June 9, 2025 • 20 mins
Set against the backdrop of a tranquil seaside village, this English mystery unfolds through the life of an old family and their domineering matriarch. Striving to shape her adopted son according to her will, she finds herself entangled with the local vicar and his enchanting daughter. A stranger seeking acceptance among the villagers adds another layer of intrigue. The narrative weaves a tale of unseen connections and hidden secrets, all coming together to form an engrossing drama.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter eighteen of The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hugh. This
liberalvox recording is in the public domain, red by your
Gunan The Pagan's Cup, Chapter eighteen a Miracle. That same afternoon,
Raston notified the Vicar that he was going for a
(00:21):
few days to London, on the understanding that the young
man would be back for morning service and Sunday. The
Vicar readily consented that he should go. Rast him forthwith
pactus bag and driving to Port Prynce stayed there the night.
But for Sibils's message, he would have waited until the
next day and have gone directly to London without pausing
on the way. However, he wished to have a talk
(00:43):
with Leo, both on account of Sybil's message and because
he wanted to consult with the young man about the
letter which worried him. This entailed a long conversation, so
Raston put up at the hotel at which Leo was
staying and sent a message that he wanted to see
mister Haley. Leo made his appearance looking haggard and worried,
and very much unlike his usual self. He seemed nervous
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on seeing Braston and hurriedly approached him, as though he
expected to hear bad news. The evens of the last
few weeks had shaken Leo's nerves, and he was prepared
for any calamity, even to hear the Pratt had been arrested,
something of the sort he expected to hear. Now, Hullo, Raston,
he cried, with an affectation of brightness. What brings he here?
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I am on my way to London, said Braston, shaking
hands in a friendly fashion. And I am staying here
for the night as I want to have a long
talk with you. Very glad, replied Leo mechanically. Then, after
a pause, he raised his head. There is no bad news,
I trust, he asked anxiously. By no means my news
is good, then it cannot concern me, said Leo bitterly.
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No good news ever comes my way. Now what is it?
I'll tell you after dinner. No tell me now, I
can't wait. I am so anxious and worried that my
mind cannot bear suspense. You brew too much on things,
said Raston. However, the matter is very simple. Miss Tempest
wants you to written at mister Kolister, what for has
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your father discovered anything bare about me, Rastor laughed. No,
you are getting morbid on the subject the result I
suppose of your late experience of man's injustice. If you
will sit down, I will tell you what she asked
me to say. It's a long story, an agreeable one,
I hope, muttered Leo, dropping dejectedly into a chair. I
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really cannot bear much more worry without going to check
myself into the water. Have a lay, said the curate severely.
That is an ungrateful way to speak after the mercy
God has shown you. Has he not brought you through
much tribulation and set your foot on a rock of safety.
Well there are two answers to that, Raston. However, I'll
try and behave myself while you tell me what Sabil said.
(02:58):
Raston sighed. Not knowing Leo's worry, he was beginning to
think him wrong to behave as he did. Still, this
was not the time to preach, and unlike most clergymen,
Raston knew where to stop. He sat down near Leo
and related the whole story of Lord Kilspindy and his loss.
Then he detailed Sybil's idea that Kilspindy might do something
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for the young man, and if your future has arranged,
you can then be married. I shall never be married, Raston,
said Leo gloomily if you knew. But I must keep
my own counsel. What takes you to London? He asked.
Suddenly you are such a home bird that there must
be some strong reason. The very strongest, replied the Curate,
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drawing a letter out of his pocket. But firss, you
must promise to hold your tongue about what I am
going to tell you. Leo nodded. I've too many unpleasant
secrets of my own not to keep those of others.
He said, well, what's up? Read this letter from Pratt.
Pratt heavily took the letter hurriedly. Why what is he
writing to you about? He cast his eyes over the letter.
(04:02):
It was to the effect that Pratt would be glad
to see Raston at a certain place in London to
speak with him about the cup which had been lost.
