"My father will, I know his vindictive nature."
"Your father!" she repeated contemptuously. "Don't speak of Basil Beaumont by that name. He has been no father to you, and as for speaking you can set your mind at rest. He called upon me this morning, and I soon settled everything."
"He called on you?"
"Yes, with a lot of lies in his mouth, but I threatened to prosecute him if he did not leave the village, so by this time I think he is out of the neighbourhood. Don't trouble, my dear, Beaumont will hold his tongue for his own sake."
"And my mother?"
"I called at Kossiter's as I passed," she answered, "and found your mother had gone up to London this morning. We must find her out and give her some money to live on, for after all, whatever part she has taken in this conspiracy it was for love of you."
"Just what Dr. Larcher said."
"So you see everything is settled," she said joyously, rising from her knees, "we will be married next week and you will be master of Garsworth Grange."
Reginald was deeply affected by her noble conduct, and rising to his feet embraced her fondly.
"You are a noble woman," he said, with tears in his eyes, "but can I accept this sacrifice?"