd.
“Now is your time to speak, if you have anything to say,” observed Emmeline to her cousin.
But Scrope shrugged his shoulders, and declined the challenge.
“Then I will tell you one thing, which you don't know, and, perhaps, won't believe when you are told it,” said Emmeline. “Chetwynd himself proposed to go through a period of probation before our engagement took place: and he readily agreed that the marriage should be deferred for a year. Will that content you?”
“I should be better pleased if it were postponed altogether!” muttered Scrope.
“Let me say a word for my friend Chetwynd,” interposed Sir Bridgnorth. “As yet, it is somewhat early to declare that he has reformed, but I sincerely believe in his professions, and I feel persuaded he will carry them out.”
“I won't disappoint you, Sir Bridgnorth!” said Chetwynd, earnestly.
“I have entire confidence in you,” rejoined the baronet.
“And so have I,” said Lady Thicknesse. “I am so well satisfied with the explanation that has taken place, that I give my full consent to Emmeline's engagement.”
“I am delighted to hear you say so, dearest aunt!” cried the young lady. “You make me quite happy. It would have grieved me to incur your displeasure. I don't care a bit about Scrope!”
“Won't you even give me credit for the desire to serve you?” said Scrope.
“No. I am displeased by your uncalled-for interference. You do more harm than good!”
“Before deciding against my friend Chetwynd, Scrope,” said Sir Bridgnorth, “you ought to give him a fair trial.”
“That is all I desire,” remarked Chetwynd. “Six months hence, if I have not proved myself worthy of Emmeline, I will retire from the field.”
“I take you at your word,” said Scrope. “Am I to decide the point?”
“No; because you have shown yourself unfair and ungenerous,” said Emmeline.
At this juncture, Captain Danvers entered the room, and uttered an exclamation of surprise on seeing so many persons present.
“I wondered where you all were,” he said. “What important affair have you been discussing?55
“A marriage!” replied Lady Thicknesse.
“And everybody, except Scrope, is pleased with it!” said Emmeline.
“Oh, never mind him!” remarked the captain. “He'll come round to the general opinion.”
“Don't be too sure of that!” said Scrope.
“Ten to one you come round before a month!” said his brother.
“Done!” rejoined Scrope.
“I wish I could bet!” said Emmeline. “I'd lay fifty to one that in less than a week Scrope will own his mistake, and ask my pardon!”
“I'll back you!55 said Sir Bridgnorth, looking at Scrope.
“Taken!” rejoined that person.
“And now let us go up-stairs,” said Lady Thicknesse.
“Not to the drawing-room, dear aunt,” rejoined Captain Danvers.
“Why not there?” inquired her ladyship, surprised.
“Because we should interrupt a very tender interview,” said the captain. “Lord Courland and Mrs. Calverley are in the drawing-room, dear aunt.”
“I should think the affair must be settled by this time,” observed Scrope.
“Give them another quarter of an hour,” said the captain.
The proposition was unanimously agreed to.
That morning, Mrs. Calverley's lady's-maid, Laura, had delivered to her mistress a littlebillet douxfrom Lord Courland, entreating the favour of a private interview.
The request was granted, and, through the instrumentality of Mr. Higgins, who was consulted by Laura, it was arranged that the meeting should take place in the drawing-room, the obliging butler undertaking that the pair should not be interrupted.
Never had the charming widow looked more beautiful than on that morning.
As she sat in the drawing-room awaiting Lord Cour-land's appearance, her breast swelled with triumph, and her eyes shone with more than their customary splendour.
Great pains had been taken with her toilette by Laura, who assured her, with a smile, that she looked enchanting, and added that there was not another person in the house to be compared with her.
The fair widow believed what was said, and might be excused for doing so under the circumstances, since she had at once carried off the grand prize from those whom she regarded as competitors.
Lord Courland was enraptured when he beheld her.
He did not throw himself literally at her feet when the discreet Higgins, who had ushered him into the room, had retired, but he manifested all the ardour of an impassioned lover.
He gave utterance to a few expressions of delight as he sat down beside her on the sofa, and pressed her hand to his lips, but his looks were far more eloquent than his words.
