CHAPTER XL.
FACE TO FACE.
The conversation between Tait and Captain Larcher was not finished that evening, as the old gentleman, worn out by the excitement of the day, early retired to bed. However, he declared that he would be shortly ready to journey to London; and Claude left the Cottage with Tait on the understanding that his father was to be called for next day. Before they parted for the night Claude made a remark about Hilliston.
"I hope he won't get wind of this," he said dubiously; "or he may get Mrs. Bezel—I can't call her mother—out of the way."
"Have no fear," replied Tait calmly. "Hilliston's hands are too full at present."
"What do you mean?"
"Why," said Tait, lighting his candle; "your father showed me a letter from Hilliston, apologizing for not coming over, as his wife was lying dangerously ill at the Connaught Hotel, at Eastbourne."
"He said something of that in his note to me. What is the matter with Mrs. Hilliston?"
"She has the smallpox."