Mistaken Zeal.
In the course of the morning Richard grew calmer. He had a long interview with Humphrey, giving him plenty of advice as to his future proceedings; and then sending for Mr Mervyn, whom Humphrey happened to mention as a gentleman in whom he had great confidence.
But the messenger was not needed, for Mr Mervyn was coming up the drive, and he was sent on another errand, with a couple of notes to Penreife—one to Sir Hampton, the other to Tiny.
“I was on my way here, Mr Trevor,” he began.
“My name is Richard Lloyd, Mr Mervyn,” said Richard, quietly.
“Yes—yes,” said Mr Mervyn, “I have heard. It is all over the place.”
“So soon?” said Richard, bitterly.
“Yes; and directly I heard,” said Mervyn, “I came up. But, my dear sir, it’s like a romance; it can’t be true.”
“It’s true enough,” said Richard, coldly.
“But under the circumstances, Mr Trev—Lloyd,” said Mervyn, “Mr Humphrey here won’t press—”