The Solitary Farm Page 11

  CHAPTER XI

  A RECOGNITION

  Bella found the interviews with Cyril eminently unsatisfactory. It wasperfectly plain that he entertained strong suspicions regarding theunknown person whom she termed his double. But even when questionedpoint-blank he declined to explain himself. Yet if Lister knew ofsomeone who resembled him more or less closely he surely could place hishand on that someone. When he did so the assassin of Captain Huxhamwould speedily be found. This being the case it was strange that Cyrilshould hesitate, and again and again Bella questioned him bluntly, onlyto find him more determined than ever to keep his own counsel. Underthese circumstances it was useless to prolong the conversation, and thegirl left the cottage feeling extremely despondent. It seemed to herthat the problem would never be solved, in spite of the certainty sheentertained that Cyril could solve it if he so wished.

  Nor did Bella feel any brighter when she returned to the Manor, for Mrs.Coppersley chose to take umbrage at her niece's absence. Bella declinedto say where she had been, and dismissed the matter in a few cold words.Not feeling sure of her ground, Mrs. Coppersley retreated for the timebeing, but next day returned to the attack with the evident object ofmaking the Manor-house too hot for the girl. Bella was strong enough toquell open mutiny on the part of her aunt, but she could not defendherself against incessant nagging. Since the death of her brother, Mrs.Coppersley had become as bold as hitherto she had been meek, and in manyskilful ways contrived to make her niece feel thoroughly uncomfortable.As Bella had quite enough to bear without being taxed further with thesepetty worries she became restive, and on the third day of hostilitiesdemanded what her aunt meant by behaving so aggressively. Mrs.Coppersley, better at ambushes than in open warfare, would have shirkedthe battle, but Bella forced the quarrel since it was absolutelynecessary to bring matters to a head.

  "You never leave me alone, Aunt Rosamund," she complained wearily.

  "Because you are a drone," retorted Mrs. Coppersley. "You eat, yet youdo not work. And as St. Paul says----"

  "I don't wish to hear what St. Paul says, thank you."

  "It would be better if you did. I have your good at heart."

  "Nothing of the sort; you merely wish to get rid of me."

  Mrs. Coppersley grew vividly red, but did not make any denial. "Whyshould I not?" she cried loudly. "You treat me as though I were dirtunder your feet, miss. Who are you to behave like this, I should like toknow?"

  "I am my father's daughter," said Bella, very distinctly, "who have beencheated out of my inheritance."

  "I'll make you prove those words," said Mrs. Coppersley, turning fromscarlet to white. "Go and see Mr. Timson in Cade Lane, and you will findeverything has been done to make the will legal."

  "I am quite sure of that, Aunt Rosamund, as you are too clever a womanto risk losing your spoil. But you have cheated me by inducing my fatherto disinherit me in your favour."

  "I did not! I did not!" Mrs. Coppersley stamped wrathfully. "Your fatherborrowed money from me to pay for the farm ten years ago. I lent it oncondition that I inherited Bleacres. I told you this before, and----"

  "That will do," interrupted Bella imperiously. "I shall see Mr. Timson,and learn for certain if what you have told me is correct. Meantime, asit is quite impossible for me to remain in the house with you, I shallgo and stay with Dora Ankers."

  "She won't have you," taunted Mrs. Coppersley.

  "I have already arranged to live with her until I am married."

  "Then you are going to marry that wastrel?"

  "I don't know who you mean."

  "Mr. Lister, the man who was so hated by your father."

  "Whether I marry Mr. Lister or not is my business," said Bella, drily;"and so far as I can learn, my father had no reason to hate him. Do youknow why he did so, Aunt Rosamund?"

  "No," said Mrs. Coppersley reluctantly, for she would have dearly likedto put a spoke in Bella's wheel, as the saying is. "Jabez's life beforehe came here was not known to me. But I am quite sure that it was shady,and----"

  Bella interrupted again. "Leave the dead alone. You are benefiting by myfather's work, whatever it might have been, and have no call to abusehim."

  "I only got my own money back," said Mrs. Coppersley defiantly; "but ifyou leave my house you leave it for ever. I wash my hands of you."

  "I am quite content that it should be so," said Bella icily; "but Ican't leave my home penniless. Give me fifty pounds until such time as Ican see Mr. Timson and learn how I stand."

  "What?" Mrs. Coppersley became shrill in her anger. "Give you money tobring lawsuits against me?"

  Bella looked at her very directly. "If everything is fair and square, asyou say," she observed severely, "there is no danger of lawsuits. Come,Aunt Rosamund, I wish to leave Bleacres this afternoon. Give me themoney."

