by Fergus Hume
CHAPTER XIV
AN UNEXPECTED MEETING
"I have been much to blame," said the vicar. "I set myself up as a judgewhen I had no right to do so. Leo, you must forgive me."
"I forgive you freely," replied the young man, grasping the hand heldout by Mr Tempest. "Appearances were against me, so it was little wonderthat you did not entirely trust me. Still, Mr Tempest, you should haveknown me better than to think me guilty of such a crime."
"I know--I know I have been wrong."
"Well, let us drop the subject. My character is now clear, and I have nowish to recall a very disagreeable past."
This conversation took place in the study of Mr Tempest, and in thepresence of Sybil and Marton. The detective had shown the vicar theinsolent but welcome letter he had received from Pratt. The confessiontherein entirely exonerated Leo, and he could again hold up his head. Heand Mr Tempest were quite reconciled. Sybil, with her hand in Leo's,looked thoroughly happy.
"_I_ never lost faith in you, Leo!" she said. "Sooner or later I knewthat all would be well."
"I have to thank Marton for the clearing of my character, Sybil."
"Faith, you are wrong there!" said Marton, smiling. "I thought you wereinnocent; but as I had not looked into the case, I saw no means ofproving it. Had not Pratt sent this confession I should still be in thedark. He is a scoundrel, but he is a good friend to you, Haverleigh!"
"I don't agree with you," said Tempest, sharply, for he was still soreon the subject of the cup. "Pratt knew that Leo was suspected, and heshould have come forward long ere this to put the matter right."
"You ask too much from a man of Pratt's nature," said Marton, dryly. "Itis wonderful that he should have confessed his guilt even at theeleventh hour. However, this closes the case, and I can go back toLondon. We know now who stole the cup, and we know also that it cannotbe recovered. Pratt will stick to it this time. It was only his vanityand desire for popularity that made him give it away in the firstinstance."
"If it came back to me I should never accept it," said the vicar,emphatically. "A stolen cup should never have been put to sacred uses. Iwonder at the daring of the man!"
"Oh! a man like Pratt is capable of anything," said Marton, with ashrug. "But you will never see him again, Mr Tempest. And now, MrHaverleigh, I think you should see Sir Frank Hale and make him confessthat he lent you the money."
"There will be no difficulty about that," replied Leo. "Hale told onlytwo people that he repudiated all knowledge of the loan. One was myaunt, the other myself. He is too cunning to tell the world the untruthhe told us. Besides, my character being cleared, he can have no furtherhold over me. I fear he will be angry."
"I am certain he will. Let us see him together."
Leo was quite willing to do this, so after taking a fond leave of Sybil,and a cordial one of her father, he set out with the detective to bringSir Frank Hale to his bearings. On the way Marton asked Leo's permissionto touch upon a delicate subject. Haverleigh told him to speak freely."I owe you too much to take offence at anything you may say," heobserved. "You have been my very good friend, Marton."
"Oh, that's all right," replied the detective, brightly; "and I reallydo not deserve your thanks. Any help I have given you has been purelyaccidental. If Pratt had held his tongue, you would still have been inthe same position as before. But I am bound to say, Haverleigh, thateven before the arrival of this letter Mr Tempest expressed his beliefin your innocence."
"I am glad of that," said Leo. "He treated me badly, and it is apleasure to me to hear that his own good sense told him I was innocentbefore he had the actual proof. I am anxious to stand well with him,Marton."
"Ah! That is the matter I wish to discuss. I see that you and MissTempest are much attached to one another. Do you think the vicar willconsent to the marriage?"
"I really can't say. Even before this scandal he seemed to be displeasedwith me, and kept me away from his house as much as possible. He did notwant to see me, and he would not let me see Sybil. We had to meet bystealth. Now he may have changed his mind."
"And if he has? What, then?"
"Then I can announce my engagement to Sybil," said Leo. "But, you see, Iam not in a position to marry, and may not be for a long time. I have tomake my way in the world, and to make money also. I thought of enlistingfor this war, and of fighting my way through the ranks to a commission."
"Even then I do not see how you could marry. You might gain acommission, but not money. Until your worldly prospects are more secure,I do not think you should engage yourself to Miss Tempest."
"That is straight speaking, Marton."
"You gave me permission to speak out. I like you, Haverleigh, and afterthe trouble you have come through I think you should be rewarded bygetting your heart's desire. But if you love Miss Temple, you will notmarry her until you can give her a comfortable home. Even if you aresuccessful in South Africa, a baggage waggon is not the place for adelicate girl. You can offer her nothing better than that."
