"How so?"
"Don't you know that Mr. Carrington sent for my father the other day, and had an interview with him at The Hendle Arms?"
"No. What did he wish to see your father about?"
"He threatened to accuse him of committing the crime, so as to gain possession of the will. I don't know exactly what passed," went on Dorinda anxiously, "as my father told me little. All he really said was that he was in danger of being arrested, because Mr. Carrington could give evidence against him, which would be difficult to disprove."
"But your father surely did not admit that he was guilty, Dorinda?"
"Certainly not," cried the girl, flushing indignantly. "How can you suggest such a thing? But as Mr. Carrington wants money he is ready to say anything or do anything likely to force my father into paying him to hold his tongue."
Rupert smiled grimly. "Carrington knows that your father has not sufficient money to pay him what he wants."
"What does he want?" asked Sophy, looking up.
"Five thousand pounds was the price he demanded from me," said Hendle, "and I don't think he'll take a penny less from Mr. Mallien. But in order to get the money Carrington will have to wait until my cousin is in possession of my property. Until then you can be sure, Dorinda, that he will take no steps to make things uncomfortable."
"No, I think you are right," murmured Miss Mallien, greatly relieved. "But what is best to be done?"