“It will be a useless visit,” I said, very quietly. “Lady Clare withdraws the promise she has made. A man who has so long practised deceit and falsehood, is no proper person to lead others on their way to heaven. Let me answer you, Mr. Upham, the Marston Court Rectory will receive another incumbent than yourself.”
He stood aghast, looking at me. “But the living is as good as mine already. I have even notified the curate at Greenhurst to leave the parsonage.”
“No doubt; but if he leaves Greenhurst it will most certainly be to take possession of the Marston Court Rectory.”
Upham forced a laugh.
“You speak positively for Lady Clare!” he said.
“I speak simply for myself, Mr. Upham.”
That instant I reached the door of our lodgings and went in, leaving my clerical friend in a bewildered state on the sidewalk.
I entered the little parlor, expecting to find Cora there alone, but to my astonishment young Morton arose from the sofa where she was seated, and came toward me, a little pale and anxious, but with more dignity than I had ever witnessed in him before.
“Zana,” he said, “I have just come down from Scotland in search of this dear runaway!”
I drew back, annoyed. Both his manner and words offended me.