[CHAPTER XXVI]
NEMESIS
Hardly had Sir Daniel Jerce disappeared, when Clarice dropped like a log to the ground. The strain had been too much for her, and for the second time in her life she fainted. Anthony hastily summoned Mrs. Rebson, and the poor girl was taken up to her room. Then Captain Ackworth left the house. Business must go on, in spite of all untoward events, and he was forced to return to Gattlinsands and to his duties. But before leaving he told Mrs. Rebson that he would come over the next day, and then addressed himself to Ferdy. "You had better remain in the house," he said, coldly, "as it will be necessary for Clarice and myself to arrange to-morrow about your future. You have escaped a great danger, and everything must be made safe, for your sister's sake."
"I can arrange my own future, thank you," said Ferdy, haughtily.
"You will do exactly what you are told," said Ackworth, stern and unbending, "or else I shall inform the police."
"You would not dare--for Clarice's sake."
"For her sake I would dare. You have made her life miserable for years, and I won't permit you to spoil it any longer. Also I wish to avoid a public scandal. If Osip holds his tongue this may be done. But my forbearance depends entirely upon your obeying orders."
"But Clarry will rage at me all the evening," whimpered Ferdy, now very afraid for his skin. "Let me go to the Vicarage."
"Yes," interposed the vicar, "let him come with me and see Prudence. Now there is no bar to the marriage."
"What?" cried Ackworth, recoiling. "Would you have a scamp like this for your son-in-law?"