There was no answer, and the fog came down thicker and darker than ever.
[CHAPTER XXV.]
REVENGE
Sir Joseph Branwin and Miss Rosy Pearl duly arrived at Weed-on-the-Sands, and proceeded to the Three Fishers. Here the millionaire, who had quite a Bourbon dislike to be kept waiting, found a note from his daughter, which greatly annoyed him. Mrs. Shawe wrote that with her husband she had gone to town on business--she did not mention what the business was--and would return by the six o'clock train, which was timed to arrive at Weed-on-the-Sands at eight. There was nothing for it but to await the return of the newly-married couple or return to London.
"And I have a good mind to do so," fumed Sir Joseph, furiously, tearing up the letter. "How dare Audrey treat me in this way, when I have taken the trouble to come down and see her--the minx!"
"I must say," remarked Miss Pearl, with her most virtuous air, "that your daughter shows little consideration for my feelings."
"For your feelings?"
"Certainly. I came down here only on the understanding that Mrs. Shawe would be present to play the part of my chaperon."
"Pooh! Pooh! Audrey is much younger than you are, Rosy."
Miss Pearl coloured. "She is a married woman, Sir Joseph, and as such is able by her mere presence to protect my character. And I beg that you will not call me by my Christian name in public. I do not know," went on Miss Pearl, in her heavy, rich voice, "whether it would not be better for me to return to London by the next train."