FullReads

“I trust that I shall not be compelled to. Egad, it is a very ludicrous business when the bridegroom is forced to hold a sword to the parson’s bosom all during the ceremony; but a ceremony we must have, Simon, for Lady Allonby’s jointure is considerable. Otherwise–Harkee, my man, don’t play the fool! there are my fellows yonder, any one of whom would twist your neck at a word from me. And do you think I would boggle at a word? Gad, Simon, I believed you knew me better!”

The Vicar of Heriz Magna kept silence for an instant; his eyes were twitching about the hall, in that stealthy way of his. Finally, “It is no use,” said he. “A poor knave cannot afford the luxury of honesty. My life is not a valuable one, perhaps, but even vermin have an aversion to death. I resume my lackeyship, Lord Rokesle. Perhaps ’twas only the gin. Perhaps–In any event, I am once more at your service. And as guaranty of this I warn you that you are exhibiting in the affair scant forethought. Mr. Heleigh is but three miles distant. If he, by any chance, get wind of this business, Denstroude will find a boat for him readily enough–ay, and men, too, now that the Colonel is at feud with you. Many of your people visit the mainland every night, and in their cups the inhabitants of Usk are not taciturn. An idle word spoken over an inn-table may bring an armed company thundering about your gates. You should have set sentinels, my Lord.”

“I have already done so,” Rokesle said; “there are ten of ’em yonder. Still there is something in what you say. We will make this affair certain.”

Lord Rokesle crossed the hall to the foot of the stairway and struck thrice upon the gong hanging there. Presently the door leading to the corridor was opened, and a man came into the hall.

“Punshon,” said Lord Rokesle, “have any boats left the island to-night?”

“No, my Lord.”

“You will see that none do. Also, no man is to leave Stornoway to-night, either for Heriz Magna or the mainland; and nobody is to enter Stornoway. Do you understand, Punshon?”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“If you will pardon me,” said Simon Orts, with a grin, “I have an appointment to-night. You’d not have me break faith with a lady?”

“You are a lecherous rascal, Simon. But do as you are bid and I indulge you. I am not afraid of your going to Harry Heleigh–after performing the ceremony. Nay, my lad, for you are thereby particeps criminis. You will pass Mr. Orts, Punshon, to the embraces of his whore. Nobody else.”

Simon Orts waved his hand toward Lady Allonby. “‘Twere only kindness to warn Mr. Punshon there may be some disturbance shortly. A lamentation or so.”

At this Lord Rokesle clapped him upon the shoulder and heartily laughed. “That’s the old Simon–always on the alert. Punshon, no one is to enter this wing of the castle, on any pretext–no one, you understand. Whatever noises you may hear, you will pay no attention. Now go.”

He went toward Lady Allonby and took her hand. “Come, Anastasia!” said he. “Hold, she has really swooned! Why, what the devil, Simon–!”

Simon Orts had flung the gong into the fire. “She will be sounding that when she comes to,” said Simon Orts. “You don’t want a rumpus fit to vex the dead yonder in the Chapel.” Simon Orts stood before the fire, turning the leaves of his prayer-book. He seemed to have difficulty in finding again the marriage service. You heard the outer door of the corridor closing, heard chains dragged ponderously, the heavy falling of a bolt. Orts dropped the book and, springing into the arm-chair, wrested Aluric Floyer’s sword from its fastening. “Tricked, tricked!” said Simon Orts. “You were always a fool, Vincent Floyer.”

Lord Rokesle blinked at him, as if dazzled by unexpected light. “What d’ye mean?”