Part 38 (2/2)
”No, you're right, Molly,” replied the man. ”You're quite right! I don't think we have much to fear on that score. We've got Hugh with us, and if he again turns antagonistic the end is quite easy--just an anonymous line to the police.”
”We don't want to do that if there is any other way,” the woman said.
”I don't see any other way,” replied the adventurer. ”If he won't marry Louise, then the money pa.s.ses out of our reach.”
”I don't like The Sparrow taking such a deep interest in his welfare,”
growled the woman beneath her breath.
”And I don't like the fact that Yvonne is still alive. If she were dead--then we should have nothing to fear--nothing!” Benton said grimly.
”But who fired the shot if Hugh didn't?” asked Mrs. Bond.
”Personally, I think he did. He discovered something--something we don't yet know--and he went to the Villa Amette and shot her in revenge for the old man's death. That's my firm belief.”
”Then why has The Sparrow taken all these elaborate precautions?”
”Because he's afraid himself of the truth coming out,” said Benton.
”He certainly has looked after Hugh very well. I had some trouble to persuade the lad to come down here, for he evidently believes that The Sparrow is his best friend.”
”He may find him his enemy one day,” laughed the woman. And then they rose and strolled out into the grounds, across the lawn down to the great pond.
When at half-past seven they sat down to dinner, Hugh suddenly remarked that he found it imperative to go to London that evening, and asked Mrs.
Bond if he might have the car.
Benton looked up at him quickly, but said nothing before Louise.
”Certainly; Mead shall take you,” was the woman's reply, though she was greatly surprised at the sudden request. Both she and Benton instantly foresaw that his intention was to visit Dorise in secret. For what other reason could he wish to run the risk of returning to London?
”When do you wish to start?” asked his hostess.
”Oh! about nine--if I may,” was the young man's reply.
”Will you be back to-night?” asked the girl who, in a pretty pink dinner frock, sat opposite him.
”Yes. But it won't be till late, I expect,” he replied.
”Remember, to-morrow we are going for a run to Bournemouth and back,”
said the girl. ”Mrs. Bond has kindly arranged it, and I daresay she will come, too.”
”I don't know yet, dear,” replied Mrs. Bond. The truth was that she intended that the young couple should spend the day alone together.
Benton was filled with curiosity.
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