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The Two Lawyers: A Novel

Chapter V

page 40

Chapter V.

The residence of John Hobart is not in the least aristocratic; in fact Timaru at the time of which I am writing did not possess many aristocratic residences, for it was then in its infancy. However, he had a room which answered the purpose of dining-room, drawing-room, sitting-room—indeed the room in question was used for all, or nearly all, purposes. Dinner has just been removed, and John Hobart and Clara await the arrival of their expected guest. They have not long to wait, for he is too impatient to look once more upon Clara's face and form, with which he has become infatuated, not to be punctual.

"John," said Clara, "will my poor father ever be allowed to leave Tasmania, think you?"

"I fear not," said Hobart. "You know he was first of all sentenced for life, and of course the new charge against him, which, although they could not proceed with because they never got my evidence, they yet hold it as a black mark against him."

"But, John, I assure you he was not guilty the first time; for the very last night you were at our hut he told me all the particulars."

"I know not, Clara, if he were guilty or not of the first offence with which he was charged. I do know, however, that the one he committed the day we left, I could prove against him; but you saved him by your compliance with my request."

"Oh, that he could know, poor old man, why I left as I did, then I should feel somewhat comforted; but for him never to know—oh, it is bitter indeed!"

"But, girl, why do you for ever harp on this one subject? Am I not kind to you? are you not respected as my sister? and page 41have you not saved your father from the gallows? What more do you wish? You say you felt deeply indebted to your father, now you have repaid him; in fact made him your debtor."

"I made him my debtor? No, I have not—not even were I to part with life for him; for, say what you will, John Hobart, I shall never believe you about my father's last act of crime, were you to prove it against him."

"As you will, I care not. Do you but complete my arrangement with Frank Perryman, and then you may, if you choose, return to your much-injured parent."

"But, John, what have I not to do that is fiendish to accomplish what you desire? I have to lure this young man by my falseness, to induce him to give me his love under the pretence that I care for him, when I must in return but trample his affections under foot."

"You need do nothing of the kind. If you think so much of this boy greenhorn, why, after I have accomplished my purpose, you can marry him by all means."

"What, ruin him first then marry him so that he may have the object of his hate, as I must be when the knowledge comes, to curse and loathe. Why am I to be thus your tool for ever? What wrong have I ever done you, John, that you should not show me some consideration?"

"If you do not like to do as I ask you, don't. We will allow the matter to drop then, and to-morrow's post shall take my evidence, which will convict your father; and then, when you have relieved yourself of the trouble of watching over him, you can undertake to nurse Frank Perryman, as I see you are evidently desirous of doing."

"John, oh, John, talk not of evidence. I will do all I can, but spare me if possible, for the thing is detestable."

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"Very well, that's settled; but now leave me for a few minutes, as I see Perryman near the house. You can let us have ten minutes together before you return."

Clara now left the room, and John Hobart rose and opened the door to meet and welcome his guest.

"I am glad you have arrived, Perryman, for I began to think you regretted your promise, and would not come; and, do you know, I have become accustomed to look upon your visits as my only pleasure. Pray, be seated; Clara will join us shortly, and in the meantime I shall have a cigar. Will you join me, Frank?"

"With pleasure, if the smoke will not annoy your sister when she returns."

"Not in the least; she is so used to it that she rather likes it than otherwise."

They now both smoke on in silence for some time, each of them busy with their thoughts; the one plotting and designing, the other thinking of how he can do what is right, and trying at all times to benefit his fellow-man. Each of these men take different walks in life; the one loves to commit everlasting sin, the other ever trying to do good.

"Mr Hobart," says Frank, "why not obtain a more suitable house than this one? for I am sure Miss Hobart must be very uncomfortable here."

"Frank, as I said before, I shall live only up to my means, which at present do not admit of my increasing my expenditure. When I am in a position to do so, I shall."

Clara now entered the room, and, after asking after Frank's health, took a seat beside him.

"You must come and see my sister Maud, Miss Hobart. I am sure you will get on famously together."

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"I shall be most happy to do so, Mr Perryman, whenever your sister returns."

"She has returned this evening from Dunedin, so if you will allow me I shall say you will call to-morrow."

"Very good, then, I will do so with pleasure."

"And," said Frank, "you may as well come early; and Hobart, you and I can join the party at dinner. What say you?"