"True enough. I admit that what you say is correct. But what am I todo?"
"Well," said the detective, after a pause, "it seems to me that youhave some claim upon your aunt. She took charge of you and brought youup. I understand she intimated that you would be her heir, and youreceived an education to fit you for the position. If she intended tosend you adrift as she _has_ done, she should at least have had youtaught some profession or trade whereby you could earn your bread andbutter. Yes; I think you have a right to demand some assistance fromher."
Leo shook his head and flushed. "I can't bring myself to do that," hesaid in a low voice. "She has insulted me so deeply that it goes againstmy nature to eat humble pie. I would rather make my own way in theworld. As to Sybil, I shall not ask her to engage herself to meuntil--as you say--I can offer her a home."
"You can do nothing but enlist, I suppose?"
"No. Soldiering is all I am fit for. Now that my name has been cleared Iwill bid farewell to Sybil and enlist straight away. She will wait forme, I am certain. I get my commission I can perhaps see my way to makeher my wife. If I am shot--well," Leo shrugged his shoulders, "there isan end to all things."
"Haverleigh!" said Marton, after a pause. "Will you tell me what reasonyour aunt has for disliking you so much?"
"I don't know. She has always been stern and hard with me. Lately shehas openly hated me. That is why I left her."
"There is something connected with you that is wrong?"
"Not to my knowledge. I have been foolish, but not wilfully wicked."
"I know that. But Mrs Gabriel knows something--it may be about yourparents--that has prejudiced the vicar against you. It was her influencethat made him turn against you. He admitted as much to me. But herefused to say what she had told him."
"I guessed all this," said Leo, quietly; "but what can I do?"
"Insist upon knowing what has been said. You have a right to. If thevicar will not speak out--and he has given his word not to--Mrs Gabrielmay be forced to do so. Were I you, Haverleigh, I should see her andinsist upon an explanation."
"She won't give it."
"I should force it out of her," said Marton, determinedly. "Oh! I knowshe is a hard woman, but if you persevere she must give way."
Leo thought for a few moments. "Well, Marton," he said at length, "Iwill see the vicar first and speak to him on the subject of Sybil. Fromwhat he says I may see the reason of his attitude towards me. Then I cancall upon Mrs Gabriel. You may be sure I shall do my best."
Marton nodded, but said no more for the present, as by this time theywere at the door of Hale's house. A demure servant opened the door andtook in their names. Shortly she ushered them into a room where SirFrank was seated in a chair by the window reading to his sister. EdithHale looked pale and ill. She lay on a sofa, but started up and blushedrosy red when she saw Leo. There was no doubt that the poor girl wasdeeply in love with the young man. Leo, in the kindness of his heart,felt a pang. It seemed to him that he was treating
her cruelly, althoughthe position was none of his making.
"Good-day!" said Hale, without rising, and including Leo and Marton inone swift glance. "I am surprised to see you, Haverleigh. I thought youdid not care about keeping up my acquaintance."
Leo would have replied sharply, but as Edith was present he cast ameaning glance in her direction. "I should like to speak with youalone," he said, "that is, in the presence of Mr Marton."
Before Hale could reply Marton interposed. "Wait a bit," he said in hissmooth voice, and with a glance at the girl. "There is something to besaid first in the presence of Miss Hale."
"In my presence!" she exclaimed turning red, while her brother scowled.
"Yes. Something you will be pleased to hear. You both know that MrHaverleigh has been accused of stealing this chapel cup."
"I never believed it, never!" cried Edith, eagerly, and Leo gave her alook of gratitude, which made her turn pale with emotion.
"And you, Sir Frank?"
Hale shrugged his shoulders. "I never thought much about the subject,"he said, the lie coming at once to his practised lips. "The evidence wasagainst Haverleigh, I admit; but I tried to think the best of him."
"Your speech is rather contradictory, Sir Frank," was the dry responseof Marton. "But I think you must have thought well of Haverleigh or youwould not have helped him out of his difficulty by lending him money."
"Oh, Frank, did you do that?" cried Edith, taking her brother's hand. "Ilove you for it. How good you are!"
Hale's face grew blacker and blacker. Had he been alone he would havelied, but in the presence of the sister he loved so deeply he could notbring himself to deny the truth. Moreover, he had a kind of instinctivefeeling that Marton had come to proclaim the innocence of Leo, else whyshould he come at all? His plot of getting Leo into his power hadfailed--he was clever enough to see that--so it only remained for him toretreat with as much dignity as possible.