It asked the Curate to keep the contents of the
letter a secret or at all emans to tell only
Leo havily. Also, it warned Raston that if he behaved
treacherously and brought down the police on Pratt, that they
would be the devil to pay. These last words were
(04:25):
Underlyne and shock the curate. The time and place of
appointment were also under Lyne. And from the way in
which the meeting was arranged, Leo could see that his
father had contrived to see Raston without running the risk
of arrest. I wonder what he was to see you about,
said Leo, handing back the letter and speaking uneasily. He
fancied that Pratt might be going to reveal to Raston
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the secret of his own paternity. About the cup, said Raston,
returning the letter to his pocket. I suppose he is
about to give it back to us again, not that
it will ever be used again for so sacred a purpose.
I shall take it and return it to Lord Kilspindley.
That's only right, as a cup was stolen from him. Ah,
I forgot. You think that Pratt has a cup, said Leo.
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He has. Do you not remember the letter he wrote
to Martin saying he had stolen the cup and again
had it in his possession. I remember, but that was
one of Pratt's fairy tales. How do you know, asked Raston, astonished,
Has he written to you? No, I've seen him in
London in Collister, Raston pushed back his chair and stared
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at his friend. When did you see him in Kolister,
he asked, openmouthed a few days ago. Leo pawned for
a moment while Raston stare at him. He wondered if
it would not be as well to make a confidant
of the Curate and ask his advice. The secret was
rapidly becoming too much for him to bear alone. Raston
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was his friend, a good fellow, and a wise young man.
Certainly it would be well to confide in him. Leo
made up his mind. I have to tell you something
that will astonish you. I speak in confidence, Raston. Anything
you will tell me will be sacred, replied the Curate
with dignity. Leo nodded, quite satisfied with this assurance. Then
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he related all that had taken place in the castle
on that night, when he had discovered Missus Gabriel and
Pratt in company. Raston fairly gasped with surprise as his
recital proceeded, and when Leo confessed that Pratt claimed him
as a son, he sprang from his seat. I don't
believe a word of it, he cried, bringing his fist
down on the table. The man is a wild liar,
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whomsoever you may be, Leo, you are certainly not the
son of this wretch. Can a battery bear good fruit? No?
But he can give me proofs. He has not done
so yet. Let me speak to him, Leo. I may
be able to get more out of him than you.
I am your friend. You know that. So if you'll
place the matter in my hands, I promised of I
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know the truth somehow well, said Leo, with some hesitation.
I rather thought of coming with you to London. Pratt
expects me. He has not written to that effect, said Raston.
I tell you, Leo, the man is dangerous and unscrupulous.
The fact that he claims you as his son will
prevent your dealing freely with him. I can manage him
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better myself. You go back to Collister and missus tempest.
It is but right that you should do what she wishes,
as she has held by you in your time of trouble. Besides,
I quite approve of a wish to introduce you to
Lord Kilspindley. And if oh Raston stopped short, what's the matter? Raston?
Suppose you should be the long lost son of Lord Kilspindley. Ridiculous,
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said Leo, shaking his head and flushing. It is no
more ridiculous than that you should be the son of
her thief. I rather believe yourself to be so. Why
should you believe the bad and doubt the good? See you, Leo.
Raston is much excited. The cup was lost along with
the child. Pratt has the cup. Why should you not
be the child? The woman who was told both might
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have died and passed them on to Pratt for his
own purposes? He says, it is your father. I can't
believe it, Raston, said Leo, shaking his head. Well, disbelieve.
If you choose. If the thing is so, what you
think will not alter it. All I ask is that
you shall let me represent you at this interview. I
have to see Pratt on my own account. Let me
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see him on yours. Very good, Raston, you can do
what you like. I am greatly obliged to you for
the trouble you are taking. Indeed, it's only right, Leo
protested the curate. I begin to see that you have
been dronged. I may not be right in my surmise
about your being the son of Kilspindley. But I am
sure that I am correct in saying you are not
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the son of that scoundreor now go back to callister,
hold your tongue and wait till I come back on Saturday.
I'll do as you wish, said Leo sadly. But indeed
I've no hope I have, said the Curate emphatically, and
the conversation ended. The next day, Raston departed with the
steamer to London wire Worthing, and Leo returned to his
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old quarters at the Collister Arms. His meeting with the
Curate had done him good, and although he did not
adhere to Raston's theory about his noble paternity, yet he
felt more cheerful and hopeful. He was particular as to
his toilet, which in his despair he had rather neglected
of late, and went to the vicarage. Sybil was away
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with Pearl and the more the servant said. Leo would
have followed, but mister Tempest caught sight of him and
insisted that he should enter and be introduced to Lord Kilspendy.
