His Vindication

Front matter

BY THE SAME AUTHOR 'JEAN' A Novel (Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Company, Publishers) ' Seldom, in these days of lurid, sensational novel-reading, do we come across such a thoroughly clever and artistically written story as Mrs. Newman's Jean. The plot is ingenious and coherent ; the dia logues are bright and sparkling. Her other characters are skilfully drawn.' — Daily Telegraph. ' It is evident that Mrs. Newman has taken great pains in the delineation of this character, and the result is that she has drawn a heroine whom it is impossible not to love, and in whose fortunes a reader cannot fail to be interested.' — Standard. ' Mrs. Newman is already favourably known to the public as the author of Too Late. The eventful story to which Mrs. Newman has given the name of Jean is in no respect unworthy of its predecessor.' — Daily News. ' A pretty, interesting, and well-told story, with a charming heroine.' — Graphic. ' The heroine is a really fine study of character.

Mrs. Newman has a very distinct conception of all the personages she introduces into her story, and knows how to convey her ideas to her readers.' — The Scotsman. ' The characters are lifelike. The style is quiet and good, and the tone unexceptionable. These are no ordinary merits in a novel.' — Westminster Review. ' Jean— -a. naive, somewhat awkward school-girl, who develops into a beauty without losing her intense simplicity and truthfulness of character — is an interesting heroine.' — Athenæum. BY M RS. E. NEWMAN AUTHOR OF 'THE LAST OF THE HADDONS,' 'JEAN, 'TOO LATE,' 'WITH COSTS,' ETC. Q3J 1 0 1 m t n 0 1 e r ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND CO. Edinburgh : T. and A. Constable, Printers to Her Majesty CONTENTS CHAP. PAGE I. SHADOWS BEFORE ..... 1 II. MRS. LATIMER ...... 10 III. BARBARA 18 iv. miss topham's BOUNDEN DUTY ... 26 V. BY TELEGRAM ...... 34 VI.

THE LAST STRAW ..... 43 VII. FOR HIS SAKE ...... 52 VIII. A FRIEND IN NEED ..... 61 IX. WAYS AND MEANS ..... 70 X. MYSTERY ....... 78 XI. MARTIN EQUIVOCATES .... 90 XII. MRS. hobson's TRIUMPH .... 105 XIII. 'PROMISE ME, NIEL' . . . 110 XIV. ' SWEET SOPHY '..... 121 XV. £ S. D 132 XVI. AN EVENT IN GREYBOROUGH . . . 142 XVII. TRESPASSERS . . . . . . VI HIS VINDICATION CHAP. PAGE XVIII. MISS DENISON MAKES A PROPOSAL . . 158 XIX. MRS. LATIMER'S OPINION .... 166 XX. PARTING ....... 174 XXI. PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL . . . 180 XXII. NEWS ....... 189 xxiii. niel's PUPIL ...... 196 XXIV. MISS DENISON ASKS ADVICE . . . 203 XXV. 'MY HANDSOME RUPERT ' . . • 211 XXVI. ' WORSE THAN BEING AT SCHOOL' . . 222 XXVII. MISS DENISON TO THE RESCUE . . . 231 XXVTII. CAUGHT ....... 239 XXIX. MISS BATES QUITE MAKES UP HER MIND . 251 XXX.

Chapter I Shadows Before

' How to find out without arousing people's curiosity and suspicion, if the truth is not already known ? ' mused Mrs. Hobson, as she made her way across the market-place of the quaint old town of Greyborough and stood in the bright morning sunshine gazing reflectively around. ' If, as they say, Barbara Fane has gone away with Miss Topham, it must be in con sequence of a revelation at the house, I should think. Miss Barbara may have taken herself off in one of her tantrums, to be sure, but it is more probable that the worst has come.' A widow of about forty-five years of age, with strongly defined features, bright dark eyes, good humoured expression, somewhat expansive figure, and general appearance which her friends designated ' fine looking ' when pleased with her, and ' coarse ' when offended; neither of which verdicts in the slightest degree affected Mrs. Hobson. ' Now, I wonder whether Saunders ? ' As her eyes turned towards the stationer's shop opposite to where she stood, they fell upon a lady just emerging from it, and her whole face brightened.

