The Amateur Gentleman

"He tramps the roads hoping to find you, Clemency, and he preaches

at country wakes and fairs because, he told me, he was once a very

selfish man, and unforgiving."

"And--oh, you have seen him, you say,--lately?" she cried.

"Yes. And I sent him to Frittenden--to the 'Spotted Cow.' But

Clemency, he was just a day too late."

Now when Barnabas said this, Clemency uttered a broken cry, and

covered her face.

"Oh, father!" she whispered, "if I had only known,--if I could but

have guessed! Oh, father! father!"

"Clemency, why did you run away?"

"Because I--I was afraid!"

"Of Chichcster?"

"No!" she cried in sudden scorn, "him I only--hate!"

"Then--whom did you fear?"

Clemency was silent, but, all at once, Barnabas saw a burning flush

that crept up, over rounded throat and drooping face, until it was

lost in the dark shadow of her hair.

"Was it--the Viscount?" Barnabas demanded suddenly.

"No--no, I--I think it was--myself. Oh, I--I am very wretched

and--lonely!" she sobbed, "I want--my father!"

"And he shall be found," said Barnabas, "I promise you! But, until

then, will you trust me, Clemency, as--as a sister might trust her

brother? Will you let me take you from this dreary place,--will you,

Clemency? I--I'll buy you a house--I mean a--a cottage--in the

country--or anywhere you wish."

"Oh, Mr. Beverley!" she sighed, looking up at him with tear-dimmed

eyes, but with the ghost of a smile hovering round her scarlet lips,

"I thank you,--indeed, indeed I do, but how can I? How may I?"

"Quite easily," said Barnabas stoutly, "oh quite--until I bring your

father to you."

"Dear, dear father!" she sighed. "Is he much changed, I wonder? Is

he well,--quite well?"

"Yes, he is very well," answered Barnabas, "but you--indeed you

cannot stay here--"

"I must," she answered. "I can earn enough for my needs with my

needle, and poor little Nick is very kind--so gentle and considerate

in spite of his great, rough voice and fierce ways. I think he is

the gentlest little man in all the world. He actually refused to

take my money at first, until I threatened to go somewhere else."

"But how did you find your way to--such a place as this?"

"Milo brought me here."

"The Viscount's little imp of a groom?"

"Yes, though he promised never to tell--him where I was, and Milo

always keeps his word. And you, Mr. Beverley, you will promise also,

won't you?"

"You mean--never to tell the Viscount of your whereabouts?"

Clemency nodded.

"Yes," said Barnabas, "I will promise, but--on condition that you

henceforth will regard me as a brother. That you will allow me the

privilege of helping you whenever I may, and will always turn to me

in your need. Will you promise me this, Clemency?" And Barnabas held

out his hand.