“You are not wanting in penetration, and are well adapted to bring this affair to a successful issue. Nay, I am sure you will be able to do so if you choose,” said Lord Ethalwood, with pointed emphasis.
“If I choose,” repeated the lawyer. “I do hope your lordship will do me the justice in believing that I shall not shrink from the performance of what I deem a duty.”
“I am sure of that; pardon my expressing any doubt, but to say the truth, Chicknell, I appear to be full of doubts and fears. Aveline must return—that is quite certain. She must see this low-bred fellow whom she calls her husband, but she will return to Broxbridge. I feel assured of that, for she has pledged her word, which I do not think she is likely to forfeit, and in addition to this there are other cogent and weighty reasons for her to seek the hospitable walls of her ancestors.”
Mr. Chicknell bowed, and said he quite coincided with his lordship in the opinion he had expressed.
In two days after this conversation Aveline Gatliffe and her little boy left Broxbridge under the charge of Mr. Chicknell, who accompanied them to Wood Green.
Upon arriving at their destination they found nobody at the little cottage, save a little girl, who had been engaged by Mrs. Maitland to wait upon Gatliffe, who was expected home in about an hour.
Aveline took off her things, and awaited the return of her husband.
The lawyer paid a diplomatic visit to Mrs. Maitland.
Tom Gatliffe’s joy knew no bounds when he beheld his wife and child seated in the parlour.
The meeting between husband and wife was of a tender and touching nature.