A. ' Maria ! She has had some hint of it, and has come out early on purpose to find out what she can ! Been inquiring of Saunders, I suspect, in her quiet way. But if she 's got it out of him, I '11 soon get it out of her.' ' Good morning, Maria ! ' she cheerfully called out as the other drew nearer. The pleasure was apparently not mutual. At sight of the widow the other shrank back for a moment and glanced hurriedly round, as though calculating the chance of being able to make good her escape, then came slowly forward again, with a ' Good morning,' in which was reflected little of the other's geniality. It was easy to see that there could be very little sympathy between the two, if appearances went for anything. Miss Croome's spare figure, pale, narrow face, eyes of the same leaden hue as her complexion, sand-coloured hair, done up in the tightest and neatest of ways, and generally decorous mien, seemed a protest against all colouring in appearance or deportment, whilst the widow seemed quite as decided a protest against everything that lacked colour. 'Is it true, Maria?' asked Mrs. Hobson, smiling to herself with the thought that this was, at any rate, a safe question. ' I do not understand to what you allude,' stiffly returned Miss Croome, who was a superior woman, and accustomed to be deferred to as such in Grey borough.

Mrs. Hobson was apt to forget this, and to address her cousin as though she were an ordinary mortal. 'Now don't be on the stilts with me — where's the use ? Of course you came out early on purpose to pick up what you could ; and of course you 've been asking Saunders.' A slight flush rose to Miss Croome's cheeks as she coldly replied, ' My business with Saunders was to order a fresh supply of stationery, Ann.' After a moment's hesitation, she added, ' But I did chance to hear it mentioned that Miss Fane left Elmwoods this morning for the purpose of paying a short visit to Brighton; if it is to that you are alluding.' ' She does not know,' mentally ejaculated the widow, as she smilingly replied, 'And about Emma Topham : is it true that Miss Barbara has taken her for a com panion ? ' 'I think — yes; something of that kind was men tioned,' returned Miss Croome.

She knew that her dreadful cousin, as she was wont to term the widow, would have not the slightest scruple about entering the shop and ascertaining for herself as to whether she, Maria Croome, had been making inquiries. Mrs. Hobson gave her a pleasant nod and smile. ' I always tell you Emma Topham is clever. You clever people never will believe in each other. But it is a comfort to find that you are just as ready to ferret out a bit of news as the rest of us.' Miss Croome drew herself up. She objected to its being supposed that she could countenance idle gossip ; and especially objected to her cleverness being bracketed with Miss Topham's. 'To have such motives imputed to one ! ' ' Now, why take it in that way, Maria ? Motives, indeed ! You only wanted to know whether Emma Topham had succeeded — that's all, I suppose ?' with a keen side-look into the other's impassive face. ' I see no harm in that.

Clever of her, I call it, to contrive to make herself the chosen friend of Barbara Fane. Heiresses are not so plentiful in these days, and difficult enough to manage when they are caught, if they happen to be after Miss Barbara's pattern. You said Emma Topham would gain no influence over her ; but you were wrong, you see.' Miss Croome did not choose to see that — certainly not at Mrs. Hobson's bidding. ' It has not been proved that Miss Fane is influenced, as you term it,' was her cold reply. ' Time will show — we shall see,' cheerfully replied the widow. ' Ah, here comes Miss Barbara's guardian ! Now we shall hear what he thinks about it, perhaps.' A tall, fine-looking man, between fifty and sixty years of age, — although his deeply lined face, white hair, and bent figure gave him the appearance of being much older, — had just turned into the market-place, and was making his way with slow, uncertain steps towards the spot where the two ladies stood.

