human
There, it's only a hoax!
gpt
No, no, answered Laurence:
human
Before calling in the police please pay me another visit, when I will see you, provided you come alone, and after dark.--J. F.
gpt
Jones-Farnell,
human
Of course you won't go,
gpt
Of course I will, Miss Scott,
human
But--oh, won't it be too risky for you to go--alone?
gpt
I hope I shall be able to take care of myself, Miss Scott.
human
Yes, but----
gpt
But?
human
Suppose it's some trap to--murder you, whispered Lena.
gpt
Look at that letter. It is sent in a most mysterious fashion by a man you've never seen. It tells you to come alone and after dark. Doesn't that look frightfully suspicious? Don't you see that if they have got some secret, or are carrying on, as I shrewdly guess, some illegal occupation, what, Heaven only knows, don't you see, if this is so, and they know that you suspect them and are making investigations, that it will be greatly to their advantage to have you out of the way? You know what I mean.
human
Yes, I understand your argument, and appreciate your good sense, but I'm sorry that I cannot take your advice. The matter, I feel confident, is one of life and death to my poor father. Is it not only natural that I should risk my own life for his, particularly when I am a strong man and he old and getting infirm? Besides, there may be no risk after all. We may be mistaken, though I can't see how. At any rate, it is my duty to go to-night----
gpt
To-night! Oh, not so soon, surely----
human
Procrastination, you know, Miss Scott, is the thief of time. To-morrow may be too late. Hourly, almost, I am dreading a second attempt on the poor old Squire's life, and if I keep my appointment to-night I may yet be in time to save him.
gpt
But let me go with you. Do, please!
human
No, no, you must not endanger yourself. What would Mrs. Knox say?
gpt
I don't care what auntie says in the least, and----
human
Tell me, Laurence cried, as he turned to his young companion and, looking into her clear blue eyes, where he fancied he saw a glistening tear, forgot everything, his father, himself, and the mystery that was deepening around them,
gpt
Laurence, she said, and the pronunciation by her lips of his Christian name thrilled him with pleasure,
human
Laurence, when the mystery is solved, when you return safe from your interview to-day, then, and not till then, will I give you my answer.