King of the Castle Part 91

Chris Lisle heard the news without showing the slightest emotion, and as soon as he was alone he sat down and wrote as follows:--

"_I pray G.o.d that you may be happy_.

"Chris Lisle."

That was all, and he dropped it into the post-box himself, turned back to meet Trevithick on his way to the Fort, nodded to him and went straight to his room, where he stood for a few moments in silence.

"Yes," he said slowly and solemnly, "I pray G.o.d that you may be happy."

Then, after a pause:

"But," he cried, with terrible earnestness, "if--"

There was another pause in which he silently continued that which he might have said. Then, with a fierce light flashing from his eyes, he clenched his hands and said in a whisper more startling than the loudest words--

"I'll kill him as I would some venomous beast."

He threw himself into a chair and sat looking white and changed for quite an hour before he rose up and drew a long deep breath.

"Dead!" he said softly; "dead! Now, then, to bear it--like a man--and show no sign."

There was a gentle tap at the door.

"May I come in, sir, please?"

"Eh? Oh yes, Mrs Sarson. What is it?"

"I was going to--Oh my dear, dear boy!"

The poor woman caught his hand in hers, and kissed it, as her tears fell fast.

"Why, Mrs Sarson," he said, smiling, "what's the matter?"

"Oh, my dear," she said; "you haven't lived here with me all these years from quite a boy as you were, without me feeling just like a mother to you. And you so alone in the world. I know what trouble you're in, and what you must feel; and it hurts me too."

"There, there. You're a good soul," he said. "But that's all over.

Why, I've had the aching tooth taken out, and I'm quite a new man now."

"Oh, my dear--my dear!"

"I'm off for a few hours' fishing, and I shall want a good meat tea about six. I sha'n't be later."

He nodded cheerfully, and took his creel and rod from the pa.s.sage, Mrs Sarson hurrying to the window, and watching till he was out of sight, "Ah!" she said, shaking her head; "but it don't deceive me. I've read of them as held their hands in the fire till they were burned away; and he's a martyr, too, as would do it, without making a sign. But he can't deceive me."

Meanwhile Trevithick had gone up to the Fort to see Claude about certain business matters connected with the quarry, and with the full intent to ask her a few questions about the missing money in spite of her former words; but on his way that morning he had heard startling news, which made his face look peculiarly serious, and he said to himself--

"Well, it was her father's wish, but if I don't make the tightest marriage settlements ever drawn up I'm not an honest man."

He was admitted by Sarah Woodham, and shown into the library, where, quite at home, he took his seat, unlocked his black bag, and began to arrange a number of endorsed papers, tied up with red tape.

"Mrs Woodham does not seem to approve of the wedding," he said to himself. "Not a cheerful woman."

Then he looked round the room, and in imagination searched Gartram's safe and cash receptacles for the hundredth time.

"No," he said, giving one ear a vicious rub, "I can't get it that way.

It was someone who knew him and his ways pretty well stole that money, or there would have been some record left. All those thousands short.

He never omitted keeping account of even trifling sums."

"And Miss Dillon does not approve of the wedding," he said to himself as Mary entered, her eyes plainly showing that she had been weeping.

"Good-morning," she said, taking the chair placed for her with heavy courtesy. "My cousin is unwell, Mr Trevithick, and cannot see you.

Will you either come over again or state your business to me?"

"I shall be only too glad," he said, smiling.

"I thought you would," replied Mary. "Of course you will make a charge for this journey."

Trevithick looked at her aghast; and then flushed and perspired.

"I said I should be only too glad to discuss the business with you, Miss Dillon," he said stiffly.

"No, you did not, Mr Trevithick."

"I beg pardon. That is what I meant."

"Oh! then please go on."

"Why will she always be so sharp with me?" thought the lawyer, as he looked across the table wistfully.

"Yes, Mr Trevithick? I am all attention."

"Yes; of course," he said, suddenly becoming very business-like, for he could deal with her then. "The little matters of business can wait, or perhaps you could take the papers up for Miss Gartram's signature."

"Yes; of course," said Mary, sharply. "Where are they?"

"Here," he said, quietly; "but there is one, I might say two things, I should like Miss Gartram's opinion upon. Will you tell her, please?"

"Do speak a little faster, Mr Trevithick, I have a great deal to do this morning."

"I beg your pardon. Will you please tell Miss Gartram that I am, in spite of her commands, much exercised in mind about that missing money.

Tell her, please, that I have studied it from every point of view, and I am compelled to say that it is her duty to Mr Gartram deceased--that most exact of business men--to instruct me to make further inquiries into the matter."

"It would be of no use, Mr Trevithick. I am sure your cousin would not allow it. Is that all?"

"Will you not appeal to her from me?"

"No. I am sure she would not listen to any such suggestion. Now, is that all?"

Mary spoke in a quick, excited way, as if she wanted to get out of the room, and yet wished to stay.