He says he has been living on Moy's hush-
money all this time, for not bringing to light some embezzlement of
your mother's money, and letting the blame light on that poor cousin
of yours, Douglas."
Herbert was amazed at the lighting up of his Rector's worn, anxious
face.
"Douglas! Thank Heaven! Herbert, we must get a magistrate at once
to take the deposition!"
"What! Do you want to prosecute Moy?"
"No, but to clear Archie."
"I thought he was drowned?"
"No; that was all a mistake. Miles saw him at Natal. Herbert, this
will be life and joy to your sister. What!--you did not know about
Jenny and Archie?"
"Not I--Jenny!--poor old Joan! So that's what has stood in her way,
and made her the jolliest of old sisters, is it? Poor old Joanie!
What! was she engaged to him?"
"Yes, much against your father's liking, though he had consented. I
remember he forbade it to be spoken of,--and you were at school."
"And Joan was away nursing old Aunt Joan for two years. So Archie
went off with this charge on him, and was thought to be lost! Whew!
How did she stand it? I say, does she know he is alive?"
"No, he forbade Miles to speak.
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