Leo willingly obeyed, as he was anxious to see supposed father.
According to Raston, he could not help smiling when he
was presented, Kilspendy was taken by that smile. He saw
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before him a singularly splendid young man with a graceful,
slender figure and a handsome face, but best of all
was a kindly look in the eyes. Kilspendy shook hands
heartily with Leo and sighed as he thought that his
lost son might be just such another. Had he known
of what Raston and the young man before him had
talked about on the previous night, he might have been
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more particular in his inquiries, and might perchance have been
brought to think as Raston did. However, he knew nothing.
Leo said nothing, and the conversation resolved itself into the commonplace.
Tempest was kind to Leo, Kilspindy was friendly, and the
three caught on very well. Meanwhile, Sybil and Pearl were
walking across the wau. After a time they stopped at
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the tear faulter erected by the mad girl, and she
explained to her companion the reason she had made such
a place. The Master is angry with poor Pearl, now,
she said sadly, and he has taken the sacred cup
from her. She is not good enough to keep it.
But when the Master is pleased and will save Pearl
from the pit, she shuddered. He will place the cup
on this altar, and Pearl will bring it back to
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the chapel. Then she will be saved and happy. But Pearl,
you must not think of Gore in this way. He
is your father and he loves you. He did love Pearl,
but he made her ill, and missus Chield told Pearl
that she was wicked and in danger of the worm. Pearl, Pearl,
do not believe that missus Cheel is wrong. God loves you.
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Why then did he make Pearl ill if he loved her?
And why did he take away the holy grail which
Pearl washed over so carefully? He did not take it away,
said Sybil, hardly knowing what reply to make. Yes, he did, persisted,
The poor mad creature Pearl was not good enough to
keep it. But when she is good, the cup will
come down to earth again. Do you think it is
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in heaven now, Pearl? I am sure it is no
roof here to stop the cup from floating up to
the New Jerusalem. In the chapel, it would have stayed
because the bad roof kept it down, But Pierre. It
went up and up and up to the sky. Sybil
did not know what to make of this talk. She
soothes a girl as much as she could and tried
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to bring it back to that old, happy state of
mind which missus Cheele had destroyed with her gloomy, calvinistic creed.
But it was all of no use. Only the restoration
of the cup would make Pearl believe that she was
good again. However, Sybil induced her to talk of other things,
of birds and flowers, and the poor creature was in
a quite a state of mind when Sybil brought her
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back to the cottage. I go every morning to the altar,
said Pearl, as she went inside. The cup will come
back when the master is sorry for Pearl. At this moment,
missus Cheel pulled her into the house and scolded her
for being away, which she saw sible. She became more civil,
but still behaved in a cowardly, insolent manner. Sybil grew angry.
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You have behaved very wickedly in putting these ideas into Pearl,
said missus Cheel. She said severely. The poor creature is
not responsible. She does not understand. She understands more than
you give her credit for Miss retorted missus Jele coolly,
and she's not fit to be left alone. But when
I go away, I shall put her in an assailant. Indeed,
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you will do nothing of the sort, cried Miss Tempest indignantly.
The poor thing would die. Liberty is all in all
to her. When are you going away? I go with
Sir Frank Hale, Miss, I'm going to be the maid
of his sister. I heard Sir Frank was leaving Kollister,
said Sybil coldly. And I think it's best thing you
can do. When does he go, missus Jel in a week? Miss,
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I've got a good situation, Miss, and I don't want
to be burdened with pearl. She must go to an assailant. No, no,
I shall take charge of her myself, said Sybil. You
leave her to me, missus chill, and I'll look after
her well, I might, Miss I'll see. Then. After a pause,
missus Gee asked about that gentleman at your place, Miss
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Will he stay long? Only till the end of the week.