  "No!" shouted the older woman, and sat down with folded arms and adogged expression. "You get no money from me."

  Bella was perplexed. She could not use violence, and her aunt seemedvery determined. For the moment she was nonplussed, and scarcely knewwhat to say. But at this moment Henry Vand entered. The conversation hadtaken place in the study, and Vand came into the room from the hall.Apparently he had just entered the house. In fact, he explained as much,and also confessed calmly that he had listened.

  "I heard your voices raised," he said quietly, "and knowing Rosamund'sviolent temper I waited, so that I might interfere on your behalf, MissHuxham."

  "I want no interference," said Mrs. Coppersley jealousy. "I can managemy own business."

  "That may be," said the young man drily, "but you seem to forget that Iam your husband."

  "Husband!" echoed Bella amazed.

  "Yes," said Vand; while Mrs. Coppersley--or rather Mrs. Vand--lookedsullenly at the floor. "We have been married for three months,secretly."

  "Why secretly?" asked Bella, still wondering at the news.

  "That's our business," said her aunt insolently.

  "Pardon me, Rosamund," said Vand, who was as polite as his wife wasrude. "It is only fair that Miss Huxham should understand the position."

  "Have it your own way, then," muttered Mrs. Vand, tossing her head,"only make her understand that I have had enough of her airs and graces.She can clear out of our house as soon as she likes, and leave us toourselves."

  "She is willing to do that for fifty pounds," said Vand politely.

  "I shan't give her that amount."

  "You are quite right, Rosamund; you will give Miss Huxham a cheque forone hundred pounds."

  "Are you out of your senses?" raged his wife, starting to her feet.

  "I don't want so much as that, Mr. Vand," said Bella, pleased to thinkthat her new uncle by marriage was taking her part.

  "It is a mere question of justice, Miss Huxham. My wife has inheritedthe Solitary Farm, so it is only right that she should recompense you."

  "Mind," said Bella, suddenly, and thinking that this might be a bribe,"if I find anything wrong when I see Mr. Timson I shall bring anaction."

  "I told you so, Henry," remarked Mrs. Vand triumphantly.

  "I have seen the will and the lawyer," said the man quietly, "andeverything is correct. There is no flaw. With regard to my marriage,Miss Huxham, I agreed to a secret ceremony since your late father wasopposed to my courtship of your aunt. But the time has now come toproclaim the marriage, so I have brought my luggage here to-day."

  "And that is why my aunt wishes me to leave the house," said Bella, witha curling lip.

  Vand, who was much the most self-controlled of the trio, looked at hervery straightly. "You can come or stay as you please," he said gently."I am quite willing that you should remain."

  "Oh," cried Mrs. Vand furiously, "so you want her to remain. Perhaps youare in love with her; perhaps you would like to----"

  "Aunt," interrupted Bella, blushing with annoyance, "how can you talk sofoolishly. Mr. Vand loves you, or he would not have married you. As forme, I am going away to Dora's as soon as you give me the money."


  "Not one penny."

  Vand gazed steadily at the furious woman. In spite of his club foot hewas certainly handsome, and looked as refined as his wife looked coarse.He must have had good blood in his veins in spite of his lowly birth,and, without appearing to do so, managed, on this occasion at least, todominate the more animal nature. Bella neither liked nor disliked thecripple, but she could not help admiring the skilful way in which hemastered her aunt. Perhaps he magnetised her with his large blue eyes orthe calmness of his manner may have had a soothing effect. But, whateverwas the cause, Mrs. Vand winced under his silent gaze and lowered hervoice, as she consented unexpectedly to do what he suggested. "I shallgive Bella a cheque for one hundred pounds on condition that she doesnot trouble me again," she grumbled, going to the desk with anaffectation of generosity.

  "You seem to hate me so much that there is no need for me to see you anymore," said Bella bitterly.

  "But I warn you that if the will is not right I shall take steps torecover the farm, which I look upon as my property."

  "It is not your property, it is mine; and Jabez's income also," saidMrs. Vand, looking up from the cheque she was writing, "and if you don'tpromise to leave things alone you shan't have the money."

  "I refuse to sell my heritage for a mess of potage," cried Bella,impetuously.

  "There is no need that you should," interposed Vand gently. "Rosamund,sign the cheque."

  Mrs. Vand scowled, hesitated, but finally did as she was ordered,throwing it on the floor afterwards in silent fury. Her husband pickedit up and handed it, with a bow, to Bella.

  "There you are, Miss Huxham," he said with marked courtesy. "I hope youwill be happy at Miss Ankers'. So far as I am aware, everything has beenleft to my wife, but later I shall endeavour to make some arrangementwith Rosamund by which you will be benefited. And I beg of you not toleave this house in anger."

