CHAPTER XI.
Among the letters received at Hanley Hall the morning after Martin'sreceipt of Blount's telegram, were two from Mr. Hall--one for Mr.Stafford and the other for Kate. As he tossed the letter to her Mr.Stafford remarked: "From _our_ friend Hall!"
After glancing over his letter he continued:
"He seems to be buying considerable stock in Kildare."
Martin and Carden exchanged glances. It seemed odd that each time Martinreceived news of Hall so also did Mr. Stafford.
Kate's letter caused her to change countenance, and in response to aninquiring look from her mother she passed over the letter. It had thesame effect on the mother as the daughter--a look of anxiety came to herface.
"What's the trouble?" asked Mr. Stafford, who had been watching themcuriously.
Kate became embarrassed and blushed, but did not reply. Mrs. Staffordhesitated, and finally said it was nothing particular and concerned onlyherself and Kate. Neither Martin nor Carden knew anything of Kate'sengagement, and Mrs. Stafford did not feel inclined to discuss it justthen--although now firmly convinced there was something wrong aboutHall. The letter she held in her hand urged immediate preparation forKate's marriage, and informed her that he would return, expecting tofind Kate ready, at the end of three weeks.
After breakfast Mrs. Stafford informed her husband of the contents ofthe letter, and he in turn took Carden into his confidence regarding theengagement and the letter.
Carden was surprised, and suggested consulting Martin without giving anyreason or necessity for doing so; but Mr. Stafford offered no objection,and Martin being found in the library, he was soon in possession of allthe facts regarding Hall's arrival in England and subsequent engagementto Kate--even to the mortgage or mortgages he held on the Staffordproperty.
Martin did not appear particularly surprised or put out at anything heheard until the engagement was mentioned. On hearing of this he saidquietly, but with bitter regret expressed in the tone:
"I wish I had been told this before."
After a minute's thought he continued:
"If I may advise in this matter, Mr. Stafford, I would say leteverything go on as it is, and allow this fellow to believe everythingis proceeding smoothly. Of course, you are now aware he is an impostor,but there is more in this than you think, Mr. Stafford, although, atpresent you must be content with what I've said."
Mr. Stafford looked mystified, but a look from Carden caused him toassent readily to Martin's proposition, and volunteered the remark thathe would have his "women folks" do the same.
Martin himself, however, did more that morning to put the "women folks"at ease than Mr. Stafford did, for meeting Kate shortly after theinterview in the library, he begged a few minutes' quiet conversation.
"Let's take a stroll," he said; "it will be the easiest and surest wayto avoid interruption."
Later in the day Mrs. Stafford was taken into the secret, as was alsoMiss Fleming, who returned a week later.
"Auntie is so nervous," explained Miss Fleming, "that when mamma has aheadache she summons every doctor and every relative she can reach.Mamma never knew I was coming home until I arrived! And she just packedme back here, I really believe, to teach Auntie a lesson! And now tellabout your trip to London."
They were all seated in the drawing-room. Martin had just returned fromLondon, whither he had gone to learn if anything had been heard fromBlount. He had heard nothing from that gentleman, and he was growinganxious over the continued silence. It would also appear that he wasmistaken regarding Hall's movements, for a letter received that dayannounced his expectation of returning within a week. He felt decidedlyblue and was not inclined to talk. Kate, therefore, told of the trip toLondon--an event of no little moment to her--where they had goneafterwards, and finally of their being photographed.
"Oh! Gracious! Let me see it, Kate! It must be one of those horrid tinthings!" and after a glance at it Miss Fleming continued: "I declare,Kate! For your own sake, you really ought to burn it! It's almost as badas the one I had taken three years ago--only mine is smaller!"
Martin became interested at this point, and now asked Miss Fleming ifshe had preserved any of the photographs. He had been gazing at her idlywhile she was speaking, still trying to remember where he had seen herbefore, and when she spoke of the photographs a sudden light burst uponhim. Hers was the original of the face in the locket!
Martin asked the question so eagerly that he attracted the attention ofthe others.
"I don't know but I should have, for we had enough taken to exchange allaround, and I managed to beg most of mine back. There was a whole crowdof us out sailing, and gentlemen were at a premium; but as I was only alittle thing then, they didn't mind humoring me."
"Of course not," rejoined Martin, with a smile at the lady now nineteenyears of age and four feet ten inches in height. "Of course not, but canyou let me see one of those horrible photographs? I am really anxious tosee one."
"Well, if I have got any of them they are at home; so, of course, Ican't show them to you now."
"Could you not write for one?" persisted Martin. "It is not merecuriosity, Miss Fleming, but on the contrary, of the greatest importancethat I should see one of the photographs you mention. They were of thesize put in a locket, were they not?"
"Yes," replied Miss Fleming, looking at him in surprise, "but how----"
"Never mind how I know, for the present, but if you will get me one ofthose photographs as soon as possible, you will furnish an importantlink in an interesting story."
Martin spoke very earnestly, impressing even Miss Fleming, and when headded:
"So important do I regard this, Miss Fleming, that I am compelled to askyou to return home at once--to-night."
Miss Fleming promptly expressed her willingness to do so, and startedwith Martin within an hour.
The drive of ten miles was accomplished quickly, and the searchcommenced immediately on their arrival at the Fleming residence. Thepicture was easily found, and Martin then questioned Miss Fleming as toher knowledge of the members of the party--especially Hall--but she knewno one of that name, and had not photographs of all present on that day.Neither had she ever seen the gentleman engaged to Kate.
Martin took possession of the photograph, and then proceeded to London.