To many a courageous man a proposal is a formidable business, but Lord Courland certainly did not appear to find it so; nor was it necessary for the beautiful widow to give him any encouragement.
“Need I say I adore you?” he exclaimed. “You must be conscious that from the first moment I beheld you I was fascinated by your charms.”
She smiled softly, but made no audible response.
He continued in the same passionate strain.
“Let me have a word to say I am not an object of indifference to you—that you requite my love.”
She regarded him more tenderly than before, but spoke not.
He could not misunderstand the look.
“You love me!” he cried. “Your eyes confess more than your lips are willing to avow! You force me to snatch an answer from them!” he added, suiting the action to the word.
“Now you are mine, Teresa,” he continued, still holding her hand. “Soon to be Viscountess Cour-land, hereafter Countess of Richborough. But you are silent. Speak, I conjure you! Tell me you are content!”
“Can you doubt it?” she replied, with a look that seemed to penetrate the inmost recesses of his breast.
“And you really, truly love me?”
“Really, truly!” she rejoined. “I never loved till now!”
“May I credit this?” he remarked, somewhat incredulously. “I am willing to be deceived.”
“I repeat, you are the only person I have ever really loved.”
Another kiss followed the gratifying assurance, which might possibly have been correct.
“Are you ambitious, Teresa?” asked the enamoured young nobleman.
“I do not think so,” she rejoined. “I am influenced by your agreeable qualities, not by your rank. Though a recommendation, your title would not have gained you my hand.”
“But I ought to tell you I am not very rich, and I shall not have much during my father's lifetime.”
“It matters not,” she replied, with a smile. “I have a tolerably good income, and Ouselcroft is rather a pretty place, as I think you will own when you see it.”
“No doubt. Scrope says you have one of the nicest seats in Cheshire.”
“I cannot contradict him, since I entertain the same opinion myself. But you must come and see it. I shall not prolong my stay in town. Possibly I may return to-morrow.”
“So soon?”
“I have nothing to detain me, and, under present circumstances, I shall be glad to get back.”
“It will be far more agreeable to me to see you at your own house, than here,” observed Lord Courland.
“Then be it so,” she replied. “Come as soon as you please.”
“Shall I bring Scrope Danvers with me?”
“By all means; I have plenty of room. Besides, Brackley, Lady Barfleur's residence, is only a few miles off.”
“Miss Calverley resides with you, I believe?”
“Yes; and a great delight she is to me. I couldn't do without her.”
“And Chetwynd—pardon my asking so many questions—is he also with you?”
“For the present. I hope you like him?”
“I like him immensely. I'm sure we shall get on together uncommonly well. And now, am I at liberty to inform Lady Thicknesse and Scrope that you have consented to become Lady Courland?”
“Yes; I think it will be quite proper to do so,” she replied.
Not many minutes afterwards voices were heard without, the door was thrown open by Higgins, and Lady Thicknesse and most of the persons whom we left below entered the room.
As Lord Courland arose and advanced to meet her ladyship, she could not fail to be struck by his joyous air.
“I hope I may congratulate your lordship?” she said.
“Do I look like a rejected suitor?” he remarked.
“Not exactly,” she replied. “I should say all has gone well.”
“Yes; my suit has prospered,” he said. “But I am entirely indebted to your ladyship for the treasure I have gained.”
“That you have gained a treasure, I am certain,” rejoined Lady Thicknesse. “But I do not see how you owe it to me.”
“Is it not here that I have found it?” he said. “But for you, I might never have met the only person who can make me happy.”
By this time Mrs. Calverley herself had come forward to participate in the general felicitations.
“What think you of this proposed marriage?” observed Sir Bridgnorth, in a low tone, to Chetwynd.
“I think very little about it,” replied the other. “It will never take place.”
“Wherefore not?”
“I cannot explain myself,” said Chetwynd; “but, depend upon it, I am right.”
“Well, time will show,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “I am going down to Charlton to-morrow. Come, and spend a few days with me. I feel certain there will be a general move.”
And so it proved.
