‘I see it all,’ pursued the old man, his crafty face contracting with a grin; ‘Mr. Jordan thought to provide for both his daughters. Buckfast mill and Owlacombe for the elder, Morwell for the younger—ha, ha! The elder to take you so as to get this pretty place. And she came to look at it and see if it suited her. Well! It is a pretty place—only,’ he giggled, ‘it ain’t vacant and to be had just yet.’
Jasper took his hat; his face was red as blood, and his dark eyes flashed.
‘Don’t go,’ said the old manufacturer; ‘you did not see their little trap and walked into it, eh? One word of warning I must give you. Don’t run after the younger; Eve is your niece.’
‘Father!’
‘Ah! that surprises you, does it? It is true. Eve’s mother was your sister. Did Mr. Jordan never tell you that?’
‘Never!’
‘It is true. Sit down again to the cold potatoes. You shall know all, but first ask a blessing.’
[CHAPTER XXIX.]
HUSH-MONEY.