'They have been living abroad. They have some kind of claim upon
her. I will do them that justice. The aunt brought her up, and
she and the cousin have been like sisters. The thing vexing me,
you see, is that I wanted to take her for a child of my own; and
I am jealous of these people, who don't seem to value the
privilege of their right. Now it would be different if Frederick
claimed her.' 'Frederick!' exclaimed Mr. Thornton. 'Who is he? What right--?'
Me stopped short in his vehement question.
'Frederick,' said Mr. Bell in surprise. 'Why don't you know? He's
her brother. Have you not heard--' 'I never heard his name before. Where is he? Who is he?' 'Surely I told you about him, when the family first came to
Milton--the son who was concerned in that mutiny.' 'I never heard of him till this moment. Where does he live?' 'In Spain. He's liable to be arrested the moment he sets foot on
English ground. Poor fellow! he will grieve at not being able to
attend his father's funeral. We must be content with Captain
Lennox; for I don't know of any other relation to summon.' 'I hope I may be allowed to go?' 'Certainly; thankfully. You're a good fellow, after all,
Thornton. Hale liked you. He spoke to me, only the other day,
about you at Oxford. He regretted he had seen so little of you
lately. I am obliged to you for wishing to show him respect.' 'But about Frederick. Does he never come to England?' 'Never.' 'He was not over here about the time of Mrs. Hale's death?' 'No. Why, I was here then. I hadn't seen Hale for years and years
and, if you remember, I came--No, it was some time after that
that I came. But poor Frederick Hale was not here then. What made
you think he was?' 'I saw a young man walking with Miss Hale one day,' replied Mr.
Thornton, 'and I think it was about that time.' 'Oh, that would be this young Lennox, the Captain's brother. He's
a lawyer, and they were in pretty constant correspondence with
him; and I remember Mr. Hale told me he thought he would come
down. Do you know,' said Mr. Bell, wheeling round, and shutting
one eye, the better to bring the forces of the other to bear with
keen scrutiny on Mr. Thornton's face, 'that I once fancied you
had a little tenderness for Margaret?' No answer. No change of countenance.