CHAPTER 6
A DISSOPOINTING LETTER
He had barely got through the first paragraph when Marshland entered with a letter.
"For you sir" she said placing it on her master's lap.
"Thanks" said Mr. Winston opening the envelope as he spoke.
The letter ran thus:
H. M. Prison,
Warwick.
Dear Sir,
You are requested to come up here by the first train tomorrow morning to hang Mr. Smith, who has lately murdered his wife and three children. It is a serious case, and I am sure you will sympathize.
Belive me dear sir
Yours etc
C. L. Porter (head warder of the
county prison).
To. J. Winston Esq: Beach Dale, Kenalham Hants.
Mr. Winston sighed as he closed the letter.
"Oh dear oh dear" he cried, "here I have to leave my happy home, just when Gladys and James have arrived, Marshland" he added.
"Yes sir" said the servant coming forward.
"I shall have to leave home early tomorrow" said Mr. Winston "how will you get on with out me?"
"Oh sir, I think we shall get on all right" responded Marshland "I'll keep an eye on the young ladies and Mr. Palsey will cheer them up I know."
"I dont know that" said Mr. Winston "he seems a very dull gentleman."
"Do he really sir" said Marshland "well I'm sure I'm very sad."
"But do you think you can mannage without me? I shall not be away more than three days" asked Mr. Winston.
"Oh yes sir, dont you fret" replied Marshland and now is there anything I can do for you?"
"No nothing thank you" said Mr. Winston "but when the young ladies and Mr. Palsey come in, send Miss Helen to me."
"Yes sir" said Marshland quitting the room.
Barely had the door closed on Marshlands comely figure, when it opened again and Cyril Sheene came bounding in.
"Hullo Winston" he cried "I heard you had some friends down, so I thought I'd just drop in and be introduced."
"They're all out at present" said Mr. Winston with a vain attempt at a smile, "sit down wont you they'll be in soon."
Cyril flung himself down in an arm chair and then glanced at Mr. Winston.
"Why Winston old fellow" he cried, you dont look yourself, is anything up?"
"Oh nothing said Mr. Winston tapping the table nervously."
"Now look here" said Cyril "you cant get round me like that, I know something is wrong, you might as well tell me."
"Very well Cyril I'll tell you" said Mr. Winston and he handed the letter to Cyril, who read it carefully through. As he did so a marked change came over his face, a change from a pleasant faced young man to that of a stern, cold, yet pleased person.
"So you're off tomorrow?" remarked he as he folded the paper.
"Yes I suppose so" said Mr. Winston.
"How you must feel leaving the girls all alone" said Cyril.
"I do" said Mr. Winston, "but I know Marshland will take good care of them and you'll look in wont you?"
"Well I was about to suggest going up with you" said Cyril "I know a few friends in Warwick and you'd be all the better for a companion."
"It is kind of you Cyril" said Mr. Winston "but I'd rather you stopped to take care of Helen."
"Oh Helen will be all right with Marshland and Mr. Palsey in the house" said Cyril "I think you need me more."
"I suppose I do" replied Mr. Winston "but my poor little Helen."
"Well I'll stay if you like, but you wont be away more than three days and what Helen wants with me hanging about I dont know." said Cyril.
"Well I'll take your advice and accept you as a companion, and thanks a thousand times Cyril" replied Mr. Winston.
At that moment the door opened and Helen came running in.
"Well father dear" she said, "I was told you wanted me, so I just came down while Gladys changes her dress."
"Yes dear" said Mr. Winston I am afraid I have some rather bad news for you."
"Oh dear father what is it?" exclaimed Helen kneeling down by the chair.
"I must go to Warwick early to-morrow dear on a hanging matter" replied Mr. Winston "I shall be back in three days."
"Oh father" cried Helen "just when Gladys and Mr. Palsey have come down Oh I am sorry" and her pretty eyes filled with tears.
"Yes dear I am sorry too" remarked Mr. Winston slowly, "but you'll be all right wont you?"
"Oh yes father" said Helen "I was not thinking of myself, but it always knocks you up so, and just when we're all so happy."
"Well Cyril has offered to go with me and keep me company" said Mr. Winston "you wont miss him much will you?"
"Oh Cyril I am glad" exclaimed Helen. "I feel far easier now, you'll take such care of father I know."
"Yes Helen I will" said Cyril folding Helen in his arms and kissing her forehead.
"Thank you Cyril" said Helen returning her lover's kiss.
Soon after Gladys and Mr. Palsey came in, and a merry farewell evening was spent, Cyril at the head of the fun.
Next morning Helen was up early toasting some bread for her father's breakfast; she made the table and room as cosy as she could and then waited her fathers coming down.
He came at last looking worn and pale but he enjoyed his meal and cheered up a little as he ate it.
"Now dear, is your portmanteau ready?" enquired Helen trying hard to keep back her tears.
"Yes dear quite" returned the father "and Cyril will meet me at the station you know."
"Yes he told me so" replied Helen.
"Well goodbye darling, keep a good heart and I'll be back on Thursday at the latest" said Mr. Winston.
"Goodbye dear father" rejoined the girl "I'll try and be cheerful but it is hard you know."
"I know it dear" said Mr. Winston and then turning to Marshland he added "goodbye Marshland, take good care of the young ladies and keep an eye on Mr. Palsey."
"I will sir" returned Marshland and then she and Helen stood at the door the latter waving her handkerchief to the dear father who was never more to enter his happy home in Kenalham.