"I was only too glad to help Haverleigh," he said quietly, and withmarked courtesy. "He was in debt, and the three hundred pounds I gavehim was of some use, I believe. I beg that he will say no more on thesubject."
"How good you are--how good you are!" gasped Edith, caressing herbrother. Leo and Marton glanced at one another. Hale's masterly retreattook them both by surprise. When Leo remembered the conversation in thechapel he could hardly believe his ears. The only thing to be done wasto beat the man with his own weapons.
"I will say no more, Hale, save that when I am able the money shall berepaid. I thank you heartily for your kindness."
Sir Frank bit his lip, but summoned up sufficient dignity to begracious. He and Leo were both wearing masks for the benefit of Edith."Pay the money when you like," he said, sitting up. "I am shortly goingabroad with my sister, and I do not think we shall see one another for along time. However, my solicitor at Portfront will attend to the matterof the loan."
"Then there really _was_ a loan," said Marton, determined to get theplain truth out of Hale in the presence of witnesses.
"Certainly. I gave Leo three hundred pounds in gold. I have already saidso."
"And it was with that loan he paid his debts?" pursued Marion.
"Yes," said Leo, seeing his drift, "I paid them with that money. But thegood people here declared that I sold the cup to pay them!"
"How could they! How could they!" muttered Edith.
"Because they are fools," cried Sir Frank, seeing that he was completelybeaten. "For my part, I never believed that Haverleigh did such athing!"
"Thank you," said Leo, inwardly smiling at the lie.
"Then you will be delighted to hear that the thief has been found."
As Marton spoke Hale suddenly turned pale, and rose with an effort."The thief has been--found!" he stammered.
"Yes," replied Marton, with a swift glance, thinking at once of histheory of a conspiracy. "It seems that this man Angel--I beg yourpardon, you know him as Pratt--stole the cup."
"But it was Mr Pratt who gave it!" cried Edith.
"Quite so, Miss Hale. Afterwards he was sorry that his generosity hadled him to make so great a sacrifice. Therefore he stole what he hadbestowed."
"And what about this story of Mrs Jeal?" asked Hale, trying to beamiable.
"Oh! that was part of the business, Sir Frank. Pratt thought the cupwould be seen here, even if he kept it in his house. So he sent it up toLondon to be pawned for safe keeping. You do not understand why thisshould be done. But then you have never come into contact with a manlike Pratt. However, for reasons I need not explain, he pawned the cup.His servant Adam is rather like Mr Haverleigh, and it was thus that MrsJeal, not having a clear view, made a mistake. You understand, SirFrank?"
"Quite," replied Hale in a strangled voice. He was pale andanxious-looking. Leo thought that this was anger at his escape. ButMarton took another and a more serious view.
"I am sure you are pleased that Haverleigh's character has beencleared."
"I am pleased--very--very pleased," said Edith, joyfully, "and so isFrank. Are you not, Frank?"
"Yes! very pleased." Hale forced himself to say so much; then he walkedto the door. "I am not well," he said, turning for a moment; "you willexcuse me, gentlemen. My sister will see you out. If you--" He paused,and darting a look of hatred at Leo, left the room. Haverleigh was moresurprised than Marton, who had captured a fresh idea, and was alreadybuilding up a theory.
Leo remained only a short time. He was most embarrassed by the looks ofEdith, and escaped as speedily as courtesy permitted. When they left thehouse and were some distance on the road, Marton spoke. "I think thereis insanity in that family," he said.
"Why do you think so?"
"The girl is queer. No woman in her sane senses would give herself awayas she does. The brother is a cripple, and queer too. Never you marryinto that lot, Haverleigh! They have some hereditary taint."
"I have no intention of marrying anyone but Sybil," said Leo, dryly;"but did you see how Hale backed out of his false position?"
"Yes; and I believe he has more to do with this matter than you think. Ishould not be at all surprised to find that he and Mrs Gabriel for somereason had been working together against you. Oh! there has been--theremay be yet some conspiracy against you."
"I can understand Hale conspiring," said Leo; "he wants to marry Sybil,and wishes Edith to become my wife. But Mrs Gabriel, why should she?"
"We have yet to find that out," interrupted Marton. "Go and see what thevicar says. I must be alone for a time. I want to think the matter out.At all events, Hale has acknowledged that he lent you the money, in thepresence of witnesses. You are all right in that quarter. I daresayhe'll make another attempt to best you, though."
"Nonsense. Did you not hear him say that he was going abroad with hissister? I think he will leave me alone now."
