'Here's a policeman come over, Lily. They have got the fellow!'
'Flinders?'
'Yes; arrested him on board a steamer at Bristol.'
'Oh, I wish they had let it alone!'
'So do I. They are bringing him back. The Darminster City bench sits
to-day, and they want that unlucky child over there to make her
deposition for his committal.'
'Can't they commit him without her?'
'Not for the forgery. The bank people are bent on prosecuting for
that, and we can't stop them. I suppose she can be depended on?'
'Reginald, don't! I told you the deceit was an unnatural growth from
Constance's pseudo sentiment.'
'Well, get her ready to come with me,' said the colonel, with a gesture
of doubt; 'we must catch the 12.50. The superintendent brought a fly.'
'You will frighten her out of her senses. I can't let her go alone
with you in this mood.'
'As you please, if you choose to knock yourself up. I'll tell the
superintendent, and walk on to the station. You've not a moment to
lose, so don't let her stand dawdling and crying.'
It was a hard task for Lady Merrifield. She called Dolores, whom Mysie
was inviting to be one of the village maidens, and bade her put on her
things quickly. She ordered cold meat and wine into the dining-room,
called Gillian into her room, and explained while dressing, and bade
her keep the others away. Then, meeting Dolores on the stairs took her
into the dining-room and made her swallow some cold beef, and drink
some sherry, before telling her that the magistrates at Darminster
wanted to ask her some questions.
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