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Updated: July 16, 2025
The day Raby came back from Eastbank he dined at home, and, in an unguarded moment, said something or other, on which Mrs. Little cross-examined him so swiftly and so keenly that he stammered, and let out Grace Carden was on the point of marriage. "Marriage, while my son is alive!" said Mrs.
She had no excuse for declining, but she procrastinated: she did not like to marry without consulting Henry, or, at least, telling him by letter. And whilst she was thus temporizing, events took place at Eastbank which ended by rudely disturbing the pious falsehood at Raby Hall. That sequence of events began with the interview between Mr. Carden and Mr. Coventry at Woodbine Villa.
He spent four days in Eastbank, and never uttered a word of love; but his soft soothing voice was ever in her ear, and won her attention now and then; not often. When he left her, she did not ask him to come again. Her father did, though, and told him to be patient; better days were in store.
Dr. Amboyne ordered her to the sea-side. A carriage was prepared expressly for her, and her father took her there. Woodbine Villa was put up to let furnished, and it was taken by Mr. Coventry. Jael Dence began to recover strength rapidly, but she wore at times a confused look. The very day Grace left for Eastbank she was discharged as cured, and left the hospital. This was in the morning.
This Lally was an old and confidential servant, who had served him formerly in many intrigues, and with whom he had parted reluctantly some months ago, and allowed him a small pension for past services. He dared not leave the villa in charge of any person less devoted to him than this Lally. The man arrived at last, received minute instructions, and then Mr. Coventry went to Eastbank.
One day Mr. Carden telegraphed from London to Mr. Coventry at Hillsborough that he was coming down to Eastbank by the midday express, and would be glad to meet him there at four o'clock. He also telegraphed to Grace, and said, "Dinner at five." Both gentlemen arrived about the same time, a little before dinner.
Just outside the little sea-side town of Eastbank is a house which, being very old, contrasts agreeably with the pretentious villas fashion has raised. It is gloomy inside, yet outside it looks like a cottage: low, rambling, gabled, and picturesque. It stands on a slope just above the sea, and its front garden runs down almost to the sea-shore. The aspect is southerly.
Carden, however, persisted, and the deep affection he had shown his daughter gave him great power. It was two against one; and the two prevailed. Mr. Coventry began to spend his whole time at Eastbank Cottage. He followed Grace about with a devotion to which no female heart could be entirely insensible; and, at last, she got used to him, and rather liked to have him about her.
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