She was pale, chilly, and
ungracious, as usual, and the understanding which had been arrived at
between Carrington and herself did not move her to the manifestation of
the smallest additional cordiality in her reception of him.
"I have to thank you for your prompt compliance with my request, Miss
Brewer," said Victor.
She made no sound nor sign of encouragement, and he continued. "Since I
saw you, another complication has arisen in this matter, which makes
our game doubly safe and secure. In order to explain this complication
thoroughly, I must ask you to let me put you through a kind of
catechism. Have I your permission, Miss Brewer?"
"You may ask me any questions you please," returned Miss Brewer, in a
hard, cold, even voice; "and I will answer them as truthfully as I
can."
"Do you know anything of Douglas Dale's family connections and
antecedents?"
"I know that his mother was Sir Oswald Eversleigh's sister, and that he
and Lionel Dale, who was drowned on St. Stephen's day, were left large
incomes by their uncle, in addition to some inconsiderable family
property which they inherited from their father, Mr. Melville Dale, who
was a lawyer, and, I believe, a not very successful one."
"Did you ever hear anything of the family history of this Mr. Melville
Dale, the father of Lionel and Douglas?"
"I never heard more than his name, and the circumstance I have already
mentioned.
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