“What do you want with her?” cried the charwoman, in a tone of alarm.
“I want nothing of her.”
“I hope you won’t mention anything about this to Susan—I do hope that.”
“I promise you not to do so; neither is it likely, seeing that I don’t know her and have no desire to make her acquaintance.”
Mrs. Mumms now rose and left in a state of trepidation, for she half-repented of having given the information for which she had been so liberally paid, but when she got home she was in better spirits and was well satisfied with her day’s work.
Mr. Wrench had now obtained as much as was necessary for his purpose, the cumbrous and expensive machinery of the law could be put in motion as soon as Mr. Chicknell and his aristocratic client chose. Mr. Wrench hastened to the lawyer’s office, and after this the sagacious attorney hastened down to Broxbridge.
CHAPTER LXXIX.
THE EARL AND HIS LEGAL ADVISER—A WIFE’S TREPIDATION.
Mr. Chicknell knew perfectly well that he would be a welcome visitor to his client’s ancestral home, and he was in the best of spirits when he passed into the vestibule of the grand old mansion.
Earl Ethalwood was busily engaged in his laboratory when the lawyer made his appearance.