I made my mind up to another night of it in Calne,
thinking I'd get to Hartledon early next morning before his lordship had
time to go out; and I was sitting comfortably with a pipe and a glass of
beer, when news came of the accident."
Lord Hartledon believed the man to be telling the truth; and a
weight--the source of which he did not stay to analyse--was lifted from
his mind. But he asked another question.
"Why are you still in Calne?"
"I waited for orders. After his lordship died I couldn't go away without
them--carrying with me nothing but the word of a dead man. The orders
came this morning, safe enough; but I had the summons served on me then
to attend the inquest, and had to stay for it. I'm going away now, my
lord, by the first train."
Lord Hartledon was satisfied, and nodded his head. As he turned back he
met Dr. Ashton.
"I was looking for you, Lord Hartledon. If you require any assistance or
information in the various arrangements that now devolve upon you, I
shall be happy to render both. There will be a good deal to do one way or
another; more, I dare say, than your inexperience has the least idea of.
You will have your solicitor at hand, of course; but if you want me, you
know where to find me."
The Rector's words were courteous, but the tone was not warm, and the
title "Lord Hartledon" grated on Val's ear. In his impulse he grasped the
speaker's hand, pouring forth a heartfelt prayer.
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