Part 69 (1/2)

CHAPTER IX.

THE DEAD ALIVE AGAIN.

Sat.u.r.day was a busy day at Prior's Ash; it was a busy day at the banking-house of G.o.dolphin, Crosse, and G.o.dolphin. Country towns and country banks are always more busy on a market-day.

George G.o.dolphin sat in the manager's room, full of business. Not much more than a week had elapsed since that visit of his to London; and it was now Thomas's turn to be away. Thomas had gone to town. His errand there was to consult one of the first surgeons of the day, on the subject of his own health. Not so much that _he_ had hope from the visit, as that it would be a satisfaction to his family to have made it.

George G.o.dolphin was full of business. Full of talking also. A hearty country client, one who farmed a large number of acres, and generally kept a good round sum in the Bank's coffers, was with him. What little point of business he had had occasion to see one of the partners upon, was concluded, and he and George were making merry together, enjoying a gossip as to the state of affairs in general and in particular, out of doors and in. Never a man more free from care (if appearances might be trusted) than George G.o.dolphin! When that hearty, honest farmer went forth, he would have been willing to testify that, of carking care, George possessed none.

As he went on, George sat down and bent over some account-books. His face had changed. Lines, of what looked worse than care, grew out upon it, and he lifted his hand to his brow with a weary gesture. Another minute, and he was interrupted again. He had very little peace on a market-day.

”Lord Averil wishes to see you, sir,” said one of the clerks. It was Isaac Hastings.

To any other announced name, George G.o.dolphin's ready answer would have been, ”Show him in.” To that of Lord Averil he evidently hesitated, and a sudden flush dyed his face. Isaac, keen in observation as was his father, as was his sister Grace, noticed it. To him, it looked like a flush of shrinking fear.

”Did he ask for me?”

”He asked for Mr. G.o.dolphin, sir. He says it will be the same thing if he sees you. Shall I show him in?”

”Of course,” replied George. ”What do you stop for?” he angrily added.

He rose from his seat; he put a chair or two in place; he turned to the table, and laid rapidly some of its papers one upon another--all in a fuss and bustle not in the least characteristic of George G.o.dolphin.

Isaac thought he must have lost his usual presence of mind. As to the reproach addressed to himself, ”What do you stop for?”--it had never been the custom to show clients into the presence of the partners without first asking for permission.

Lord Averil came in. George, only in that short time, had become himself again. They chatted a minute on pa.s.sing topics, and Lord Averil mentioned that he had not known, until then, that Mr. G.o.dolphin was in London.

”He went up on Thursday,” observed George. ”I expect he will be back early in the week.”

”I intend to be in London myself next week,” said Lord Averil. ”Will it be convenient for me to have those bonds of mine to-day?” he continued.

A sudden coursing on of all George's pulses; a whirling rush in his brain. ”Bonds?” he mechanically answered.

”The bonds of that stock which your father bought for me years ago,”

explained Lord Averil. ”They were deposited here for security. Don't you know it?”--looking at George's countenance, which seemed to speak only of perplexity. ”Mr. G.o.dolphin would know.”

”Oh yes, yes,” replied George, regaining his breath and his courage. ”It is all right: I did not remember for the moment. Of course--the deposited bonds.”

”I am thinking of selling out,” said Lord Averil. ”Indeed, I have been for some time thinking of it, but have idly put it off. If it would be quite convenient to give me the bonds, I would take them to town with me. I shall go up on Monday or Tuesday.”

Now, George G.o.dolphin, rally your wits! What are you to answer? George did rally them, in a lame manner. Confused words, which neither he nor Lord Averil precisely understood--to the effect that in Thomas G.o.dolphin's absence, he, George, did not know exactly where to put his hand upon the securities--came forth. So Lord Averil courteously begged him not to take any trouble about it. He would leave them until another opportunity.

He shook hands cordially with George, and went out with a mental comment, ”Not half the man of business that his brother is, and his father was: but wondrously like Cecil!” George watched the door close.

He wiped the dewdrops which had gathered on his face; he looked round with the beseeching air of one seeking relief from some intense pain.

Had Lord Averil persisted in his demand, what would have remained for him? _Those_ are the moments in which man has been tempted to resort to the one irredeemable sin.

The door opened again, and George gave a gasp as one in agony. It was only Isaac Hastings. ”Mr. Hurde wishes to know, sir, whether those bills are to go up to Glyn's to-day or Monday?”

”They had better go to-day,” replied George. ”Has Mr. Barnaby been in to-day?” he added, as Isaac was departing.