CHAPTER X.
To say Mr. Stafford was surprised by Martin's story would scarcely bedoing justice to his feelings. At first he felt inclined to tell Martinthe balance of the story of the betrothal, but hesitated on Kate'saccount--supposing, of course, that Hall was a person of more thanordinary interest in her eyes. The supposition was a natural one in viewof the relations existing between Kate and Hall, as we must still callhim, and he was therefore surprised to hear her join heartily in thegeneral commendation of Martin's tale.
"I am glad the story pleased you, but really it is the facts themselvesand not my awkward stringing of them together to which the praise shouldbe accorded."
Martin said this in reply to a remark of Miss Fleming--that he was "asplendid story-teller."
"Well, the facts are certainly interesting," said Kate, very quietly."Especially so to me, but it was your narrative of them which will nowrelieve you from all further anxiety regarding that legacy."
Martin looked at her inquiringly.
"Yes," she continued, with a smile and holding out the hand on which shewore the ring. "Yes, you need look no further, Mr. Martin. The ring andthe woman are before you."
There was, of course, general surprise on hearing this, but Mr. Staffordquickly confirmed Kate's assertion by relating the story of hispartnership and the betrothal of the children. He, however, refrainedfrom mentioning anything in relation to the subsequent arrival of thestranger claiming to be the son of his former partner.
"And so the poor boy died in Australia! Too bad! Too bad! But you havecertainly been a faithful executor of the trust he placed in you, Mr.Martin. It seems like fate. You form Kate's acquaintance by saving herlife; you then discover to her that she is an heiress and--bless me!there's no telling where you'll stop."
The old gentleman stopped, with a look at Kate which caused her to blusha little, even while joining in the laughter caused by his words.
"Before attempting anything further," replied Martin, "I must, havingfound the legatee, deliver up the legacy. It's a matter of two or threethousand pounds, as I said before, and we can settle it up any timeto-morrow that is convenient. When that is disposed of, however, it maybe that we shall find Miss Stafford interested in another and muchlarger matter."
"I knew it! I knew it!" exclaimed Mr. Stafford, slapping his kneevigorously. "Kate, you can prepare--say to-morrow night, to hear someblood-curdling tale; and at the end of it this magician will suddenlydiscover that the King of the Cannibal Islands or the Emperor of Nowherehas died and left you a kingdom."
Amidst the general amusement caused by this outburst Martin and Cardenalone retained grave countenances. After the fun had subsided a littlethe latter said, very gravely:
"Indeed, Uncle, more wonderful things than those may happen. I amsomewhat acquainted with this gentleman's capabilities, and know thathis powers 'have not yet been fully extended.'"
The serious way in which this was said excited considerable curiosity,but nothing further could be learned from the young men, and afterarranging for the trip to London next day the ladies retired. Mr.Stafford followed shortly afterwards, but the young men remained inconversation until a late hour--the name Hall being frequentlymentioned.
Next day, Mr. Stafford accompanied by Kate and Martin, proceeded toLondon to transact the business necessary to the payment of the legacyto Kate. This was soon accomplished, and it being still early in theday, Martin suggested that they should have luncheon at Greenwich.
Here, while strolling about after a delightful meal, of which the famouswhitebait formed the principal part, the party ran across aphotographer--one of the class that carry about shop and residencewhereever they go. A solicitation for their trade brought first an orderand later a not particularly bad photograph of the three in a group.
This incident, unworthy of record in itself, led to others ofconsequence--terrible consequence to one character in our story.
On their return to Hanley Hall it was overlooked in the excitementcaused by the departure of Miss Fleming, whose mother had suddenly beentaken ill, and Martin's receipt of a long telegram from Blount, thecontents of which interested both Carden and himself.
"He has been to Antwerp. I am going there," was the last and mostinteresting line of the telegram.