  "I shall make no arrangement, now or hereafter," cried Mrs. Vand. "Bellahas received all that she will receive. For my part, I'm glad to see theback of her," and with a red face and a scornful look she flounced outof the room, much to the girl's relief.

  "I wonder why my aunt hates me so?" she asked Vand with a piteous look."I have never done her any harm."

  "She only gives way to her temper, Miss Huxham," said the cripplesoothingly, "and doesn't mean half she says. Don't trouble any moreabout Rosamund. I am your friend. You will shake hands, will you not?"

  Bella did not hesitate to take the hand extended to her, as she admittedsilently that if Vand had not interposed she would not have received themoney. Besides, her new relative throughout had proved himself to be socourteous and thoughtful that she had no reason to mistrust him.Howsoever Mrs. Vand had become possessed of the farm and income of thelate Captain Huxham, her husband was at least innocent. "But I do notbind myself to take no steps if necessary to recover Bleacres," Bellawarned the young man, as she shook his hand. "You understand that?"

  "Perfectly; and indeed, if Rosamund has come wrongfully by the estateshe must surrender it. Still, Miss Huxham, you cannot expect me to doubtmy own wife, especially as Rosamund has been good enough to marry acripple such as I am."

  "I think, without flattery to you," said Bella, walking towards thedoor, "that my aunt has got the best of the bargain," and the last thingshe saw when throwing a glance over her shoulder was Vand blushingcrimson at the unusual compliment. But Bella meant what she said, aseven ease and wealth were hardly purchased by marriage with a furious,coarse-natured woman such as Rosamund Vand. The girl wondered how shehad ever come to have such an aunt; she might have wondered also how sheever came to have a parent so common and ruffianly as her late fatherhad been.

  That same afternoon Bella packed all her belongings and had them carriedby Tunks to the hither side of the boundary channel. There they wereplaced on a hand-cart and wheeled to Miss Ankers' cottage. Mrs. Vanddiscreetly kept out of the way when Bella departed, or perhaps herhusband insisted that she should not drive forth the girl with insults,as she certainly would have done. At all events she remained invisible,and it was Vand alone who said good-bye to the homeless girl. Bella felta pang when she looked back along the narrow path of the corn-fields tosee a stranger standing in the doorway. She was certain of onething--that Mrs. Vand had found a master, and that for all his quietnessand polite ways her husband would not allow her to have her own way asshe had hitherto done. Doubtless her aunt had deemed Vand would be asharmless and innocuous as the scarlet-coated scarecrow, of which Bellacaught a last glimpse; but there was no doubt in the girl's mind as towhich of the happy pair would rule the house. Mrs. Vand's coarsebullying could do very little against the quiet persistence of a politeman, who was determined to govern. So far as Bella knew from Huxham, heraunt had ruled her first husband with a rod of iron; now she was aboutto be governed in her turn. "And much good may it do her," thoughtBella, who was much too human to be forgiving.

  Dora was delighted that her best friend should board with her, andreceived Miss Huxham with open arms. After tea, the two arranged Bella'sbedroom to their satisfaction and unpacked her boxes. Then they had atalk as to the advisability of going to Cade Lane for the purpose ofquestioning Mr. Timson regarding the will. "You should attend to thematter at once, my dear," said Dora, who was extremely practical for allher doll-like looks. "Lose no time, for I am certain that your aunt hasemployed some trickery in getting possession of the property."

  "I shall consult Cyril first," said Bella wearily, and little more wassaid on that night, as the girl was quite worn out with the events ofthe day.

  Next morning Miss Ankers had to teach in school as usual, and Bella wasleft to her own devices. She assisted Dora's small servant to tidy therooms and make the beds, after which she put on her hat and walked intothe village to make some small purchases. Also--and this was by Dora'sadvice--she saw the manager of the small local bank, and opened anaccount with him by paying in her aunt's cheque for one hundred pounds.The manager courteously promised to send the cheque to London, and tonotify Bella when it was honoured. Miss Huxham was somewhat relieved atthis promise, as she did not trust her aunt, and knew that she was quitecapable of stopping the cheque, especially when she had not given itwith a good grace. But Bella need not have troubled her head; the chequewas duly honoured, as Mr. Henry Vand saw to that.