No sooner did Mrs. Calverley announce her intention of returning to Ouselcroft on the morrow, than Emmeline and Mildred said they should return at the same time, though Lady Thicknesse besought them to stay a few days longer.
At last, when she could not prevail upon them to remain, she declared she would go down to Haslemere for a short time, and while in Cheshire would come and spend a week with her sister, Lady Barfleur, at Brackley Hall.
Determined not to be left out, Captain Danvers likewise volunteered to go to Brackley. Indeed, from the various plans proposed and discussed, there seemed every prospect that the whole party would soon meet again in the country.
As it was quite impossible that Emmeline and Mildred could part with Rose, it was arranged that she should accompany them; and in the mean time the little damsel was allowed to take leave of her friends.
One of the best dinners Monsieur Zephyrus had ever served formed the farewell entertainment. The merit of the repast was fully appreciated; but the company was not so lively as heretofore.
Next day the party broke up.
Though the purpose for which she had assembled her guests had not been accomplished, good-natured Lady Thicknesse was content, and her congratulations to Mrs. Calverley were sincere.
As to the fair widow, who had now reached the summit of her ambition, she did not attempt to disguise her satisfaction.
Since she had formed the engagement with Lord Courland, a slight but perceptible change had taken place in her demeanour. Her manner to Mildred was more haughty.
Before her departure she had a private conference with her noble suitor, when a good many matters were talked over, but in the pleasantest way possible. In fact, all seemedcouleur de rose.
Lord Courland attended her to the station, and, while bidding her adieu, she reminded him that in three days she should expect him at Ouselcroft.
“Doubt not you will see me,” he rejoined. In the same railway carriage with Mrs. Calverley were two young ladies, a lady's maid, and two gentlemen. The gentlemen were Chetwynd and Sir Bridgnorth, who were about to accompany the ladies to Chester.
The lady's-maid was remarkably pretty; but there was a tear in her bright eye, the cause of which will be understood when we mention that on the platform stood a tall, black-whiskered young man, gazing wistfully at her.
Harry Netterville—for it was he—did not dare to approach the carriage, but waved his hand, as the snorting engine started on its journey and bore his love away.
Mrs. Calverley, attended by Laura, drove direct to Ouselcroft. Emmeline and Mildred, accompanied by Rose, who had now got over her grief, and was full of curiosity to behold her new abode, proceeded to Brackley Hall.
Sir Bridgnorth and Chetwynd stopped to dine at the “Queen's Hotel,” and then went back to the nearest point on the line to Charlton Hall, where they arrived about nine o'clock.
As a matter of course, the important news that their mistress was engaged to be married to Lord Courland was immediately communicated to the household by Laura, and caused a great sensation—some of the servants being pleased, while the others did not exactly know how their own particular interests might be affected.
The unexpected intelligence produced a singular effect upon Norris. For a time, he remained absorbed in thought, neither expressing approval nor disapproval. He then called Laura into the butler's pantry, and, begging her to be seated, said:
“This is a very sudden affair, Laura. I can't understand it!”
“You must be very stupid, Mr. Norris! Can't you understand that a young nobleman like Lord Courland may easily fall over head and ears in love with such a captivating lady as Mrs. Calverley? I wasn't surprised at all. I felt sure she would carry him off, and so she did. The girls hadn't a chance with her. Mr. Higgins told me his lordship never said a tender word to either of them. I dare say it has been a great disappointment to Lady Thicknesse; but Mrs. Calverley can't help that.”
“It's a great match to make,” observed Norris—“a very great match! Is the wedding-day fixed?”
“Bless you, no!” exclaimed Laura. “Why, his lordship only proposed yesterday! A deal will have to be done before the marriage takes place.”
“You're right,” remarked Norris, drily. “What does Miss Mildred think of it?”
“I can't tell,” replied Laura. “But it's perfectly immaterial what she thinks. Mrs. Calverley hasn't consulted her, and doesn't mean to consult her. But I don't fancy she likes it. Not that she cares for his lordship, for I believe she has made it up with Captain Danvers. However, I'm not in the secret, for the girls have got a lady's-maid of their own, and she doesn't talk much. But if that's the case we shall have a lot of marriages before long.”