I suppose you mean Lord Kilspindley. Missus Jels's wicked eyes placed. Yes,
I mean him, she said, and gave an unpleasant laugh. Oh,
so he goes at the end of the week. Well,
miss before I take up my situation with Miss Hale,
I'll come and see you about Pearl. If you could
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take her, I should be glad. But you'll find her renuisance.
I don't think so, said Sybil coldly. When will you
call after the departure of Lord Kilspindy, said missus Jel
with another wicked look, and went into the house. Sybil departed,
wondering why the woman had asked about Lord Kilspindey, and
why she seemed afraid to meet him. Had she been
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clever enough, she might have guessed the truth. As it was,
the matter passed out of her mind. After this, there
were some very pleasant evenings at the vicarage. Leo felt
almost happy in spite of his troubles. He could not
as yet bring himself to tell Sybil that he could
never marry her. Besides, he was hoping against hope that
Raston would bring back some good news from London. Not
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indeed that he Leo Heavily was a lost son of
Lord Kilspindey. That such good fortune should be his never
entered Leo's head, but that Pratt was not his father.
Leo felt that he would rather be proved to be illegitimate,
as Missus Gabriel had told the Vicar he was than
have such a father as a criminal pratt. Yet at
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times he felt sorry for the man. It was certain
that he had in him some good qualities. But whenever
Leo thought of him as his father, he became enraged
against him. The thing was too horrible. Lord Kilspindy took
wonderfully to Leo, and this the Vicar was pleased to see.
Owing to Leo's want of an honest name, he could
not bring himself to consent to the marriage, so he
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hoped that the Scotch lord might take a fancy to
the young man and carry him off. Thus Sybil would
be safe and Leo would be provided for. Mister Tempest
had evidently forgotten his own news, or he would have
remembered that loving hearts are not so easily severed. Leo
and Sybil loved one another too well for aught to
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come between them. On Saturday night, Raston returned. It was
so late that Leo had not expected him, so they
did not meet until the next morning. Then it was
on the way to church. Well, Leo asked eagerly, and
what does my What does Pratt say? I'll tell you
after service, said Raston hastily. At present, I can't think
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of these things, but one word, Raston urged Leo, is
Pratt my father? No, replied the Curate emphatically, he is not,
And before Leo could ask another question, he ran off,
filled with joy at the intelligence, but much bevldered, Leo
went to church to offer up thanks. Kilspindy was also
in church, and with Sybil in the vicker's pew. Mister
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Tempest allowed Raston to preach as had been arranged, and
took a very minor part in the service. Indeed, he
did little but read the lessons. The church was filled
as everyone was anxious to see Lord Kilspendley. Missus Parthurst
was there wondering if his lordship could be induced to
marry Peggy. She quite forgot that she had promised her
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daughter's hand to the Curate and was already scheming to
get at the old nobleman. That he was old did
not matter to Missus Parthurst. She would have sold a
daughter to anyone provided the match was a good one,
and curious to say, she would have considered that she
had done her duty as a mother, her moral nature
was decidedly warped. The service was almost over, and the
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churchwardens were handing round the bags with a collection, but
a sweet voice was heard singing in the distance. Everyone
recognized the voice. It was pulsed, and the vicar, kneeling
at the communion table, looked rather disturbed. He knew the
eccentric ways of the girl, and he feared lest she
might come in and distract the attention of the congregation,
and his fears were fulfilled. Pearl, still singing, entered the church.
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The scandalized churchwardens would have kept her out, but that
she bore something which made them open their eyes. The
congregation also became aware of Pearl's burden, and a gasp
of astonishment, went round, still singing some wild, vague melody.
The mad girl walked slowly up the aisle bearing the
sacred cup. Lord Kilspindy did not see her until she
(18:21):
was almost at the chancel steps. He then gave a
cry of astonishment. In spite of the building and the occasion,
surely he might have been pardoned for the fairy cup
upon which depended the fortunes of the grants glittered before
his eyes. There was a dead silence. Everyone was too
astonished to speak or move. The Vicar himself was staring
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from the communion table at this miracle. But Rastoon, who
had come down to receive the collection, stood quietly waiting
till the girl reached him. She came up, singing, placed
a great gold cup in his hand, and fell on
her knees. The Master has forgiven pearl, she said, in
a voice which could be heard all over the church.