As he advanced he looked up, eyed them for a moment from beneath his bent brows, half raised his hand to his hat, dropped it again, as if forgetting his purpose ; crossed to the opposite side of the way, recrossed a short distance further on, and entered the bank. ' One might really think that was done purposely to avoid us,' ejaculated Mrs. Hobson. 'Might one not, Maria ? ' with a curious questioning glance at her companion. ' And how grave and troubled he looks — as though he carried the world's burdens on his shoulders — a man who has known nothing but pro sperity ; coining money, as he is said to have been doing, out of that mine of his.' ' He has given himself entirely up to money-making, and can think of nothing else, I suppose,' said Miss Croome, more offended at having been ignored by him than was the widow. 'And his son seems to be learning the quickest way to spend it,' she tartly went on, as one of the latest improvements in dog carts, in which sat a frank-eyed, good-looking young man, and a smart groom, came at a dashing pace into the market-place. ' Splendid morning, Mrs. Hobson.

How are you, Miss Croome?' said Niel Latimer, drawing up to the curb in obedience to a signal from the widow, and looking down good-naturedly, if a trifle impatiently, at them. ' Nor do you know, young sir, or you wouldn't be looking like that ! ' was Mrs. Hobson's mental ejacu lation. But thinking that she might as well avail herself of the opportunity to ascertain why Barbara Fane had left Elmwoods so unexpectedly, she hooked the handle of her parasol in the rail above the wheel, to prevent his driving on before she had put the question she wanted to ask. 'Just a moment, Mr. Niel. Is it true that Miss Fane set off for Brighton this morning ? ' 'Yes,' with a careless laugh. 'That is the latest news from our place, I believe. Be careful, Mrs. Hobson. The mare is fresh, and I may carry off part of your parasol.' ' And has she really taken Miss Topham for her companion ? ' ' She really has ' I am extremely sorry to hear it,' gravely put in Miss Croome. ' It is a serious thing for Miss Fane to get into such hands.' ' Oh, my father is not afraid of Miss Topham's influence, I assure you ; and he sees no objection to Miss Fane visiting a more cheerful place than this for a short time.

If the young lady herself suffers "a sea change" we may be none the less ready to welcome her back. " Absence makes the heart grow fonder," and all that sort of thing, you know, Miss Croome.' ' Is Mrs. Latimer quite well ? ' put in Mrs. Hobson, with intention. 'My mother? Oh, yes; I left her just now in her accustomed health and spirits.' And, after a little preliminary touch to the mare, as a hint to Mrs. Hob son to keep at a safer distance, he drove on again, not perhaps unconscious of the admiration of the loungers standing about the archway of the inn-yard opposite. They were, in fact, giving it as their opinion that young Master Niel and his turn-out were a credit to the town. High and low, rich and poor — all Grey borough had a good word for Niel Latimer. Few gifted with brains, fine health, good looks, and wealth, arouse so little envy as did he.

If he enjoyed his good things a trifle too exuberantly, it was known that he did not forget to help those less favoured than himself. Nor had his worst excesses been of the kind to render home life and the society of refined women distasteful to him. Miss Croome bade Mrs. Hobson a curt ' Good morning,' and went her way. The widow stood debating with herself for a few moments ; then, with a little satisfied nod, walked briskly away in the opposite direction to that which Miss Croome had taken. Turning out of the market place, she passed through a side-street leading to the highroad, along which she went until she came to the lodge gates of Elmwoods, where dwelt the Latimers. Somewhat fatigued with the heat, she walked more slowly and enjoyably up the long avenue, bordered by a triple row of old elms sheltering a colony of rooks, its cool elastic turf in refreshing contrast with the hot dusty road ; and on towards a stately Eliza bethan mansion, with terraced front, and well-kept lawns, and flower gardens about it.

Not the less did Mrs. Hobson enjoy her walk for the knowledge that she was doing what none else in Greyborough would dream of doing. Who but herself would venture to call upon Mrs. Latimer before twelve in the morning ? — Mrs. Latimer, the most exclusive woman in the neighbourhood ; so hedged about with pride, that none could penetrate it far enough to ascertain what other traits went to make up her character. That Mrs. Hobson was admitted within the pre cincts of Elmwoods was owing solely to her good birth ; and it was on this account that people generally chose to call her ' eccentric,' rather than use a stronger term — a term not to be applied to the descendant of an old county family by society so orthodox as that of Greyborough. 'It is really daring to come here at this hour,' thought Mrs. Hobson, as she was ushered into the Elmwoods drawing-room. ' But if I offend her, she knows by this time she can't offend me ; and I really must find out whether she is aware of what is pending.' She proceeded to make herself at home in her own fashion by examining and appraising her surroundings.

