The vicar bowed.
“Yes,” she said; “but first of all, though, these communications are made to you in strict confidence. You must not let the matter be known in the town, because my son would rather that the men gave way.”
“If they do not, he really will?”
“He has given me his faithful promise,” said Mrs Glaire, “and he will keep it now.”
“I will not doubt him,” said the vicar. “I am very, very glad. And your other news?” he said, smiling.
“My son will be married very shortly.”
“Married?” said the vicar, starting; “and to Daisy Banks?”
“No!” exclaimed Mrs Glaire, in a short thick voice, a spasm seeming to catch her, as she spoke. “To his cousin, to whom he is betrothed.”
There was a dead silence as the vicar, whose face was of an ashen pallor, looked straight before him at vacancy, while Mrs Glaire sat watching him, with her hand placed to her side.
“You do not congratulate me,” she said at last in a piteous tone. “Mr Selwood, dear friend—the only friend I can fly to in this time of trouble—you will help me?”