Holbrook had brought his bride; but such a coincidence
seemed, at the least, highly improbable. There was no occasion for him to
remain in doubt very long, however. At the Grange he must needs be able
to obtain more definite information.
CHAPTER XVI.
FACE TO FACE.
Gilbert Fenton left the homely little post-office and turned into the
lane leading to Golder's-green--a way which may have been pleasant enough
in summer, but had no especial charm at this time. The level expanse of
bare ploughed fields on each side of the narrow road had a dreary look;
the hedges were low and thin; a tall elm, with all its lower limbs
mercilessly shorn, uplifted its topmost branches to the dull gray sky,
here and there, like some transformed prophetess raising her gaunt arms
in appeal or malediction; an occasional five-barred gate marked the
entrance to some by-road to the farm; on one side of the way a deep
black-looking ditch lay under the scanty shelter of the low hedge, and
hinted at possible water rats to the traveller from cities who might
happen to entertain a fastidious aversion to such small deer.
The mile seemed a very long one to Gilbert Fenton. Since his knowledge of
Sir David Forster's ownership of the house to which he was going, his
impatience was redoubled. He had a feverish eagerness to come at the
bottom of this mystery.
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