Of course he was interested--excited, if you will. Folklore,
legend, tradition; these had been his lifelong hobbies. Apart from
anything else, here at least was a kindred spirit. Seemed to know a
thing or two. Where had she learned it? Might not there be sources
unknown to the Professor?
But to take her in! To establish her in the only spare bedroom. To
introduce her--as what? to English village society. To the new
people at the Manor House. To the member of Parliament with his
innocent young wife who had taken the vicarage for the summer. To
Dawson, R.A., and the Calthorpes!
He might, had he thought it worth his while, have found some
respectable French family and boarded her out. There was a man he
had known for years at Oxford, a cabinetmaker; the wife a most
worthy woman. He could have gone over there from time to time, his
notebook in his pocket, and have interviewed her.
Left to himself, he might have behaved as a sane and rational
citizen; or he might not. There are records favouring the latter
possibility. The thing is not certain. But as regards this
particular incident in his career he must be held exonerated. The
decision was taken out of his hands.
To Malvina, on first landing in England, Commander Raffleton had
stated his intention of leaving her temporarily in the care of the
wise and learned Christopher.
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