第19章 LORD OF THE MANOR(3)

"I have called to see you," Aynesworth explained, "with reference to one of your parishioners--the daughter of your late organist.""Indeed!" the clergyman remarked solemnly.

"I saw her today for the first time and have only just heard her story,"Aynesworth continued. "It seems to be a very sad one."His listener inclined his head.

"I am, unfortunately, a poor man," Aynesworth continued, "but I have some friends who are well off, and I could lay my hands upon a little ready money.

I should like to discuss the matter with you and see if we cannot arrange something to give her a start in life."The clergyman cleared his throat.

"It is quite unnecessary," he answered. "A connection of her father's has come forward at the last moment, who is able to do all that is required for her.

Her future is provided for."

Aynesworth was a little taken aback.

"I am very glad to hear it," he declared. "I understood that she had neither friends nor relations.""You were misinformed," the other answered. "She has both.""May I ask who it is who has turned up so unexpectedly?" Aynesworth inquired.

"I have taken a great fancy to the child."

The clergyman edged a little towards the door, and the coldness of his manner was unmistakable.

"I do not wish to seem discourteous, he said, "but I cannot recognize that you have any right to ask me these questions. You may accept my word that the child is to be fittingly provided for."Aynesworth felt the color rising in his cheeks.

"I trust," he said, "that you do not find my interest in her unwarrantable. My visit to you is simply a matter of charity. If my aid is unneeded, so much the better. All the same, I should like to know where she is going and who her friends are.""I do not find myself at liberty to afford you any information," was the curt reply.

Thereupon there was nothing left for Aynesworth to do but to put on his hat and walk out, which he did.

Wingrave met him in the hall on his return.

"Where have you been?" he asked a little sharply.

"On a private errand," Aynesworth answered, irritated by his words and look.

"You are my secretary," Wingrave said coldly. "I do not pay you to go about executing private errands."Aynesworth looked at him in surprise. Did he really wish to quarrel?

"I imagine, sir," he said, "that my time is my own when I have no work of yours on hand. If you think otherwise--"He paused and looked at his employer significantly. Wingrave turned on his heel.

"Be so kind," he said, "as to settle the bill here tonight. We leave by the seven o'clock train in the morning.""Tomorrow!" Aynesworth exclaimed.

"Precisely!"

"Do you mind," he asked, "if I follow by a later train?""I do," Wingrave answered. "I need you in London directly we arrive.""I am afraid," Aynesworth said, after a moment's reflection, "that it is impossible for me to leave.""Why?"

"You will think it a small thing," he said, "but I have given my promise. Imust see that child again before I go!"

"You are referring," he asked, "to the black-frocked little creature we saw about the place yesterday?""Yes!"

Wingrave regarded his secretary as one might look at a person who has suddenly taken leave of his senses.

"I am sorry," he said, "to interfere with your engagements, but it is necessary that we should both leave by the seven o'clock train tomorrow morning."Aynesworth reflected for a moment.

"If I can see the child first," he said, "I will come. If not, I will follow you at midday.""In the latter case," Wingrave remarked, "pray do not trouble to follow me unless your own affairs take you to London. Our connection will have ended.""You mean this?" Aynesworth asked.

"It is my custom," Wingrave answered, "to mean what I say."Aynesworth set his alarm that night for half-past five. It seemed to him that his future would largely depend upon how soundly the child slept.