Chetwynd Calverley. Ainsworth William Harrison

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СКАЧАТЬ have not succeeded in discovering him, that is all I can say,” rejoined Sir Bridgnorth. “And I have really taken a great deal of trouble in the business. He has been remarkably successful in hiding himself.”

      “Do not keep anything back from me, I pray you, dear Sir Bridgnorth!” said Mildred. “Is he without resources?”

      “I cannot imagine so,” he replied. “He must have had some funds to enable him to repay me, unless – ” and he paused.

      “Unless what?” said Mildred.

      “You enjoin me to speak the truth,” replied Sir Bridgnorth; “and I will do so at the hazard of giving you and Miss Barfleur pain. My idea is that he has lost money at play. Mind, I have no proof of what I assert. It is simply conjecture.”

      “I fear you are right, Sir Bridgnorth,” said Mildred, heaving a deep sigh.

      “In your opinion, Sir Bridgnorth,” said Emmeline, who had listened anxiously to the discourse – “in your opinion, I say, has Chetwynd lost a considerable sum of money at play?”

      “I fear so.”

      “Has he paid it?”

      “I fear not.”

      There was a pause, during which the two young ladies regarded each other wistfully.

      At length, Mildred spoke.

      “Sir Bridgnorth,” she said, “Chetwynd’s debts of ‘honour’” – and she emphasised the word – “must be paid, and shall be paid, at any sacrifice, by me! You will do me the greatest kindness by finding out exactly how he is circumstanced, what he owes, and, especially, what are his debts of honour.”

      Emmeline looked earnestly at Sir Bridgnorth, as if she felt equally interested in the inquiry.

      Sir Bridgnorth was evidently troubled, and for some moments made no answer.

      “Excuse me, my dear Miss Calverley,” he said; “if your brother is in a scrape, I think he should be allowed to get out of it – as he best can.”

      “No!” exclaimed Mildred, decidedly. “It is not like me, Sir Bridgnorth, to give such advice.”

      “No!” added Emmeline, equally decidedly. “He must be freed!”

      “Upon my word,” said Sir Bridgnorth, surprised, “whatever may have happened to him, this young man cannot be called unfortunate.”

      “Then act as a true friend to him, dear Sir Bridgnorth!” said Mildred. “Make immediate arrangements to get him out of all difficulties. You will incur no personal responsibility.”

      “None whatever,” said Emmeline.

      Sir Bridgnorth was much touched.

      “I think you had better leave him to himself,” he said. “But, since you won’t, I must needs help you I’ll do all I can. But I cannot proceed as expeditiously as I could desire. I have reason to believe Chetwynd is living in London under a feigned name. Since all private inquiries have proved unsuccessful, I will cause some carefully-worded advertisements to be inserted in the newspapers, that may catch his eye and bring him forward. Could he be made aware that a beautiful young lady takes an interest in him, I am sure he would speedily reappear. But fear no indiscretion on my part. Nothing shall be disclosed till the proper moment arrives.” Then, addressing Mildred, he added: “As soon as I can ascertain the amount of his debts, I will let you know.”

      “Pay them, dear Sir Bridgnorth – pay them!” she rejoined.

      “But they may be very large?”

      “Never mind; pay them!” cried Emmeline. “Mr. Carteret shall repay you.”

      “No man ever had such a chance,” exclaimed Sir Bridgnorth. “If he does not reform now, he is incorrigible.”

      “I have no misgivings as to the future,” said Mildred.

      “Well, I sincerely trust all will come right,” observed Sir Bridgnorth. “There seems every probability of it, I must own.”

      Just then Mrs. Calverley was announced.

      “I must take my leave,” said Sir Bridgnorth, rising hastily. “You shall hear from me soon, or see me.”

      “Let us see you, please!” said both young ladies.

      Before he could depart, Mrs. Calverley entered, and stopped him.

      “Ah, Sir Bridgnorth!” she exclaimed; “I’m delighted to meet you! I want to have a word with you.”

      Sir Bridgnorth evidently wished to get away. But she begged him to remain for a few minutes; and he could not very well refuse.

      Mrs. Calverley then went on to the young ladies. After the usual greetings had passed, she said to Mildred, “I have a letter for you; or, rather, a packet. It arrived this morning.”

      Having given her the letter, she moved to a little distance.

      Glancing at the superscription, Mildred turned pale.

      “What is it that disturbs you?” inquired Emmeline.

      “A letter from Chetwynd,” replied Mildred, in a low voice. “Come to my room, that we may read it together.”

      Emmeline signified her assent by a look.

      Mrs. Calverley took no notice of what was passing, though she must have perceived it.

      Before leaving the room, Mildred went up to Sir Bridgnorth, and, addressing him in a low voice, said:

      “You must not go, Sir Bridgnorth. I may have something important to tell you about Chetwynd.”

      “In that case, I will stay as long as you please,” he rejoined.

      Meanwhile Emmeline prepared to follow her friend.

      “Will you mind my leaving you for a few minutes, dear Mrs. Calverley?” she said.

      “Don’t stand on the slightest ceremony with me, my love,” replied the other. “Besides, I want to have a little talk with Sir Bridgnorth.”

      The two young ladies then went out.

      “I am now quite at your service, madam,” said Sir Bridgnorth, as soon as he and Mrs. Calverley were alone.

      “Then sit down, that we may have a confidential chat,” replied the lady.

      III. CHETWYND’S LETTER

      In such haste were the two girls to open the packet that they almost ran up the spiral-staircase to Mildred’s bedroom, in which was a deep bay window.

      In this recess they sat down.

      Mildred’s hand trembled as she tore open the packet.

      It contained a long, closely-written letter, inside which was a folded sheet of paper that looked like a document of some kind.

      This document dropped on the table, СКАЧАТЬ