She is saved, and the cup will be here to
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watch over forever and ever. Amen. Amen, And she bowed
a face in her hands. Raston paused for a moment
in hesitation, and glanced at the Vicar, then at Lord Kilspindy.
Then he made up his mind, and, walking up to
the altar, placed the cup in its old possession, And
there it glicktered all golden gems, with the sunlight striking
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down on it, until it became almost too glorious to
look upon. Lord Kilspindy stared with tears in his eyes.
The cup would be his again, and he would soon
have his son. He never doubted that the restoration of
the one was a prelude to the discovery of the other.
Raston pronounced the benediction, and the argon broke forth into
jubilant music. Shortly the congregation streamed out. Everyone was much excited.
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The old nobleman came out with Sybil, and they waited
at the Porsche for the vical Leo also was with them.
Suddenly a woman broke through the crowd in the churchyard.
It was missus Cheel, and she was seeking pull in
her haste. She never noticed Lord Kilspindlee until she almost
ran into his arms. Suddenly he saw her face, started
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and made one straightforward to clutch her by the arm.
The cup and then the hare, he said loudly, while
all looked on amazed, chain it grant, where is my son,
Lord Morven The end of chapter eighteen
Chapter eighteen of The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hugh. This
liberalvox recording is in the public domain, red by your
Gunan The Pagan's Cup, Chapter eighteen a Miracle. That same afternoon,
Raston notified the Vicar that he was going for a
(00:21):
few days to London, on the understanding that the young
man would be back for morning service and Sunday. The
Vicar readily consented that he should go. Rast him forthwith
pactus bag and driving to Port Prynce stayed there the night.
But for Sibils's message, he would have waited until the
next day and have gone directly to London without pausing
on the way. However, he wished to have a talk
(00:43):
with Leo, both on account of Sybil's message and because
he wanted to consult with the young man about the
letter which worried him. This entailed a long conversation, so
Raston put up at the hotel at which Leo was
staying and sent a message that he wanted to see
mister Haley. Leo made his appearance looking haggard and worried,
and very much unlike his usual self. He seemed nervous
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on seeing Braston and hurriedly approached him, as though he
expected to hear bad news. The evens of the last
few weeks had shaken Leo's nerves, and he was prepared
for any calamity, even to hear the Pratt had been arrested,
something of the sort he expected to hear. Now, Hullo, Raston,
he cried, with an affectation of brightness. What brings he here?
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I am on my way to London, said Braston, shaking
hands in a friendly fashion. And I am staying here
for the night as I want to have a long
talk with you. Very glad, replied Leo mechanically. Then, after
a pause, he raised his head. There is no bad news,
I trust, he asked anxiously. By no means my news
is good, then it cannot concern me, said Leo bitterly.
(01:53):
No good news ever comes my way. Now what is it?
I'll tell you after dinner. No tell me now, I
can't wait. I am so anxious and worried that my
mind cannot bear suspense. You brew too much on things,
said Raston. However, the matter is very simple. Miss Tempest
wants you to written at mister Kolister, what for has
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your father discovered anything bare about me, Rastor laughed. No,
you are getting morbid on the subject the result I
suppose of your late experience of man's injustice. If you
will sit down, I will tell you what she asked
me to say. It's a long story, an agreeable one,
I hope, muttered Leo, dropping dejectedly into a chair. I
(02:36):
really cannot bear much more worry without going to check
myself into the water. Have a lay, said the curate severely.
That is an ungrateful way to speak after the mercy
God has shown you. Has he not brought you through
much tribulation and set your foot on a rock of safety.
Well there are two answers to that, Raston. However, I'll
try and behave myself while you tell me what Sabil said.
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Raston sighed. Not knowing Leo's worry, he was beginning to
think him wrong to behave as he did. Still, this
was not the time to preach, and unlike most clergymen,
Raston knew where to stop. He sat down near Leo
and related the whole story of Lord Kilspindy and his loss.
Then he detailed Sybil's idea that Kilspindy might do something
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for the young man, and if your future has arranged,
you can then be married. I shall never be married, Raston,
said Leo gloomily if you knew. But I must keep
my own counsel. What takes you to London? He asked.
