"My
mistake has been to make matters too slow."
Come what might, of after-consequences to himself from Charlotte
Halliday's illness or death he had no apprehension.
Thus it was that he met Dr. Jedd day after day with a face as calm as the
stony countenance of that distinguished physician himself. Such anxiety
as an affectionate stepfather should feel during the peril of his
stepdaughter Mr. Sheldon took care to express. Greater anxiety than this
by no look or gesture did he betray. He knew that he was watched; and
that the people about him were inimical to himself and to his interests;
and he was never off his guard.
It had been necessary for him to come to London in order to be within
easy reach of that troubled sea, the money-market. But perilous though
the voyage of his bark across that tempestuous ocean was, he could not
guide the helm in person. He was obliged to confide matters to the care
of Mr. Frederick Orcott, whom he harassed with telegraphic despatches at
all hours of the day, and who at this period seemed to spend his life
between the stockbroker's office and Bayswater.
It seemed as if Mr. Sheldon meant to hold his ground in that house until
the issue of events was determined. Valentine Hawkehurst and George
Sheldon met at the solicitor's offices, and there was a long and serious
consultation between them.
"One thing seems pretty clear," said George, conclusively, "and that is,
that my brother Phil isn't to be got off the premises except by some very
deep move.
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