“How so, Laura?” inquired Norris.
“Why, it's certain Miss Barfleur has accepted Mr. Chetwynd!”
“Accepted Mr. Chetwynd!” exclaimed the old butler. “That's good news, indeed—too good to be true, I'm afraid!”
“Oh, no, it's quite correct,” rejoined Laura. “Mr. Higgins told me there was a great consultation about it yesterday. Lady Thicknesse and Mr. Scrope Danvers, it seems, object to the match; but Miss Barfleur is determined to have him, and when a young lady makes up her mind opposition is useless, Mr. Norris!”
“Especially when the young lady is a great heiress!” rejoined the butler. “Now tell me something about our new master, Laura, for I suppose we shall have to call his lordship 'master' before long. Is he handsome?”
“Well, there is a difference of opinion on that point, Mr. Norris,” she replied. “But he has a very stylish look, and is extremely affable in his manner. In short, he looks like a person of rank. But he's coming here in a few days, and then you'll be able to judge for yourself.”
“Coming here, is he?” cried Norris, gruffly. “I'd rather he kept away. I suppose he wants to see whether the place will suit him?”
“Being engaged, he must take it whether it suits him or not,” observed Laura.
“Ah, you are a wit, Miss Laura!” said the butler. “Well, the description you give of Lord Courland is satisfactory. But I shall be sorry to see my old master's property pass into other hands. Have you any idea what Mr. Chetwynd thinks of the match?”
“Not the slightest,” replied Laura; “except that I feel certain it can't be satisfactory to him or his sister.”
“Impossible—quite impossible!” cried Norris.
“Such is Mr. Higgins's opinion,” observed Laura.
“Your Mr. Higgins seems a very sensible man,” remarked Norris. “I should like to have some talk with him.”
“You would find him most agreeable, as well as very shrewd,” said Laura. “You will be pleased, I'm sure, to hear that he thinks very highly of Mr. Chetwynd.”
“Another proof of his discernment,” said Norris. “By-the-bye, where is our young master? Have you left him in town?”
“He came with us as far as Chester, but he has gone to Charlton Hall with Sir Bridgnorth for a few days.”
“He would have done better to come on here. And Miss Mildred, you say, has gone to Brackley with Miss Barfleur? Well, a great change is at hand. It won't affect you, Laura; but it will affect me. Lord Cour-land will find me too old. He will require a younger and smarter butler, and I shall be dismissed.”
“Oh, I hope not, dear Mr. Norris!” cried Laura. “That would grieve me excessively!”
“It will be so, my dear,” he replied; “and I almost think Mrs. Calverley herself will be glad to get rid of me.”
“If she does, she will provide for you.”
“I am not sure of that. Old servants are not always rewarded—very rarely, indeed, I should say. Ah! if my good old master had lived, it would have been different! But I feel convinced I shall not retain my place unless something happens; and itmayhappen!” he added, significantly.
“What do you mean, Mr. Norris?”
“I can't explain my meaning. But perhaps, on consideration, Mrs. Calverley may deem it expedient to keep me on.”
“I'll give her a hint,” said Laura, as she quitted the room.
On going up-stairs, after looking for her mistress in the bed-chamber, where she had left her, Laura proceeded to a small cabinet, in which the late Mr. Calverley was wont to transact his private business, write his letters, and hold consultations with his tenants and others. Here, in a large oak chest, all the old gentleman's deeds and bulky documents were deposited, while an escritoire contained his smaller papers, account-books, and memoranda.
On tapping at the door of the cabinet, Laura was bidden by her mistress to come in.
From the expression of Mrs. Calverley's countenance it was clear that something had gone wrong, and the sharp lady's-maid scarcely needed any information on the point when she observed that several of the escritoire drawers were pulled out.
“You can't find something, I perceive, ma'am?” said Laura. “Can I help you?”
“You'll do little good, Laura,” replied the lady. “I've searched these drawers most carefully, and can't find what I want.”
“Is it a letter, may I venture to ask?” said Laura.
