Between you and
me they have their hidden reasons, but upon that point I have pledged
myself to secrecy. She appointed to see you here to-night, I know, but
found it inconvenient, and couldn't wait. Here is the key of the door.
I am afraid you'll find it inconveniently large; but as the tenement is
yours, your good-nature will excuse that, Haredale, I am certain!'
Chapter 27
Mr Haredale stood in the widow's parlour with the door-key in his hand,
gazing by turns at Mr Chester and at Gabriel Varden, and occasionally
glancing downward at the key as in the hope that of its own accord
it would unlock the mystery; until Mr Chester, putting on his hat and
gloves, and sweetly inquiring whether they were walking in the same
direction, recalled him to himself.
'No,' he said. 'Our roads diverge--widely, as you know. For the present,
I shall remain here.'
'You will be hipped, Haredale; you will be miserable, melancholy,
utterly wretched,' returned the other. 'It's a place of the very last
description for a man of your temper. I know it will make you very
miserable.'
'Let it,' said Mr Haredale, sitting down; 'and thrive upon the thought.
Good night!'
Feigning to be wholly unconscious of the abrupt wave of the hand which
rendered this farewell tantamount to a dismissal, Mr Chester retorted
with a bland and heartfelt benediction, and inquired of Gabriel in what
direction HE was going.
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