"I shall be only too happy, Frank."

At this juncture a knock was heard at the front door, which Hobart answered, and on his return to the room said that business would call him away for some little time, but he would be back as soon as possible.

Frank and Clara were now left alone. For some seconds neither of them spoke, both seemed to be busy with their own thoughts. Clara, no doubt, in her heart, was thinking if it would not be better to make Frank cognisant with her case, and ask his assistance. Well would it have been for him and her had she done so. And Frank, what is he thinking of as he sits, never taking his eyes off the face he has now learned to love? He is thinking and wondering how she will hear what he has decided to say; whether she will reject him, or if she will take the proposal kindly, and merely take time to consider. However, he has evidently made up his mind, for he takes one more fond look, and then taking her hand, which lies listlessly in her lap, he says:—

"Miss Hobart, if what I am going to say appears too premature on my part, or otherwise does not accord with your views, be not angry with me, but believe me that all I may say or offer is said or offered to you in hopes of it being for our mutual good. I have, Miss Hobart, learned to love you, and I trust you will allow me to try by my future acts to show that I am worthy of your love; in fact, to allow me to try and induce you to re-page 44ciprocate my feelings. I know, Miss Hobart, I am not one of the brightest of men, and you may have met many in your travels who are more clever, or who appear to be so; but, believe me, if you will allow me, I will show in the time to come that I am, at least by my honesty of purpose, worthy of your affection. Be in no hurry, dear Miss Hobart, in giving me your reply, for although I am most anxious for your answer, I will patiently wait—only give me permission to see you sometimes, and I will try to be satisfied."

"Mr Perryman," says Clara, with her eyes cast down and a very confused look upon her face, "believe me, I am not, I assure you, worthy of the very generous offer you have made me. But in any case, as you have kindly allowed me time, I will, as soon as possible, consider your offer and give you my answer."

"Thanks, Miss Hobart, many thanks; and you will call and see my sister Maud to-morrow."

"Yes, Mr Perryman, I shall; but I trust you have carefully considered all things before you made me this generous offer."

"Considered! Dear Clara—pardon me for the familiarity—yes, I have considered, and know that I love you, and that is all I want to know. And now, as your brother is away, perhaps I had better leave the matter where it is, and as he will shortly return, I will retire, in order that you may mention the subject to him. When I see him to-morrow I will speak to him, and learn if he has any objection."

Frank then rose, and after wishing Clara good night, with many very warm pressures of the hand, and a look on his face that plainly said how much he would like to fold her in his arms, took his departure.

He had scarcely got clear of the front gate when John Hobart, from the room next the one he had just left, came into Clara s.

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"Well done, Clara, my girl, you said just enough, and not a word too much; but I almost regret that you have promised to visit his sister, as he may get you to make promises too soon. We must be careful, however, and then all will be well."

"John, I do wish you would do this work without my interference. How I do hate to act the deceitful part you have given me to play."

"I care not what you like or dislike. It must be done, and you must do your share. Our arrangements now are mutual, and we must both either sink or swim."

"Would to God I would sink at once into oblivion, and so end my miserable career."

"And how about the career of Matthew Grant. What do you propose to do with that—sink that also?"

Clara at this drew herself up to her full height, her eyes flashing, and her breast heaving, and said fiercely: "John Hobart, dare you threaten to injure one hair of the head of him, so surely will that hour be your last or mine. You continually hold that as a threat over me, and on every occasion that we refer to our arrangements you, like the coward you are, you try intimidation. Now, once for all, I give you promise for promise, I will aid you to do your accursed work, in consideration of your promise to protect and befriend him. Let this suffice, without you referring to it again; but in no case will I ever see or know you to injure him without having full and ample revenge. So help me, God!" With this she sailed majestically from the room, and John Hobart was too much surprised, in fact frightened, to attempt to stop her.

"So ho, my lady, you will! Ah, by Jove, but you must be held in hand a little better; and yet I think it will be almost better to coax you, but we shall see. I shall certainly do what I think the best. I am now twenty-nine years of age, and ever since I have been a man I have made signal failures, for the want of page 46policy and a little soft soap. But, never again, oh! no, not if I quite know what I am doing. I shall ever in future hold a candle to the devil, for I see others succeed through following this course, and why should not I?"