“Well, this being so, I have thought it best to humour her; let her have her own way; she’ll soon be glad to return to Broxbridge.”
“You think so?”
“I feel assured of it; but that is not of any immediate moment. What I have sent to you for is to beg a favour.”
“There is no favour Lord Ethalwood can possibly require from so poor an individual as myself.”
“Aye, but there is. What I want you to do is to escort my grand-daughter to her husband’s house. After then it would be advisable for you to see Mrs. Maitland, who, from what I have heard, is a sensible worthy woman. Wrench spoke in the highest terms of her.”
“I will make it my business to see her.”
“Yes, and you can explain many things which may be most important for her to know—such as our relative positions, my determination as regards this low-bred fellow, my wish to place Aveline in her proper sphere; and in addition to all this you may tell her that the only way open to effect this desirable object is for this young man to give up all claim upon the lady who has demeaned herself by becoming his wife. I leave the matter for you to arrange. I don’t mind allowing this young fellow a handsome income; in point of fact I commission you to arrange with him. If he is open to reason I will settle a certain sum on him for the remainder of his life, provided he agrees to sign a deed of separation.”
“I’ll do my best to carry out your wishes, but the task is by no means an easy one.”
“Tut, man, I’ll dare be sworn it is much easier than we either of us anticipate. Fellows of his class are not likely to refuse a competency for life. If you play your cards well the matter will be easy enough. A deed of separation, signed by both parties, would be most desirable. Don’t you see that, Chicknell?”
“Doubtless it would, as far as you yourself are concerned.”