‘They did not. It was by accident that I was the person who answered the summons. They knew neither me nor my name, so you may acquit them of any preparation. I recognized your name, which I was desired to give to the child; and then, in spite of wasting, terror, and deadly sickness, I knew the mother. She has been pining under low nervous fever, still believing you on the Continent; and the discovery that she had been deceived, was such a shock as to bring on a violent attack, which she is not likely to have strength to survive.’
‘I never told her I was still abroad,’ said Owen, in a fretful tone of self-defence. ‘I only had my letters forwarded through my scout; for I knew I should have no peace nor safety if the old woman knew where to find me, and preach me crazy; and I could not be going to see after her, for, thanks to Honor
Charlecote and her schools, every child in Whittingtonia knows me by sight. I told her to be patient till I had a curacy, and was independent; but it seems she could not be. I’ll run up as soon as I can get some plea for getting away from the Holt.’
‘Death will leave no time for your excuses,’ said Robert. ‘By setting off at once, you may catch the five o’clock express at W---’
‘Well, it is your object to have a grand explosion! When I am cut out, you and Cilly may make a good thing of it. I wish you joy! Ha! by Jove!’ he muttered, as he saw Phœbe waiting out of earshot. And then, turning from Robert, who was dumb in the effort to control a passionate reply, he called out, ‘Good-bye, Phœbe; I beg your pardon, but you see I am summoned. Family claims are imperative!’
‘What is the matter?’ said the maiden, terrified not only at his tone, but at the gestures of her brother of fierce, suppressed menace towards him, despairing protection towards her.
‘Why, he has told you! Matter enough, isn’t it? I’m a married man. I ask your compassion!’ with a bitter laugh.
‘It is you who have told her,’ said Robert, who, after a desperate effort, had forced all violence from his voice and language. ‘Traitor as you consider me, your secret had not crossed my lips. But no—there is no time to waste on disputes. Your wife is sinking under neglect; and her seeing you once more may depend on your not loitering away these moments.’
‘I don’t believe it. Canting and tragedy queening. Taking him in! I know better!’ muttered Owen, sullenly, as he moved up the bank.
‘O Robin, how can he be so hard?’ whispered Phœbe, as she met her brother’s eyes wistfully fixed on her face.