“But, dear Le, I gave you a hint of how the case stood when we first met, and I saw how cut up you were about losing the girl. I gave you as strong a hint as I could give without breaking faith with the woman, that no marriage could take place between Col. Anglesea and Miss Force.”
“Oh, you told me, in a mysterious, oracular sort of way, that something would be sure to happen to prevent the marriage; and, when I doubted, you pledged your honor that there would be an arrest of the proceedings. And then I almost believed you without further explanation; but, when that woman claimed the bridegroom as her husband, I thought you might have been deceived by an adventuress with forged marriage certificates, and I doubted the whole story, until it was confirmed by the telegram. Now the villain shall answer to me for his outrageous crimes against me and mine!”
“Come in, Le, and sit down, and calm yourself. Aunt Sibby will be glad to see you.”
“No, no, I cannot. I must go back to Greenbushes. My overseer needs me. You said you would take my challenge and be my second?”
“Yes, indeed, I will, with all my heart and soul!”
“Then here is the missive. Take it at once to that scoundrel. You will find him at the Calvert Hotel. Make all the arrangements, and then come and report to me at Greenbushes. Will you do so?”
“Indeed, I will. You may rely upon me, old fellow.”
“Thank you, thank you!” said Le, warmly, as he handed an enveloped note to Roland, remounted his horse and rode off.
Roland Bayard turned and opened the door, to go into the house, and almost stumbled over Miss Sibby in his progress.
“Why, aunty, I beg your pardon. I didn’t know you were there. I almost knocked you over. Were you going out?”