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But we can rarely carry out our plans exactly as we trace them unexpected circumstances derange them or expand them; and I will so far anticipate as to say that in this case a most unexpected turn of events took La Klosking by surprise. Whether she proved equal to the occasion these pages will show very soon. POIKILUS never left Taddington only the "Swan."
It is all that cursed money at Homburg. I could not clear my estate without it. I dare not go for it. She forbade me; and indeed I can't bear to leave her for anything; so I employed Poikilus to try and learn whether that lady has the money still, and whether she means to rob me of it or not." Fanny Dover reflected a moment, then delivered herself thus: "You were wrong to tell a fib about it.
If Poikilus settles here, he will be drawn through the horse-pond by small-minded rustics once a week." While he was going on like this, Zoe felt uncomfortable, and almost irritated by his volubility, and it was a relief to her when Severne returned.
"It is about a lease," said Ned Severne, and went out rather hurriedly. "La!" said Fanny, "what a curious name Poikilus. And what does S. I. mean, I wonder?" "This is enigmatical discourse," said Vizard, dryly. "Please explain." "Why, the card had Poikilus on it." "You are very inquisitive," said Zoe, coloring. "No more than my neighbors.
Shovel-hat, portly walk, and green spectacles did the rest. Grandfather Whitehead saluted. His reverence chuckled. Poikilus kept Severne posted by letter and wire as to many things that happened outside Vizard Court; but he could not divine the storm that was brewing inside Ina Klosking's room. Yet Severne defended himself exactly as he would have done had he known all.
He had always suspected Severne of being his rival and a main cause of his defeat. "An impostor?" said he: "that is rather a strong word. Certainly I never heard a gentleman tell such a falsehood as he volunteered about what's the fellow's name? a detective." "Oh, Poikilus. That is nothing. That was one of his white lies. He is a villain all round, and a forger by way of climax." "A forger!
Then she turned on Ashmead, and said, quietly, "That Poikilus is still acting for him, and the one thing they desire to learn is where to find Miss Vizard, and delude her to her ruin." "No, no," cried Ashmead violently; but the next moment his countenance fell. "You are wiser than I am," said he; "it may be. Confound the sneak! I'll give it him next time I see him!
"You are a good fellow." "What is more, I shall see her to-morrow, and I will put the question to her for you." Poikilus was profuse in his thanks, and said he began to think it was his only chance. Then he had a misgiving. "I have no claim on the lady," said he; "and I am afraid I have been a bad friend to her. I did not mean it, though, and the whole affair is dark to me."
As they sipped it, he delivered a great many words; and in the middle of them said, "Oh, by-the-by, I asked after that poor young lady. Gone to Ireland, but they didn't know what part." After dinner Ashmead went to the theater. When he came back Poikilus was gone. So did Wisdom baffle Cunning that time.
"Of course he advertises: that is not what I mean. I did not drop his card, did I? No; I am sure I pocketed it directly. What mischief-making villain told them it was Poikilus?" Fanny colored a little, but said, hastily, "Ah, that I could not tell you." "The footman, perhaps?" "I should not wonder." "Curse him!" "Oh, don't swear at the servants; that is bad taste." "Not when he has ruined me?"
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