“No, I don’t think so. It’s private business, I believe. You see, old man, people are beginning to take notice of you.”
In less that an hour after Peace’s return Canon Lenthal called again at the inn.
He was shown into a private room in which our hero was seated.
The vicar was introduced by Brickett.
“You will pardon this intrusion, sir, I hope,” said the minister, “but I wait upon you at the request of Lord Ethalwood, whom I believe you have some knowledge of.”
“I’ve worked for his lordship.”
“So he informed me. Well, Mr. Peace, I understand that you have some knowledge of a lady whose Christian name is Aveline. Possibly you would not care about furnishing Mr. Wrench with all the particulars concerning her. I can readily comprehend that, and hence it is that I pay this visit. It is to assure you, sir, that you will be conferring an inestimable favour upon Lord Ethalwood by giving him the address of the lady in question. His lordship had a daughter named Aveline, she has been lost to him for years, and——”
“The young lady I knew could not possibly be his daughter,” cried Peace. “She is too young for that.”
“Admitted, but the circumstance is a most remarkable one—I mean the coincidence as to the names. I am here to make an earnest appeal. Let me entreat and implore of you to give all the information you can.”
Peace considered for some little time; presently he said—