human
For that I have to thank you, my dear friend, answered Mr. Oglander;
gpt
My dear sir, say nothing, if you please--I cannot bear as yet to speak of them. I ought to be thankful that life is spared to me--doubtless for some good purpose. And I think I know what that purpose is; though now I am confident of nothing.
human
Neither am I, Russel, neither am I, said the old man, observing how low his voice was, and speaking in a low sad voice himself.
gpt
I used to have confidence in the good will and watchful care of the Almighty over all who trust in Him. But now there is something over there --he pointed towards the churchyard--
human
I will own, replied Overshute, studying the Squire's downcast face, to see how far he might venture,
gpt
Yes, I suppose that I was--so far as duty goes, and the parson's advice. But as for the result--where is it?
human
As yet we see none. But we very soon shall. Can you bear to hear something I want to say, and to listen to it attentively?
gpt
I believe that I can, Russel. There is nothing now that can disturb me very much.
human
This will disturb you, my dear sir, but in a very pleasant way, I hope. As sure as I stand and look at you here, and as sure as the Almighty looks down at us both, that grave in Beckley churchyard holds a gipsy-woman, and no child of yours! Ah! I put it too abruptly, as I always do. But give me your arm, sir, and walk a few steps. I am not very strong, any more than you are. But, please God, we will both get stronger, as soon as our troubles begin to lift.
gpt
Russel, what did you say just now? Mr. Oglander asked, when the pair had managed to get as far as another little bower, Grace's own, and there sat down.
human
I must have taken your meaning wrong. I am not so clear as I was, and often there is a noise inside my head.
gpt
I told you, sir, that I had proved for certain that your dear daughter has not been buried here--nor anywhere else, to my firm belief. Also I have found out and established (to my own most bitter cost) who it was that lies buried here, and of what terrible disease she died. As regards my own illness, I would go through it again--come what might come of it--for the sake of your darling Grace; but, alas! I have lost my own dear mother through this utterly fiendish plot--for such it is, I do believe! This poor girl buried here was the younger sister of Cinnaminta!
human
Cinnaminta! said the Squire, trying to arouse old memory.
gpt
Surely I have heard that name. But tell me all, Russel; for God's sake, tell me all, and how you came to find it out, and what it has to do with my lost pet.
human
My dear sir, if you tremble so I shall fear to tell you another word. Remember, it is all good, so far as it goes; instead of trembling you should smile and rejoice.
gpt
So I will--so I will; or at least I will try. There, now, look--I have taken a pinch of snuff, you need have no fear for me after that.
human
All I know beyond what I have told you is that your Gracie--and my Grace too--was driven off in a chaise and pair, through the narrow lanes towards Wheatley. I have not been able to follow the track in my present helpless condition; and, indeed, what I know I only learned this morning; and I thought it my duty to come and tell you at once. I had it from poor Cinnaminta's own lips, who for a week or more had been lurking near the house to see me. This morning I could not resist a little walk--lonely and miserable as it was--and the poor thing told me all she knew. She was in the deepest affliction herself at the loss of her only surviving child, and she fancied that I had saved his life before, and she had deep pangs of ingratitude, and of Nemesis, etc.; and hence she was driven to confess all her share; which was but a little one. She was tempted by the chance of getting money enough to place her child in the care of a first-rate doctor.
gpt
But Grace--my poor Grace!--how was she tempted--or was she forced away from me?
human
That I cannot say as yet; Cinnaminta had no idea. She did not even see the carriage; for she herself was borne off by her tribe, who were quite in a panic at the fever. But she heard that no violence was used, and there was a lady in the chaise; and poor Grace went quite readily, though she certainly did seem to sob a little. It was no elopement, Mr. Oglander, nor anything at all of that kind. The poor girl believed that she was acting under your orders in all she did; just as she had believed that same when she left her aunt's house to meet you on the homeward road, through that forged letter, which, most unluckily, she put into her pocket. There, I believe I have told you all I can think of for the moment. Of course, you will keep the whole to yourself, for we have to deal with subtle brutes. Is there anything you would like to ask?
gpt
Russel Overshute, said the Squire,
human
I am not fit to go into things now; I mean all the little ins and outs. And you look so very ill, my dear fellow, I am quite ashamed of allowing you to talk. Come into the house and have some nourishment. If any man ever wanted it, you do now. How did you come over?
gpt
Well, I broke a very ancient vow. If there is anything I detest it is to see a young man sitting alone inside of a close carriage. But we never know what we may come to. I tried to get upon my horse, but could not. By the bye, do you know Hardenow?
human
Not much, said the Squire;
gpt
I have seen him once or twice, and I know that he is a great friend of yours. He is one of the new lights, is not he?
human
I am sure I don't know, or care. He is a wonderfully clever fellow, and as true as steel, and a gentleman. He has heard of course of your sad trouble, but only the popular account of it. He does not even know of my feelings--but I will not speak now of them----
gpt
You may, my dear fellow, with all my heart. You have behaved like a true son to me; and if ever a gracious Providence----