An Outback Marriage

When he faced Blake again, he had pulled the mask of professional

stolidity over his features; also he lied boldly.

"I can see nothing to corroborate this story," he said; "but it

may be that Miss Grant would rather pay a few pounds than have the

unpleasantness of a trial. I will get her in and ask her if you

like, but I don't think it will lead to anything."

They were holding their conference in the office. Outside, the

station was dozing in the sun. The house dog slept in the yard,

and a stray wild pigeon had come down into the quadrangle, and was

picking at some grain that was spilt there. From the garden came

the shouts of the children and the happy laughter of Mary Grant.

"There she is now," said Pinnock. "Hadn't I better get her to come

in and get the thing over?"

He went out, and came back very soon. "Mrs. Gordon and Miss Grant

are coming," he said. "She said she would like Mrs. Gordon to be

with her."

Before long they came in and sat down. Mary Grant had no idea what

she was wanted for. She greeted Blake with a glad smile, and waited

to hear what Pinnock had to say. It did not take the lawyer long

to put the story before her: but it was some time before she could

understand it. Nothing so tragic had ever entered her life before,

and she seemed almost stunned.

Mrs. Gordon moved to her side and took her hand.

"It is very terrible for you--for us all, dear," she said. "You

must listen to what Mr. Pinnock says, and make up your mind. He

can advise you best what to do."

Again Pinnock went through the case. As a full understanding broke

in on her, she drew herself up; the look of distress and perplexity

left her face, and her eyes were full of scorn and anger.

"Hello, what's coming now?" thought Pinnock. "I hope she says

nothing rash."

She tried to speak once or twice, but the words seemed to choke

her.

"What do you advise me to do, Mr. Pinnock?" she said, turning to

him suddenly.

"I advise you to give me power to act for you in the matter as I

think best," said Pinnock, who saw that matters were likely to slip

beyond his control. "From what Mr. Blake tells me, I daresay this

woman can give you a lot of trouble and annoyance. Whatever you

pay her, you won't miss the money. You will save the family here

from being turned out; you will avoid scandal; and if there should

be any foundation for Mr. Blake's story, it may mean that if you

don't settle you lose everything."

From him Mary Grant turned to the old lady.