The chief occupation and enjoyment of her life consisted in picking up what she considered to be bargains. The hint of a forthcoming sale within reach of Greyborough sufficed to ensure the attendance of Mrs. Hobson and her gardener, whom she employed to bid for her, and who was said to make a very good profit out of his mistress's crotchet. Not that she was a connoisseur, or that she bought for the purpose of accumulating. She bargained and bought simply for the pleasure of buying and bargaining ; spending the greater part of her good income upon her purchases, without having much to show for it. She was, indeed, frequently obliged to sell at a disadvantage in order to make room for fresh bargains. To add to her zest, it so happened that she had a rival in the field. Captain Truscott, a half-pay naval officer living in Greyborough, had also a habit of attending sales on the chance of obtaining bargains, although he prided himself on being a collector of rarities only.

Many a wordy war had been waged between him and Mrs. Hobson over some treasure upon which he had set his heart, and for which her larger means enabled her to outbid him, without, he affirmed, having the taste to appreciate a good thing when she got it. Captain Truscott, a bachelor with limited means, lived in a cottage just outside the town; his sole attendant an elderly housekeeper, whom he did not find very amenable to the rules and regulations which he considered essential for home discipline. Both Mrs. Hobson and he affirmed and believed that they held opposite opinions about everything; but they did not, as might be expected, avoid each other in consequence. In fact, unconsciously perhaps to them selves, their daily encounters — they rarely met without a sharp skirmish — imparted not a little zest to their lives.

His old housekeeper always knew when her master had missed his daily conflict with the widow — if that could be called a conflict in which one side never lost temper. Mrs. Hobson's imperturbable good-humour was, indeed, Captain Truscott 's greatest trial. She was the only person he knew whom he could neither irritate nor subdue. There had been an occasional truce between them, marked by the courtesy and consideration character istic of honourable adversaries. When he was kors de combat, at the mercy of his enemy the gout, his room was filled with graceful little offerings from the widow. She would receive the most courteously worded notes from Captain Truscott in acknowledgment of her kindness ; and, as soon as he was able to get about again, the war went on as before. ' A new table-cloth ! ' ejaculated Mrs. Hobson, as her stout figure sank low in a luxurious lounge. ' Not a time for spending money in that way, I should have thought.

And where was it bought ? Not at Fleming's. No ; I looked over all they had when I wanted to know what the Haslers gave for theirs. Sent to London for it, I suppose. The carriage would not cost much, to be sure, or they might have had the thought to get it enclosed with something else.' Here her eyes turned admiringly towards an object to which they were apt to be attracted when she was in the Elmwoods drawing-room — a fine antique ebony and silver cabinet. ' How much I should enjoy bidding against him for you ! ' she murmured, rising to make a closer inspection. ' Not another to match it in the three kingdoms, he says.' She was busily engaged in examining the elaborately engraved silver clasps and hinges, tapping the small drawers, and speculating as to their being secret re ceptacles, when the door opened, and a slight, fair, graceful girl of about eighteen, with refined — almost too delicately refined — features, golden hair, and the softest of blue eyes, came slowly and hesitatingly into the room.

Chapter II Mrs

LATIMER ' How do you do, Mrs. Hobson ? ' ' Lucy ! How do you do, my dear ? ' pleasantly returned Mrs. Hobson, carefully closing and fastening the doors of the cabinet, before shaking hands with the young girl. ' I have been admiring this beautiful cabinet again, you see.' ' My mother is engaged just now, and hopes you will excuse her, Mrs. Hobson,' said Lucy, gracefully toning down her mother's words. ' Oh, yes ; of course. And I am glad to have an opportunity for a little chat with you.' Mrs. Hobson, in truth, much preferred that the interview should be with gentle Lucy Latimer — sweet Lucy, as timid as a mouse, and so afraid of giving expression to anything by word or look that might wound or offend. Habi tually shy and apologetic in speech and bearing, she altogether succumbed to Mrs. Hobson.