Suddenly you are such a home bird that there must
be some strong reason. The very strongest, replied the Curate,
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drawing a letter out of his pocket. But firss, you
must promise to hold your tongue about what I am
going to tell you. Leo nodded. I've too many unpleasant
secrets of my own not to keep those of others.
He said, well, what's up? Read this letter from Pratt.
Pratt heavily took the letter hurriedly. Why what is he
writing to you about? He cast his eyes over the letter.
(04:02):
It was to the effect that Pratt would be glad
to see Raston at a certain place in London to
speak with him about the cup which had been lost.
It asked the Curate to keep the contents of the
letter a secret or at all emans to tell only
Leo havily. Also, it warned Raston that if he behaved
treacherously and brought down the police on Pratt, that they
would be the devil to pay. These last words were
(04:25):
Underlyne and shock the curate. The time and place of
appointment were also under Lyne. And from the way in
which the meeting was arranged, Leo could see that his
father had contrived to see Raston without running the risk
of arrest. I wonder what he was to see you about,
said Leo, handing back the letter and speaking uneasily. He
fancied that Pratt might be going to reveal to Raston
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the secret of his own paternity. About the cup, said Raston,
returning the letter to his pocket. I suppose he is
about to give it back to us again, not that
it will ever be used again for so sacred a purpose.
I shall take it and return it to Lord Kilspindley.
That's only right, as a cup was stolen from him. Ah,
I forgot. You think that Pratt has a cup, said Leo.
(05:10):
He has. Do you not remember the letter he wrote
to Martin saying he had stolen the cup and again
had it in his possession. I remember, but that was
one of Pratt's fairy tales. How do you know, asked Raston, astonished,
Has he written to you? No, I've seen him in
London in Collister, Raston pushed back his chair and stared
(05:35):
at his friend. When did you see him in Kolister,
he asked, openmouthed a few days ago. Leo pawned for
a moment while Raston stare at him. He wondered if
it would not be as well to make a confidant
of the Curate and ask his advice. The secret was
rapidly becoming too much for him to bear alone. Raston
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was his friend, a good fellow, and a wise young man.
Certainly it would be well to confide in him. Leo
made up his mind. I have to tell you something
that will astonish you. I speak in confidence, Raston. Anything
you will tell me will be sacred, replied the Curate
with dignity. Leo nodded, quite satisfied with this assurance. Then
(06:17):
he related all that had taken place in the castle
on that night, when he had discovered Missus Gabriel and
Pratt in company. Raston fairly gasped with surprise as his
recital proceeded, and when Leo confessed that Pratt claimed him
as a son, he sprang from his seat. I don't
believe a word of it, he cried, bringing his fist
down on the table. The man is a wild liar,
(06:39):
whomsoever you may be, Leo, you are certainly not the
son of this wretch. Can a battery bear good fruit? No?
But he can give me proofs. He has not done
so yet. Let me speak to him, Leo. I may
be able to get more out of him than you.
I am your friend. You know that. So if you'll
place the matter in my hands, I promised of I
(07:00):
know the truth somehow well, said Leo, with some hesitation.
I rather thought of coming with you to London. Pratt
expects me. He has not written to that effect, said Raston.
I tell you, Leo, the man is dangerous and unscrupulous.
The fact that he claims you as his son will
prevent your dealing freely with him. I can manage him
(07:20):
better myself. You go back to Collister and missus tempest.
It is but right that you should do what she wishes,
as she has held by you in your time of trouble. Besides,
I quite approve of a wish to introduce you to
Lord Kilspindley. And if oh Raston stopped short, what's the matter? Raston?
Suppose you should be the long lost son of Lord Kilspindley. Ridiculous,
(07:46):
said Leo, shaking his head and flushing. It is no
more ridiculous than that you should be the son of
her thief. I rather believe yourself to be so. Why
should you believe the bad and doubt the good? See you, Leo.
Raston is much excited. The cup was lost along with
the child. Pratt has the cup. Why should you not
be the child? The woman who was told both might
(08:07):
have died and passed them on to Pratt for his
own purposes? He says, it is your father. I can't
believe it, Raston, said Leo, shaking his head. Well, disbelieve.
