CHAPTER XXIII
DECOYED
The latest news delivered by Lucy to Squire Dove, though designed to allay his distress of mind, was futile as to its effect, but Edith and Miss Chain were rejoiced to hear that the doctor and the squire were now reconciled. A missive of much stranger nature, however, arrived the next morning, and purported to emanate from the harbour-master’s office at Newhaven.
“Will Squire Dove kindly send his carriage over at one o’clock to-morrow to meet the Company’s agent at the new bridge, when Miss Dove and her companion will be in time to meet their friends from Cherbourg. No reply is expected, but the arrival of the ladies at the time specified, will be relied upon, when they will be met and conducted on board a steamer. In haste, to save the post.”
The squire was himself anxious to go, but his daughter prevailed upon him not to do so, owing to his health.
On the ladies arriving at the new bridge, they were met by a fashionably-dressed gentleman whom they supposed was the Company’s agent. He escorted the ladies with much politeness on board a fine-looking vessel lying close to the wharf, but higher up than the place where the steamers generally start from. They were then invited to the saloon, where luncheon was ready prepared for them. Then excusing himself on the ground that he had business to transact with their new captain and mate, he left them to their luncheon, stating that he would return as soon as he possibly could.
The steward was very attentive as he waited at table, and chatted with the ladies in an affable though perfectly respectful manner.
“Yes, ladies, we shall be slowly moving down the river to meet the vessel which, I understand, has your party of friends on board.”
“But we are surely passing out of the harbour,” remarked Miss Chain, in accents of astonishment.
“Just so, ladies,” said the steward; “the vessel has to be turned, and we may run out a short way to be able to swing her safely.”
“Isn’t that most unusual?” exclaimed Miss Dove.