Having thus quieted the overwrought vicar, Clarice took leave of poor Prudence¹. However, she left the girl in a much more cheerful frame of mind, as she asserted her belief in Mr. Clarke's innocence², in spite of all appearance to the contrary, and promised every assistance. But when Miss Baird returned home, and thought over what she had learned, it appeared difficult to keep her word.  
Certainly, she did not think that the parson was guilty, even though the evidence of the blood-spotted cuffs³ was almost proof positive. In some way this might be explained, although at the moment, Clarice could not suggest to herself any possible explanation. But she believed that Clarke had given true evidence at the inquest, and that Horran had quite intended to put matters right. For years her late guardian⁴ had known the vicar, and had always respected him, although he had never approved of Clarke's devotion to his miserable⁵ son. It was quite probable that Horran had instructed Barras to give the vicar a loan of one thousand pounds, but it was improbable that he had insisted upon ten per cent., or indeed--knowing Clarke's circumstances--upon any percentage whatsoever⁶. Owing to Horran's illness, he had given Barras a power of attorney to execute small matters connected with the estate, and thus save himself trouble, so it was probable that Barras, for the benefit of the estate, had charged the large percentage. This could easily be ascertained⁷ by a conversation with the lawyer, and Clarice determined⁸ to pay a visit to London and see him, as soon as she could.
 
With regard to the story told by Sarah Dumps, the girl was doubtful. It might or it might not be true. Assuredly, Zara Dumps, anxious to marry Ferdy, had every reason to get Mr. Clarke into trouble, so as to prevent the marriage of Prudence. Then, again, she really might have seen Clarke leave the death chamber⁹, and thus have made use of her secret knowledge to gain her ends. If this was the case, Clarice asked herself what Clarke was doing in her guardian's room at such an early hour of the morning. According to the medical evidence, Horran was murdered between one and two, and it was at the latter hour--according to Zara Dumps--that Clarke had left the Laurels¹⁰. This question could be settled by asking the vicar bluntly to explain. But, seeing that the poor man was so overwrought, it was impossible to question him for the moment. The examination would have to come sooner or later, if things were to be put right; but Miss Baird thought that it would be as well to wait for a few days.
 
The irony¹¹ of the situation lay in the fact that Zara need not have accused the vicar, so as to gain the refusal of Prudence, and procure¹² the stoppage of the marriage. Mr. Clarke himself refused to allow the ceremony to take place, and for some reason connected with the prodigal¹³ son. What that reason was, Clarice very much wanted to know, and determined to insist upon an explanation, when she questioned the vicar about his presumed midnight visit. Clarice was naturally of an impatient character, and would have been delighted to then and there have interviewed Clarke so as to learn the truth. But the man was not in a fit state of mind to calmly discuss his troubles, and Clarice trusted that a few days would reduce his excitement to normal limits. Then she could have a quiet conversation, and induce him to be frank with her. Meanwhile, she reflected upon what was best to be done.
 
After some cogitation¹⁴, she determined to go the next day to see Mr. Barras, and learn exactly how the matter stood, as regards the loan; afterwards she could return and see Mr. Clarke; and, meanwhile, she intended to explain matters to Anthony, so as to have the benefit of his common sense. Having thus arranged things, Clarice possessed¹⁵ her soul in patience for the day. But all her schemes were upset when Ferdy unexpectedly arrived about seven o'clock, and just in time for dinner. He looked nervous, and shirked all explanation of his appearance until dinner was over, and he was seated with his puzzled sister in the drawing-room.
 
"Now, then, Ferdy," said Clarice, when coffee was served, and her brother had lighted his inevitable¹⁶ cigarette, "perhaps you will tell me why you have come down?"
 
"Aren't you glad to see me?" questioned Ferdy, evasively.
 
"Delighted; but that does not answer my question. Why did you come?"
 
"To see you, Clarry."
 
"Of course, and your other reason?"
 