“No; it's much more important than a letter,” replied Mrs. Calverley. “Nothing less than my late husband's will.”
“Good gracious, ma'am!” exclaimed Laura. “I hope you haven't lost it?”
“Lost it?—no. Besides, it wouldn't much matter if I had, since the will has been proved, but I can't conceive what has become of it. I placed it in one of those drawers myself. I hope it has not been stolen.”
“It couldn't be stolen, ma'am, if it was safely locked up in one of those drawers,” said Laura. “I wish you'd let me search for it.”
“It will be useless, but you may try.”
On this, Laura turned over the contents of the drawers, which were chiefly old letters and memoranda, but without success.
“It's gone, no doubt, ma'am,” she said.
“Yes; I felt sure you wouldn't find it,” remarked her mistress. “The occurrence is most vexatious, but I won't worry myself any more about it now. I shall see Mr. Carteret in the morning. You know I've telegraphed to him to come to me?”
“Oh, yes, ma'am; and I guessed what you wanted to consult him about,” rejoined Laura, with a knowing look.
“Tell me, Laura,” said Mrs. Calverley, “what do your fellow-servants say about my engagement with Lord Courland? Speak freely; I should like to know the truth.”
“In general, they are very much pleased, ma'am; but old Mr. Norris is rather afraid he shall lose his place. He fancies his lordship may prefer a younger butler.”
“Well that is just possible,” remarked Mrs. Calverley. “Norris is a faithful old servant, and I am greatly attached to him, but he is growing superannuated.”
“I think it might be prudent to keep him on for a time, ma'am,” said Laura, with a certain significance, “since he has lived so long in the family.”
Mrs. Calverley looked inquiringly at her.
“Has he said anything to you, Laura?”
“Only that he hoped his services might not be forgotten, but he said it in a way that meant a great deal. I think it would be well not to get rid of him at present, ma'am.”
“I have no intention of doing so,” replied Mrs. Calverley. “I have a great regard for him, as you know.”
“So I told him, ma'am.”
“Does he doubt it?”
“He seems uneasy and resentful; and, unless quieted, I think he may make mischief.”
“In that case, his dismissal would be unavoidable. But I hope he will display better judgment. Assure him that I have not the slightest idea of parting with him, and that it will be entirely his own fault if he does not remain here for many years longer.”
“I will tell him what you say, ma'am,” replied Laura; “and I am confident it will give him great satisfaction. You have no further commands for me, I suppose?”
“I would rather you didn't mention down-stairs that the will is missing. It will be time enough to make inquiries about it to-morrow when I have consulted Mr. Carteret. I shall see you again before I retire to rest.”
“Certainly, ma'am,” replied Laura, as she withdrew.
Left alone, Mrs. Calverley locked up all the drawers of the escritoire, and then sat down to reflect.
That the will had been abstracted she now felt certain; but by whom?—and with what design?
At one moment her suspicions alighted on old Norris; but she instantly rejected the supposition, as inconsistent with his character. Besides, she could see no motive for the theft, since the instrument would be valueless to him in every way. Again, how could he know that it was placed in the escritoire?—and had he a key of the drawer? No, no; Norris could not be the thief.
But who else could have taken it?
Unable to answer the question, she turned her thoughts to other matters.
Mrs. Calverley's feelings were of a mingled character. Though pride and triumph predominated, her anxieties had increased, and every step she took seemed fraught with difficulty.
But she shook off all misgivings, and congratulating herself on her splendid achievement, determined at whatever risk, and whatever might be the consequences, to carry out the important arrangement she had made.
MRS. Calverley, as already intimated, had sent a telegraphic message from London to Mr. Carteret, desiring him to come to her next morning at Ousel-croft; and she gave him a hint of the business on which she wished to consult him, by mentioning that she expected Lord Courland.
Accordingly, about ten o'clock next morning, in compliance with the summons he had received, Mr. Carteret made his appearance, and was conducted by Norris to the cabinet just described, where he found the beautiful widow seated at a desk, with writing materials before her.
“I am so much obliged to you for coming to me, Mr. Carteret,” she said, giving him a very warm welcome. “I want to see you most particularly. Pray sit down!”