"Perhaps," replied Marton, thoughtfully. "We'll see. I'll believe he isgoing abroad when he is across the Channel. I'm off for a long walk,"and the detective set off at a brisk pace.
Leo thought no more about this especial matter, leaving it entirely toMarton. Forthwith he returned to the Vicarage, saw Mr Tempest, and thenand there asked him if he objected to him as a suitor for Sybil. At thisvery direct question Mr Tempest wriggled and looked uncomfortable.
"You put a very painful question to me, Leo," he said, after a pause. "Iam ashamed of myself for having thought so ill of you, and I should liketo make amends, if possible. I know that you are attached to Sybil, butnow that you are at variance with your aunt, I do not see that you arejustified in asking me to consent to this engagement."
"I know what you mean," said Leo, proudly, "and I do not intend toengage myself until I am in a better position. All I ask is that youwill not force Sybil to marry Hale when I am away."
"I should not let her marry Hale in any case!" cried the vicar, angrily."I would never give my child to a cripple. Moreover, the Hales are notso sane as they might be. And, Leo, I shall not force Sybil'sinclinations in any way. She can remain unmarried a
ll her life if shepleases."
"That is all I want," said Leo, gladly. "I am going to enlist, MrTempest, and if I get a commission there may be some chance of my askingSybil to be my wife. She will be true to me while I am away; I know shewill."
"Humph!" said the vicar, doubtfully. "A commission, eh?"
Leo interpreted his objection. "Then you have something against mepersonally," he said, "and for this reason you do not want me to thinkof Sybil in any way. What is the matter, Mr Tempest?"
"I can't tell you, Leo." The vicar looked directly at him. "So far asyou are concerned, I do not wish for a better husband for my daughter,but Mrs Gabriel has informed me of something which makes me unwilling tocountenance the marriage. Don't ask me what it is. I cannot tell you."
"I do not ask you to tell me, Mr Tempest. This very night I shall askMrs Gabriel herself what she has been saying."
"Better not," advised the vicar. "It will only cause you much distress."
Leo looked at him in astonishment. What could his aunt have been sayingabout him or his parents likely to make the vicar take so strong a viewof the matter? "If there is anything wrong I have a right to know," hesaid at length. "I shall insist upon an explanation, Mr Tempest. If Idiscover any valid reason why I should give Sybil up, I am quite readyto yield. When you next see me, Mr Tempest, I shall either have given upthe idea of marrying your daughter, or I shall insist upon marrying herin spite of you and Mrs Gabriel! You cannot say that I am treating youunfairly. I go now."
"But, my dear boy--" called out Mr Tempest, much distressed. He spoke tothe empty air. Leo had already left the room and was out of the gate.
After leaving The Nun's House, Leo had taken up his residence at theColester Arms. Marton was there also, and Leo expected to see him atdinner. He was anxious to tell him what the vicar had said. But thedetective did not return from his walk, and after waiting for him tillclose upon nine o'clock, Leo left the hotel and walked towards thecastle to have it out with Mrs Gabriel.
The night was moonless, but there were many stars. Here and there aswathe of mist lay on the plains below; but up on the hills all wascomparatively clear. Leo, who knew every inch of Colester, walked slowlyout of the town gate and crossed to the other hill. He took a narrowprivate path which he knew of, wishing to get unobserved to the castle.Just at the foot of this path he met Marton. The recognition was mutual.
"You are going to see Mrs Gabriel?" said the detective.
"Yes. Where have you been, Marton?"
"I have been trying to see her, but she is ill--at least so the butlersays. I suspect, however, this is a lie. She doesn't want to see me!"
"Shall I--"
"Yes, you go up. I must return to the hotel and get some dinner. I havebeen walking and thinking until I am worn out. I'll wait your return,and we can talk over the matter."
"What matter?"
"The conspiracy of Mrs Gabriel and Hale," said Marton, promptly. "Get onwith you, Haverleigh. I'm off to dinner." And he went away at a quickpace, leaving Leo much astonished.
However, there was no use in standing and wondering, so he pursued hisway. As Mrs Gabriel was said to be ill, and had denied herself toMarton, it was not unlikely that he would be treated in the same way.Therefore, instead of going to the front door, Leo went round the castleon to the terrace. This was shut off from the rest of the ground by ahigh fence with a gate in it. Leo had retained the key of this gate andhad no difficulty in getting in. The room which looked on to the terracewas lighted, but the blinds were down. Leo peered in. He saw Mrs Gabrielseated in a chair. Standing near her was Mr Richard Pratt.