But whatever they wanted, they did not find, and were again seated in consultation when Evelyn and Maude, who had been engaged all day in the school at Pine-wood End, returned home accompanied by Mr. Herbert, without whose sympathy few events transpired concerning the interests of the family at The Moat.
A letter from Guy! And his elder friends looking grave and perplexed over it! This was enough to damp the bright spirit of Evelyn, to bring Maude in loving anxiety to her mother's side, and detain the pastor from his solitary parsonage.
The contents were eagerly listened to. First came a rapid sketch of the circumstances under which Guy had been obliged to quit Rome. He was, however, perfectly safe now, continuing his studies among some fine collections of art in Germany, proposing to remain some months there, and work his way round by northern capitals towards home.
But to the matter of Phœbe and her communications, the main object of the letter was devoted. Afraid to trust the pocket-book itself to the chances of safe transit by post, he had copied the few entries of importance.
"February 10th, 17—. Signed the document required by my wife's trustees, settling the disposal of her property, given up to me in consideration of an annual rent charge upon my estates at Falcon Range, for her use during her life, and to devolve at her death upon our younger son."
"June 7th, 17—. Received my wife's legacy under her father's will, the disposal thereof provided for by a deed previously executed, and in the hands of her trustees."
"January 12th, 18—. By consent of trustees, my son Guy's commission and outfit deducted from his interest in his mother's property."
"May 5th, 18—. Attorney dead. Papers sent to Falcon Range."
Then in a tremulous hand, and written with lead pencil, appeared on a blank page the following:
"December 5th, 18—. If my son Geoffrey should not do justice to his brother's family, a document hidden in the secret drawer of an old bureau in my room at The Moat House, will reveal his obligation to do so. The trustees are dead, and no new ones were appointed, but my daughter-in-law, Guy's widow, can act for her children."
Evelyn looked anxiously from her mother to her father, and Mrs. Falconer.
"You have found this deed, of course?" said she. "Where is the old bureau?"
"We do not know," said Mr. Hazelwood; "we are afraid it may have been turned out with lumber that gave place to more modern wares when we opened the rooms that had been shut up so many years."