As for young missy, she's as
sweet a young creature as ever lived, and I'd do anything to serve her.
But I won't think, and I can't think, that my master would hurt a hair of
her head. What would he gain by it?"
"He has settled that with himself. He has gained by the death of Tom
Halliday, and depend upon it he has made his plans to gain by the death
of Tom Halliday's daughter."
"I won't believe it," the old woman repeated in the same dogged tone.
For such resistance as this Mr. Hawkehurst was in no manner prepared. He
looked at his watch. The half hour was nearly gone. There was little more
time for argument.
"Great Heaven!" he said to himself, "what argument can I employ to
influence this woman's obdurate heart?"
What argument, indeed? He knew of none stronger than those he had used.
He stood for some moments battled and helpless, staring absently at the
face of his watch, and wondering what he was to do next.
As Valentine Hawkehurst stood thus, there came a loud ringing of the
bell, following quickly on the sound of wheels grinding against the
kerbstone.
Mrs. Woolper opened the door and looked out into the hall.
"It's master!" cried one of the maids, emerging from the disorganized
dining-room, "and missus, and Miss Halliday, and Mass Paget--and all the
house topsy-turvy!"
"Charlotte here!" exclaimed Valentine. "You are dreaming, girl!"
"And you told me she was dying!" said Mrs.
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