She was glad, however, to have her hour or two of poignant sorrow alone, and under the present circumstances could ill brook companionship.
She sat for some time in her bedchamber a prey to tumultuous and agonising thoughts. She would have liked half an hour’s interview with the gentle and good Mrs. Maitland, who had been more than a mother to her. Did she know the sort of life Tom Gatliffe was leading?
She upbraided herself for neglecting Mrs. Maitland. If it could be arranged she would like to have her at the hall. She resolved to send her an invitation when she got back to Broxbridge. The earl would give his consent. He would not be cruel enough to make any objection to one who had been so many years the guardian of his grand-daughter.
Aveline retired to bed and sobbed herself to sleep, which throughout the life-long night was fretful, broken, and disturbed.
On the following day, at her own request, she returned with Lady Marvlynn and Patty Jamblin to Broxbridge Hall.
CHAPTER LXXX.
HOME LIFE OF CHARLES PEACE—A MUSICAL EVENING—THE DETECTIVE’S STORY.
As far as outward appearance was concerned, our hero at this time was leading a quiet, respectable sort of life. He was to be seen at work in his shop for the greater portion of the day, and was on friendly and familiar terms with most of his neighbours.
In the evenings he entertained his visitors in a rational way—playing his violin and singing duets with his step-son—so that most of his friends regarded him as a genial fellow, a little egotistical perhaps, but withal an agreeable companion.
He appears to have had remarkable control over animals and birds, having at his house the billygoat before alluded to, two cats, three dogs, several guinea pigs, a parrot, and a cockatoo, together with a collection of canaries and other song birds.