CHAPTER IV.
When Mr. Stafford left the solicitor's office he did not go directlyhome. His mind was too disturbed--he despaired of being able to raiseimmediately the money to pay even the interest, for his rents would notbe due for some time, and then other interest would be due. He had oneor two friends in the city, and with the hope of obtaining some reliefthrough them, he spent the afternoon in trying to find them, and finallyleft London only a short time after Hall.
Mr. Stafford was thankful that neither of the members of his family methim on his return, and being informed that Hall was in the library, hesought distraction from his thoughts there. His own desperatecircumstances caused Mr. Stafford to remember their conversation of thatmorning, and after a few minutes he asked what had been the result ofHall's interview with Kate.
"Very unsatisfactory. Your daughter appears to have taken a suddendislike to me. I had reason, as I believed, to think I had found favorin her eyes, but it appears I was mistaken. I am sorry for it, both onmy own account and yours!"
"Sorry for it on my account?"
"Yes, Mr. Stafford, on your account, because I've just learned from myattorney, Mr. Jones, that a mortgage which I have instructed him toconvert into cash as soon as it becomes due, is on your property.Indeed, I should not be surprised to learn that I hold other mortgageson this property."
"What! You hold the mortgages on this property!" exclaimed Mr. Stafford."And did you not know this until to-day?"
"No--I assure you I did not. You see, although an American, I waseducated here, and returned again after my father's estate was settledon my coming of age. As I was traveling more or less all the time, Igave Mr. Jones a power of attorney and he invested my money as hethought best. Of course, if I were your son-in-law, the mortgage couldstand as long as you wished--forever for that matter, and that too,without interest."
"And Kate refused you?" asked Mr. Stafford.
He was looking thoughtfully into the grate fire. What a difference thatanswer made to all of them?
Hall was watching him sharply, and appeared to be studying his replybefore saying:
"Yes--but I think her decision could be reversed if you would use yourinfluence--and it would be decidedly to your advantage to do so."
The menace contained in the last words was quite plain to Mr. Stafford.
"I shall certainly advise Kate to accept your offer; but that is as farI shall go--she must do as she pleases."
"Very well," said Hall rising, "I will make another effort and trust toyour influence for success." This last with a significant look as heleft the room.
When he was alone Mr. Stafford began to pace the floor, talking tohimself.
"Poor Kate! She little knows what her refusal means. It is plain enough,that if it is 'no' to-morrow from her, it will be beggary the next dayfor us. Beggary! Beggary! The place will not bring a penny more than themortgages--and what can I do! An old man like myself can get noemployment, and I have not fifty--no, not twenty pounds in mypossession! My God! What shall I do? I can't ask the poor girl to marrythe man--to sell herself, if she dislikes him."
Hall returned to the library just then, and after taking a book from thecase, said:
"Suppose you come up to my room, Mr. Stafford? I have some fine oldport I should like you to try, and as the ladies are out you might aswell spend an hour with me as not."
Mr. Stafford did not care particularly where he went or what he did thatnight, and went up-stairs with Hall.
The latter was mistaken in saying the ladies were out. Scarcely had theyleft the room when Kate, looking very pale and troubled, but also verydetermined, made her appearance between the curtains of the largebay-window, where she usually spent her afternoons reading. It was herfavorite spot, and fitted up specially for her use.
"Poor papa!" she murmured, "you need not worry if my consent to marryMr. Hall will save you."