  Having dispatched her business, Bella strolled out of the village, andfound herself on the common. This was a vast expanse overgrown withgorse and broom, and with a miniature forest of saplings springing froman undergrowth of fern and bracken. Through this fairy wood, as somepeople called it, narrow paths were cut, so that one could wander forhours in and out of a kind of natural labyrinth. The saplings werescarcely six feet in height, so that an extra tall man could look overthe green sea of vegetation. Bella loved this place, as she had oftensauntered therein with Dora, and indeed with Cyril also. The wonderfultangle of fern and bracken and many-hued grasses, the brilliantcolouring of flowers, and the fecund blossoming of the golden broom,made the common a home of delight. Bella walked meditatively through thecool green paths, and emerged at intervals on to wide, waste spaceswhere the purple heather grew thickly. Butterflies floated through thestill air, bumble-bees visited the flowers, and the birds sang as in anenchanted garden. Bella stopped to hear the silvery carol of aninvisible lark, for the bird, raining its music lavishly from the sky,was quite hidden by the dazzle of sunshine. As she paused, she felt alight hand touch her shoulder, and turned with a glad cry.

  "Oh, Cyril, how you startled me!" she said, pleased with the unexpectedencounter. "I am so glad to see you, dear. Have you heard----"

  Lister threw himself contentedly on the fragrant heather, and drew Belladown by his side. "I have heard, and I am very angry," he said hotly."Dear, what does your aunt mean by treating you in this way?"

  Bella shrugged her shoulders. "I expect she wants the Manor to herselfnow that she is married. Who told you?"

  "Miss Ankers. I met her coming out of school. She told me that yo
u werereturning to dinner, so I came to fetch you. I guessed that I shouldfind you here, and so----" he waved his hand lazily.

  "I am glad to see you," said Bella again, "but you look ill, dear."

  Cyril shrugged his shoulders. "I am worried about this mysterious doubleof mine," he muttered, and lying full length on the burnt grass hetilted his hat over his eyes. He did indeed look ill, for his face wasvery pale and lines appeared on his forehead which should not have beenthere at his age. In some extraordinary way he seemed to have aged, asit were, in a moment. "I am very much worried," he sighed; "everythingis going wrong. Now this abominable treatment to which your aunt hassubjected you to makes things doubly difficult for me."

  "In what way?" asked Bella, sitting up and hugging her knees.

  "I don't know how to move," explained the young man. "While you weresafe at Bleacres with your aunt I could wait. But now that you have nohome, I should like to marry you at once." He sighed again. "But that isimpossible, dear, owing to circumstances."

  "You need not trouble about me," said Bella promptly. "I have got onehundred pounds, and I am quite glad to be away from Aunt Rosamund'sincessant nagging. I can live with Dora and pay my way until such timeas you can marry me."

  "Heaven only knows when I can marry you!" groaned Cyril dismally.

  "I can tell you," said Bella, removing the hat from his anxious face inorder to look into his eyes; "as soon as you are frank with me."

  "I have come to be frank with you," said Lister reluctantly.

  "It sounds like it."

  "My dear"--he sat up to speak more forcibly--"when I am frank you willbe as unhappy as I am."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Mean? I scarcely know what I mean--that is, I scarcely dare put mythoughts into words. Of course, I may be wrong. I sincerely trust that Iam wrong. All the same, there is no denying that I have grave groundsfor my belief."

  "What belief?" Bella asked the question in scared tones, as Cyril lookedso wretched.

  He did not reply at once, but moved restlessly about, evidently bracinghimself to speak plainly. Even when he did open his mouth he wasevasive. "I have an idea that my double--that is, the man who wasmistaken by you and Pence for me on that night--might be--oh!"--herested his head between his hands with a groan--"I dare not tell you whohe might be."

  "You have some idea?"

  "Yes; I wish I hadn't."

  "Is it anyone I know?"

  "No."

  "Is it----"

  "Oh, my dear! don't ask questions which I dare not answer."

  "You must answer," said Bella firmly. "I must share your griefs as wellas sorrows. Tell me everything. Go on, Cyril, tell me quickly!"

  "Hush!" Lister started to his feet with an alarmed look. "What's that? Iswear that I heard a rustling in the underwood. Someone is listening."He glanced around anxiously, looking pale and nervous. Bella rose at thesame time and caught his hand to give him courage, although she couldnot understand what he meant by his words and looks.

  But the two had not to wait long. A distant crackling was heard, and ina moment or so a tall bulky man stepped from out the underwood.

  "Durgo!" breathed Bella, recognising the negro.

  He ran towards Cyril and dropped on his knees. "My master!" he cried;then leaped up. "You are not Edwin Lister," he growled with widely openeyes.

  "My father! my father!" groaned Cyril in despair. "I knew it; I wascertain of it. Now I know the worst," and he sat down to hide his face.