Ferdy hesitated, and sought inspiration from the ceiling. Then, in his usual crafty¹⁷ way, he began to explain by degrees. "I suppose you know that everything is ended between myself and Prudence," he said.
 
Clarice looked hard at him, and wondered if it would be wise for her to admit that she had seen Prudence, and knew the reason why the engagement had been broken off. A moment's reflection convinced her that, in dealing¹⁸ with so shifty a young man as he was, it would be better to deny all knowledge. Ferdy was playing some game, she was certain, and what the game might be, she wanted very much to learn. If she gave him rope enough he would assuredly hang himself, so this she proceeded to do, by pretending ignorance. "You hinted when we last met that there was some misunderstanding between you."
 
"There is no misunderstanding on my part," cried Ferdy, falling at once into the trap. "I love Prudence, and I am willing to marry her. But she refuses to marry me, and has broken off the engagement."
 
"Indeed. And what reason does she assign for this sudden change?"
 
"Her father will not accept me as his son-in-law."
 
"On what grounds?"
 
Ferdy shrugged¹⁹ his shoulders. "Mr. Clarke, according to Prudence, does not approve of the match."
 
"Have you been doing anything to make him disapprove²⁰?" asked Clarice, quickly and pointedly²¹.
 
"No!" replied Ferdy, indignantly, "I don't know why you are always suspecting me of doing wrong, Clarry. I'm straight--that is, I am as straight as most fellows."
 
"That is not saying much," rejoined Clarice, sarcastically²².
 
"Well, then, I am as straight as Ackworth."
 
"That you are not, Ferdy. Anthony always speaks the truth."
 
"So do I. You have no right to say otherwise."
 
"Ferdy, all your life you have told half-truths, and those are much worse than right-down lies."
 
"Oh, hang it, that's too bad. I tell you what it is, Clarry. If you have such a bad opinion of me, I am not fit for your society. Give me my income, and let me go out of your life."
 
"I'll do nothing of the sort," said Clarice, sternly. "You are not fit to look after your own life. If I gave you the two thousand a year--and remember I cannot do that until the two years are past--you would simply go headlong to ruin. No, Ferdy, you must marry Prudence, and she will look after you."
 
"How impossible you are, Clarry," cried Ferdy, greatly exasperated²³. "I tell you that I should like to marry Prudence, but she won't allow me to. Both herself and her father are against my becoming her husband. You can ask them, if you doubt me."
 
"Oh, I believe what you say," remarked Clarice, readily.
 
"Then what am I to do?"
 
"Leave it to time to right things. I dare say Mr. Clarke will change his mind again."
 
"He may not for years, even if he changes it at all," grumbled²⁴ Ferdy, "and I can't wait on his pleasure for ever."
 
"If you love Prudence you can."
 
"I don't know. I do love her, but she doesn't love me," said the young man, sulkily, "and if I can't get love in one quarter, I must in another. Do you see?"
 
"Oh, yes," said Clarice, cruelly. "I see that you love only one person, and that is yourself. What's the other woman's name?"
 
Ferdy started, and grew red. "The--the--the--other woman?"
 
"Yes. You talk about getting love in another quarter. In the Dumps quarter, I dare say."
 
"She's a lovely girl, and as good as they make them," said Ferdy, in a furious way; "don't you say a word against her, Clarry, for I won't stand it. You must respect her----"
 
"As my future sister-in-law?"
 
"Yes," said Ferdy, getting up to add dignity to his declaration. "Oh," remarked Miss Baird, coolly; "so you have proposed?"
 
"I have proposed, because Prudence chucked me, and Zara has accepted my hand."
 
"How delightfully²⁵ you have arranged it all, Ferdy. Does Miss Dumps know about your income?"
 
"She knows everything, and she is willing to wait for two years until I come in for my money."
 
"How considerate of her. She must love you very much, Ferdy, to be willing to accept you with a paltry²⁶ two thousand a year."
 
"She does love me," said Ferdy, with sulky d............