The widow was quick to note the signs of nervous ness, and tentatively went on : ' Any news — have you been into the town this morning ? ' Without waiting for reply, and, as her habit was, going straight to the point she desired to reach, she went on: 'So you have got rid of Miss Barbara for a while, I hear ! ' Lucy's sweet face flushed painfully. ' I hope people have not been saying anything unkind. I am sure Barbara did not mean — my father was not really angry.' ' There has been a disagreement, then ; but only that I think — nothing more — nothing worse,' men tally decided the widow, gazing reflectively at the young girl. After a moment or two she said : ' Every one knows that Miss Barbara has ways, my dear Lucy. And she is not, I think, very judicious in the choice of her friends. But really, the way she gets flattered and run after is enough to spoil any girl of seventeen.

I suppose it never occurs to her that, with certain people, her money may be the chief attraction. Not that I altogether blame Emma Topham either. It was quite natural that she should be ready to make the most of the situation, I suppose. One can't ex pect a poor mortal with barely sixty pounds a year to live upon, and no means of increasing it, to be as independent and straightforward as ' 'Oh, Mrs. Hobson, do not say that ! If Miss Top ham were — if she were not — you do not think that being poor would excuse ' ' I think you are a good little creature who would go in for starving, and all the rest of it, rather than do anything you believe to be wrong,' smilingly put in Mrs. Hobson. ' But you must not expect so much from ordinary mortals. Why, that cabinet alone has made me forget the tenth commandment more than once, so it is not for me to be shocked at Emma Topham, you see.

An heirloom, isn't it ?' ' Yes ; and my father values it very highly.' ' Not more highly than its worth, I daresay,' replied Mrs. Hobson, resolutely turning her eyes away from the coveted treasure. ' How long is Miss Barbara going to stay at Brighton, my dear ? ' ' I am not sure — it was not quite decided, I think,' hesitatingly replied the young girl. ' I quite understand,' with a confidential little nod. ' She will return when she gets over her fit of temper, and is tired of Miss Topham. Well, she might have chosen a worse companion. Emma Topham is fifty, and respectable. So far, she is as proper as any one Miss Barbara could have chosen, and, as I said, none could blame her for making friends with an heiress, though we might not all go the same way to work about it. But what was Miss Barbara huffed about ?

I ask, because such exaggerated reports get about, and if I know what is true, I shall be able to contradict what is false. You may trust me not to divulge anything you wish not to be known. It is always safe to trust me.' Many had, indeed, found it the best policy to trust Mrs. Hobson, who honestly kept her word, and re vealed nothing she promised to keep secret, while she left no stone unturned to discover what people might try to prevent her knowing. It was so pleasant to be able to say ' I know that such and such a version is not true because I know what is true,' and, at the same time, refuse to gratify idle curiosity — Maria Croome's, for example. Could Lucy Latimer have seen what was in the other's mind — could she have known the rumour that had got about with respect to her father !

The widow was beginning to think, and, in her thorough good-nature, was glad to think, that what she had heard must be false. Surely his tender-hearted daughter would show some signs of distress if the story were true. ' It was nothing very serious,' hesitatingly began Lucy. ' My father thought that Barbara had been a little extravagant — that was all. He does not like her having so many bills, and I fear she mistakes his motive about it. Barbara might be sure he cares for her really, by his consenting to her going to Brighton against his wish. Of course, she has a right to the money ; only, five hundred a year is so much to have for one's own spending at seventeen. My father is so desirous of her learning the value of money before she comes in to the whole of her fortune.' ' You must not expect Emma Topham to think that what is spent upon her is spent foolishly, my dear.

The best antidote to her would be Mr. Hasler. If I were Barbara's guardian I would give every encourage ment to the young man and get rid of the respon sibility that way. If Frank Hasler is ready to take Miss Barbara and her ways, why not let him ? ' Add ing, with a good-humoured laugh, ' He would be as ready as she could desire to help her to spend her money.' A deep flush rose to Lucy Latimer's sweet face, and she bent over a stand of flowers, endeavouring to appear occupied in pulling off a faded leaf or two, as she gathered courage to reply, ' I do not think Mr. Hasler is more extravagant than other young men, Mrs. Hobson.' ' You could not think any friend of yours less than perfect, my dear. I do believe you would think your worst enemy faultless, if it were possible for you to have an enemy.' ' How do you do, Mrs. Hobson ? ' coldly inquired a tall, slender, refined-looking woman of about forty eight years of age, who had just entered the room, placing her limp, white jewelled fingers for a moment in the widow's cotton-gloved hand.

