“I believe the man is in earnest,” Drake muttered, and he gazed at Gaunt with something akin to admiration. “Will you give me a day to think over the proposal?” he continued aloud. “I don’t like to take up a thing like this without careful consideration. But if my answer is ‘yes,’ you may be sure that I will not look back.”
“I am quite willing.”
“But I must say at once that I can accept no salary. Fortunately I have an income of a few pounds a week that obviates the necessity. I am glad of it, for I shall feel more comfortable—if I accept your offer.”
“You must please yourself. So long as you say ‘yes’ I shall not grumble. Now let us leave the subject until you have made up your mind. You will find me at the office to-morrow morning. No—don’t light that cigar again. Let me give you another one.”
Drake took it, and was about to strike a match when the door opened, and a girl rushed in.
“John, I have just left Mildred. Let me congratulate you both. The baby is a dear,” she said brightly.
“Ethel, may I introduce to you Mr. Drake, a clergyman who I hope will be our domestic chaplain. Mr. Drake, this is my sister-in-law, Lady Ethel Blythe,” Gaunt said with a grim smile.
CHAPTER VI
Lady Ethel Blythe was some five years younger than her sister, and had not yet formally entered society. It was only recently that she had returned from France where she had received her education, and had since been staying with relations in the country, until she had received news of the birth of her sister’s child. That morning she had arrived in Park Lane, and it was the first time that she had met John Gaunt since the wedding.
“I did not know there was any one with you—and may I ask why you are about to start a chaplain? I was not aware that you were religiously inclined, John,” she said mischievously. Her manner was quite self-possessed and she bestowed a curious look on Edward Drake.