On the other hand, it is no less certain that, with the act of turning
homeward, the remedy which had gained its ground so steadily, began now,
just as steadily, to drop back. The nearer I drew to the country
which she inhabited, and to the prospect of seeing her again, the more
irresistibly her influence began to recover its hold on me. On leaving
England she was the last person in the world whose name I would have
suffered to pass my lips. On returning to England, she was the first
person I inquired after, when Mr. Bruff and I met again.
I was informed, of course, of all that had happened in my absence;
in other words, of all that has been related here in continuation of
Betteredge's narrative--one circumstance only being excepted. Mr. Bruff
did not, at that time, feel himself at liberty to inform me of the
motives which had privately influenced Rachel and Godfrey Ablewhite in
recalling the marriage promise, on either side. I troubled him with no
embarrassing questions on this delicate subject. It was relief enough to
me, after the jealous disappointment caused by hearing that she had ever
contemplated being Godfrey's wife, to know that reflection had convinced
her of acting rashly, and that she had effected her own release from her
marriage engagement.
Having heard the story of the past, my next inquiries (still inquiries
after Rachel!) advanced naturally to the present time. Under whose care
had she been placed after leaving Mr. Bruff's house? and where was she
living now?
She was living under the care of a widowed sister of the late Sir John
Verinder--one Mrs. Merridew--whom her mother's executors had requested
to act as guardian, and who had accepted the proposal. They were
reported to me as getting on together admirably well, and as being now
established, for the season, in Mrs. Merridew's house in Portland Place.
Half an hour after receiving this information, I was on my way to
Portland Place--without having had the courage to own it to Mr. Bruff!
The man who answered the door was not sure whether Miss Verinder was at
home or not. I sent him upstairs with my card, as the speediest way
of setting the question at rest. The man came down again with an
impenetrable face, and informed me that Miss Verinder was out.
I might have suspected other people of purposely denying themselves to
me. But it was impossible to suspect Rachel. I left word that I would
call again at six o'clock that evening.
At six o'clock I was informed for the second time that Miss Verinder was
not at home. Had any message been left for me. No message had been left
for me. Had Miss Verinder not received my card? The servant begged my
pardon--Miss Verinder HAD received it.