“If I am not mistaken, madam, you are about to form an important matrimonial alliance?” he remarked.
“You have guessed rightly, Mr. Carteret,” she said, with a smile. “I went up to town a few days ago perfectly free, and have returned engaged.”
“To Lord Courland?”
“To his lordship.”
“Accept my congratulations,” he said, rather gravely. “But I am obliged to treat the affair as a matter of business, and must dismiss all sentiment. Does his lordship propose to make a handsome settlement upon you?”
“No doubt he would, if it were in his power; but he is unable to do so.”
“I feared not,”' replied Carteret. “But I hope he doesn't expect a settlement to be made on him?”
“I rather think he does,” replied the lady.
“But surely you have not made any promise to this effect?” observed Carteret.
“Indeed, I have, sir,” she rejoined. “You look surprised. But I really could not do otherwise. I have promised to settle half my property upon him.”
“But how will you fulfil your promise?”
“I see no difficulty in the way,” she rejoined. “I have only to give you the necessary instructions.”
“If that were all, it would be easy enough. But I can scarcely conceive it possible you can be in ignorance of——”
“In ignorance of what?” she hastily interrupted.
“Of the clause in your late husband's will, which directs that in the event of your marrying again, the whole of the property shall go to Mildred. Thus you will have nothing more than the settlement made upon you before your marriage.”
“Is this so?” asked Mrs. Calverley, with some astonishment. “I was not aware of it.”
“It is exactly as I state,” he replied. “I am amazed to find you have not read the will.”
“Ihaveread it,” she cried. “But I did not notice the clause you mention.”
“I will show it you in a moment if you will give me the will,” he said.
“I fear the will has been stolen,” she rejoined.
“Stolen?” he ejaculated.
“Yes; I wished to refer to it last evening, but could not find it.”
“Had you put it in a safe place?”
“I put it in one of the drawers of this escritoire. The drawers were all locked, but the will was gone!”
“Have you examined the drawers to-day?” asked Carteret.
“I have not, because I consider further search completely useless.”
“I should like to satisfy myself before making inquiries,” said Carteret.
Mrs. Calverley unlocked the top drawer, and opened it, and had no sooner done so, than Mr. Carteret sprang forward, exclaiming:
“Why, there it is!”
Had it come there by magic?
Mrs. Calverley could scarcely believe her eyes.
“Are you certain you examined this drawer?” said Carteret.
“Quite. Laura searched it after me.”
“But how came the will back?”
“That I cannot explain,” replied Mrs. Calverley. “But it is clear one of the servants has a key that fits this lock. I scarcely like to say so—but I suspect Norris.”
“I can't believe the old man capable of such an act,” said Carteret. “However, we'll speak of that presently. First, let me convince you that my statement in regard to the will is correct. Here is the clause. It is at the very end of the instrument:—'And I hereby declare that if my dear wife, Teresa, shall marry again, without the consent in writing first had and obtained of my dear daughter Mildred, then, and in such case, the whole of my property hereby devised to my said wife, shall go and revert to my said daughter Mildred, anything heretofore expressed to the contrary notwithstanding.' Thus you see, madam,” he pursued, “if you marry again, all your property, which may be roughly estimated at five thousand pounds per annum, will go from you, and you will have nothing but your settlement. I cannot imagine how this important clause escaped you.”
“Neither can I,” said Mrs. Calverley.
“But it will now be necessary to decide whether you will sacrifice your present large income, or break off the important match you have just formed. I don't think you can have much hesitation. In my opinion, when Lord Courland learns how you are circumstanced, he will be anxious to retire.”
“I do not think so,” exclaimed Mrs. Calverley.
“Well, you will have an excellent opportunity of testing the sincerity of his affection.”
“I am taken quite by surprise, as you see, Mr. Carteret,” said Mrs. Calverley, who was greatly agitated, “and must have time for consideration before I can decide. I anticipate no difficulty.”
“It is certainly an awkward dilemma,” said Carteret; “but I don't see how you can get out of it, unless you are content to remain single. I quite thought you understood your position, or I should have ventured to give you some advice before.”
