This etext was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of thefile for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making anentire meal of them. D.W.]
By George Meredith
1897
Shortly before the ringing of the dinner-bell Rosamund knocked at
Beauchamp's dressing-room door, the bearer of a telegram from Bevisham.
He read it in one swift run of the eyes, and said: 'Come in, ma'am, I
have something for you. Madame de Rouaillout sends you this.'
Rosamund saw her name written in a French hand on the back of the card.
'You stay with us, Nevil?'
'To-night and to-morrow, perhaps. The danger seems to be over.'
'Has Dr. Shrapnel been in danger?'
'He has. If it's quite over now!'
'I declare to you, Nevil . . .'
'Listen to me, ma'am; I'm in the dark about this murderous business:—anold man, defenceless, harmless as a child!—but I know this, that you aresomewhere in it.'
'Nevil, do you not guess at some one else?'
'He! yes, he! But Cecil Baskelett led no blind man to Dr. Shrapnel'sgate.'
'Nevil, as I live, I knew nothing of it!'
'No, but you set fire to the train. You hated the old man, and youtaught Mr. Romfrey to think that you had been insulted. I see it all.Now you must have the courage to tell him of your error. There's noother course for you. I mean to take Mr. Romfrey to Dr. Shrapnel, tosave the honour of our family, as far as it can be saved.'
'What? Nevil!' exclaimed Rosamund, gaping.
'It seems little enough, ma'am. But he must go. I will have the apologyspoken, and man to man.'
'But you would never tell your uncle that?'
He laughed in his uncle's manner.
'But, Nevil, my dearest, forgive me, I think of you—why are the Halkettshere? It is not entirely with Colonel Halkett's consent. It is youruncle's influence with him that gives you your chance. Do you not careto avail yourself of it? Ever since he heard Dr. Shrapnel's letter toyou, Colonel Halkett has, I am sure, been tempted to confound you withhim in his mind: ah! Nevil, but recollect that it is only Mr. Romfrey whocan help to give you your Cecilia. There is no dispensing with him.Postpone your attempt to humiliate—I mean, that is, Oh! Nevil, whateveryou intend to do to overcome your uncle, trust to time, be friends withhim; be a little worldly! for her sake! to ensure her happiness!'
Beauchamp obtained the information that his cousin Cecil had read out theletter of Dr. Shrapnel at Mount Laurels.
The bell rang.
'Do you imagine I should sit at my uncle's table if I did not intend toforce him to repair the wrong he has done to himself and to us?' he said.
'Oh! Nevil, do you not see Captain Baskelett at work here?'
'What amends can Cecil Baskelett make? My uncle is a m