Chapter Fourteen.
Strife.
I saw Clarence Fairfax but once again.
The exposure which had taken place separated the Rashleighs for ever. Challenges were interchanged between the gentlemen at the same hour.
The selfish woman who had thus brought disgrace on her husband, herself, and the man she had infatuated by her art, lost all prudence in her ungovernable state of excitement, and wrote a passionate appeal, from her retirement near Newlands, entreating Captain Fairfax to see her once again. But Sir Adrian had placed his nephew under arrest. Mrs Rashleigh had the hardihood to endeavour to force her way into his quarters by night; she was repelled from the door at the point of the bayonet, the sentry having due orders to prevent the ingress of such a visitor. In vain she implored, in vain she stormed.
Captain Walton kept watch upon his brother aide-de-camp within, and would not let him yield to the temptress.
Clarence resigned his appointment on his uncle’s staff, and was ordered to England forthwith.
Lady Amabel and I were in the library with Sir Adrian when his nephew entered to take his leave. It was before official hours, and such a meeting was wholly unexpected on our part, nor perhaps had he anticipated it.
Lady Amabel could not pass him by; her heart was full—her eyes swimming with tears as he caught her hand.
“Dear aunt,” said he, “you will wish me well.”