“I wish you had,” said Mrs. Calverley. “I little imagined Mildred held my destiny in her hands. She cannot be aware of her power?”
“I have no means of judging,” replied Carteret. “But I fancy not.”
“Then let her be kept in ignorance for a short time, till we are able to think the matter over. I cannot, will not give up Lord Courland—I love him!”
“That alters the case, madam.”
“But though I cannot give him up, I know not whether he is disinterested enough to take me with my small fortune.”
“Fifteen hundred a year is not a small fortune,” said Carteret, “and you have that, at any rate. If Lord Courland loves you as strongly as I am persuaded he does, I am sure he will be content with it.”
“But he has been led to expect more,” said Mrs. Calverley.
“Yes; that is unfortunate. His expectations having been raised so highly, a disappointment may ensue. But I do not anticipate a rupture is to be apprehended. Let me state that I did my best to prevent the introduction of this objectionable clause into the will. But my remonstrances were ineffectual, Mr. Calverley was determined. 'If she marries again, the property shall return to my family,' he said. So I was obliged to carry out his instructions. I know not what are your plans, madam, but my advice to you is to delay the marriage as long as you can, so that some arrangement may be made with Miss Calverley.”
“I will follow your advice, Mr. Carteret. But, when Mildred discovers her power, I think she will prove impracticable.”
“It may be so,” he rejoined. “But you are still mistress of the situation. She may prevent your marriage, but she can do nothing more. Evidently, she is in the dark at present. Keep this matter secret till you have concocted your plans; you will then be able to make a better arrangement.”
“But you forget that I have an enemy in the house. Whoever abstracted the will—and I still suspect Norris—-is in possession of the important secret, and will communicate it. That is certain.”
Struck by what she said, Mr. Carteret reflected for a few minutes.
“Under the circumstances, it may be well to keep on good terms with old Norris,” he said. “Chetwynd and Mildred, I find, are both absent, so that you need not apprehend immediate interference from either of them. Summon me, if you require my counsel, and I will come at once. I can render you no service just now. But mind! make no proposition to Mildred without consulting me.”
And he left the cabinet.
As he went out, he found Norris in the hall, and took the opportunity of speaking to him.
“Well, Norris,” he said, “you're going to have a great change in the house before long. How does it suit you?”
“Not at all, sir,” replied the old butler, who looked very gloomy. “I'd rather things remained as they are. But do you really think, sir, this marriage will take place?”
“What's to hinder it?” remarked Carteret, looking at him inquiringly.
“Nothing that I know of,” replied Norris; “but perhaps Mrs. Calverley may change her mind. She has got everything she wants now.”
“Except a husband!” replied Carteret, laughing.
“And he may cost too dear,” said Norris.
“Too dear! What do you mean?”
“A young nobleman is not to be had for nothing,” replied Norris.
“Well, Mrs. Calverley can afford to pay a high price for such a luxury, if she chooses,” said Carteret. “However, that's not the way to look at the matter, Norris. This is a very great match, and must be conducted in a befitting manner. A large settlement must necessarily be made.”
“I don't dispute that, sir,” said Norris. “Butcana large settlement be made?”
“The rascal has read the will!” thought Carteret. “Of course it can!” he added, aloud. “Mrs. Calverley can do what she likes with her own.”
“Well, you ought to know better than me, sir,” said Norris; “but I fancy you're mistaken. I always understood my old master didn't wish his wife to marry again, and I concluded he would take precautions to prevent her doing so.”
“I wouldn't advise you to make such observations as those to any one but me, Norris,” said Carteret.
“Not even to Mr. Chetwynd, or Miss Mildred, sir?”
“I see what you are driving at, Norris; but you had better hold your tongue, and keep quiet; you'll do yourself no good by meddling in what does not concern you. Things are by no means settled. Most certainly, the marriage won't take place at present. Very likely it may not take place at all. But if it does, the testamentary directions will be strictly carried out.”
“That's all I wished to know, sir,” replied the butler. “I won't say a word more to any one.”
And he attended Mr. Carteret to the door, where the solicitor's mail-phaeton was waiting for him.