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Such was their mutual love, that each schemed to win his kindness for the other, his brotherly kindness, for they never thought, had never dared to think, of anything else. Wilfrid was very gracious to them both. He shook hands with Beatrice, but neither spoke. After a few words with Mrs. Baxendale, he passed on to other ladies.
It must be remembered, however, that the ways of treachery are manifold, and the idea had only presented it to his mind in the most indefinite form. As it was, it drove him almost to frenzy. He could not find a calm word, nor was it indeed possible to communicate to Mrs. Baxendale the suspicion which occupied him.
'What evidence did his employer give? 'He only stated that Mr. Hood had been perfectly regular and satisfactory at his work. 'Then in truth it is a mystery? 'Mr. Baxendale thinks that there had been a long struggle with poverty, quite enough to account for the end. Wilfrid sat in gloomy silence.
He seemed to be impressed especially by old Sir Robert and Jack Barnard, his wife's uncle and brother. Whatever Jack did interested Baxendale, and whatever he said Baxendale repeated in confidence to most of his acquaintances. Of course Jack is a romancer, but Baxendale never knows whether to believe him or not, and Jack, being aware of this, concocts imposing fairy tales for Baxendale's benefit.
Baxendale makes it one of his pet studies, whilst I should like to make a bonfire of every volume containing such cruel nonsense. You must know, Mr. Athel, that I have an evil reputation in Dunfield; my views are held dangerous; they call me a socialist. Mr. Baxendale, when particularly angry, offers to hire the hall in the Corn Exchange, that I may say my say and henceforth spare him at home.
Baxendale knew that Emily's projects were not to be combated like a girl's idle fancies. She did not persevere, but let sad silence be her answer. 'Would you in no case stay in Dunfield? 'No; I must leave Dunfield. I don't think I shall find it difficult to get employment. Mrs. Baxendale had never ventured to ask for the girl's confidence, nor even to show that she desired it.
He received a courteous reply, the details not of course wholly palatable, but confirmatory of the modest hopes he had entertained. This reply he showed to his sister. Mrs. Rossall raised her eyebrows resignedly, and returned the letter in silence. 'What one expected, I suppose? said Mr. Athel. 'I suppose so. Mr. Baxendale probably thinks the man has been applying for a position in your pantry.
Are you quite sure 'Oh, this surely is out of the question, broke in her brother. 'That Beatrice should make such a request is very admirable, but I uh I really Mr. Athel paused, as if expecting and hoping that someone would defeat his objections. 'I admit it sounds rather unreal, pursued Mrs. Baxendale, 'but fortunately I can give you good evidence of her sincerity.
She did not hear it, nor yet the tap at her own door which followed. She was startled to consciousness by her landlady's voice. 'There's a lady wishes to see you, Miss Hood. 'A lady? Emily repeated in surprise. Then it occurred to her that it must be Mrs. Baxendale, who knew her address and was likely to be in London at this time of the year. 'Does she give any name? No name.
What distresses me is the personal recklessness of the step. 'Perhaps that is not so great as it appears, put in Mrs. Baxendale, quietly. 'You defend him? exclaimed Mrs. Birks. 'I'm not sure that I should do so, but I want to explain how Beatrice regards it. 'She defends him? cried Mr. Athel. 'Yes, she does.
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