Gloves were not an extravagant item — nor, indeed, was any other portion of her ordinary attire — in Mrs. Hobson's expenses. To have cool things in summer, warm ones in winter, and get them a bargain, was, she considered, all that was necessary for everyday country wear. On occasions, when she made her appearance at a fete or dinner-party, it was found that Mrs. Hobson knew what was befitting the occasion. Moreover, it was generally allowed that, at such times, her deport ment was what might be expected of a descendant of the Moretounes. 'Lucy,' went on Mrs. Latimer, 'a dressmaker, or some one, is waiting for you, I think.' It was not her habit to speak definitely on such matters. Her daughter quitted the room, and she languidly made her way to a seat, sufficiently distant from her visitor, and sank into it with an air of exhaustion. 'But where's the use of being lackadaisical with me ?' was Mrs. Hobson's mental comment.

Where was the use, indeed ? Just when she might have been expected to be impressed by the silence, the widow began with a cheerful remark about the new patent fastening for French windows, which Mrs. Latimer really ought to have. ' But I advise you not to send to Blake's for them, or you will have to pay enormously. Tell Letsom, the ironmonger, to get them sent down in his next parcel to save carriage, you know ; and get one of the men about the place to put them on. Giles does all sorts of things in the carpentering way for me. Going to work like that, it would cost barely a pound for the five windows.' ' We prefer our servants keeping to the work they are engaged to do, Mrs. Hobson. If different fasten ings are required, orders will be given to the people accustomed to attend to such things.' ' Well, it saves trouble of course, if you do not object to pay their price,' with imperturbable good-humour. ' For myself, I do not mind trouble.' Mrs. Latimer slightly raised her eyebrows at the people who did not mind trouble, then languidly thanked Mrs. Hobson for coming all the way to Elmwoods, that hot morning, to recommend ' door handles.' Mrs. Hobson explained that she had been talking about the new patent fasteners for the French windows, which Mrs. Latimer really ought to have, or she would be quite behind the times, but cheerfully disclaimed any right to be thanked on that score. ' I came to inquire whether it was true that Miss Barbara went off with Miss Topham to Brighton this morning, and your daughter has kindly explained.' ' She was very indiscreet,' icily. ' Not very wise to go off in a huff, certainly.

But I can't help liking Barbara Fane in spite of her ways. She is true and straightforward, and — well, some times I think we do not make quite sufficient allow ance ; she is but seventeen, you know, and, really ' ' I was not alluding to Miss Fane,' interrupted Mrs. Latimer, who had in truth meant to signify her displeasure at her daughter's want of tact in taking Mrs. Hobson into her confidence. She languidly rose, touched the bell, and bade the servant, who answered the summons, ' See that the close carriage is brought round at twelve, James.' As the long hand of the clock, just before her eyes, was pointing at ten minutes to the hour, even Mrs. Hobson could take the hint. But as she herself would have bidden a guest begone quite as decidedly, if more good-naturedly, she was in no way offended by her summary dismissal.

Shaking Mrs. Latimer's half-extended hand, she pleasantly said she would detain her no longer, and nodded and smiled herself out of the room. ' Insufferable ! ' was Mrs. Latimer's ejaculation, as the door closed on the widow. ' Poor John Latimer ! Should he really have any bad news to tell, he won't find much consolation at home, I fear,' thought Mrs. Hobson. ' How in the world would he be able to break it to her ! ' On her way out she paused for a moment to examine the hall table, which she was quick to observe was a fresh one, and asked the man where his master had picked it up. James, who considered it almost a personal affront to be supposed to serve a master who ' picked up ' things, grandiloquently replied that it had been made to order. ' Not for Mr. Latimer — that could hardly be. It must be nearly a century old, good man.