If you choose. If the thing is so, what you
think will not alter it. All I ask is that
you shall let me represent you at this interview. I
have to see Pratt on my own account. Let me
(08:29):
see him on yours. Very good, Raston, you can do
what you like. I am greatly obliged to you for
the trouble you are taking. Indeed, it's only right, Leo
protested the curate. I begin to see that you have
been dronged. I may not be right in my surmise
about your being the son of Kilspindley. But I am
sure that I am correct in saying you are not
(08:50):
the son of that scoundreor now go back to callister,
hold your tongue and wait till I come back on Saturday.
I'll do as you wish, said Leo sadly. But indeed
I've no hope I have, said the Curate emphatically, and
the conversation ended. The next day, Raston departed with the
steamer to London wire Worthing, and Leo returned to his
(09:12):
old quarters at the Collister Arms. His meeting with the
Curate had done him good, and although he did not
adhere to Raston's theory about his noble paternity, yet he
felt more cheerful and hopeful. He was particular as to
his toilet, which in his despair he had rather neglected
of late, and went to the vicarage. Sybil was away
(09:32):
with Pearl and the more the servant said. Leo would
have followed, but mister Tempest caught sight of him and
insisted that he should enter and be introduced to Lord Kilspendy.
Leo willingly obeyed, as he was anxious to see supposed father.
According to Raston, he could not help smiling when he
was presented, Kilspendy was taken by that smile. He saw
(09:54):
before him a singularly splendid young man with a graceful,
slender figure and a handsome face, but best of all
was a kindly look in the eyes. Kilspendy shook hands
heartily with Leo and sighed as he thought that his
lost son might be just such another. Had he known
of what Raston and the young man before him had
talked about on the previous night, he might have been
(10:17):
more particular in his inquiries, and might perchance have been
brought to think as Raston did. However, he knew nothing.
Leo said nothing, and the conversation resolved itself into the commonplace.
Tempest was kind to Leo, Kilspindy was friendly, and the
three caught on very well. Meanwhile, Sybil and Pearl were
walking across the wau. After a time they stopped at
(10:40):
the tear faulter erected by the mad girl, and she
explained to her companion the reason she had made such
a place. The Master is angry with poor Pearl, now,
she said sadly, and he has taken the sacred cup
from her. She is not good enough to keep it.
But when the Master is pleased and will save Pearl
from the pit, she shuddered. He will place the cup
on this altar, and Pearl will bring it back to
(11:02):
the chapel. Then she will be saved and happy. But Pearl,
you must not think of Gore in this way. He
is your father and he loves you. He did love Pearl,
but he made her ill, and missus Chield told Pearl
that she was wicked and in danger of the worm. Pearl, Pearl,
do not believe that missus Cheel is wrong. God loves you.
(11:25):
Why then did he make Pearl ill if he loved her?
And why did he take away the holy grail which
Pearl washed over so carefully? He did not take it away,
said Sybil, hardly knowing what reply to make. Yes, he did, persisted,
The poor mad creature Pearl was not good enough to
keep it. But when she is good, the cup will
come down to earth again. Do you think it is
(11:47):
in heaven now, Pearl? I am sure it is no
roof here to stop the cup from floating up to
the New Jerusalem. In the chapel, it would have stayed
because the bad roof kept it down, But Pierre. It
went up and up and up to the sky. Sybil
did not know what to make of this talk. She
soothes a girl as much as she could and tried
(12:07):
to bring it back to that old, happy state of
mind which missus Cheele had destroyed with her gloomy, calvinistic creed.
But it was all of no use. Only the restoration
of the cup would make Pearl believe that she was
good again. However, Sybil induced her to talk of other things,
of birds and flowers, and the poor creature was in
a quite a state of mind when Sybil brought her
(12:29):
back to the cottage. I go every morning to the altar,
said Pearl, as she went inside. The cup will come
back when the master is sorry for Pearl. At this moment,
missus Cheel pulled her into the house and scolded her
for being away, which she saw sible. She became more civil,
but still behaved in a cowardly, insolent manner. Sybil grew angry.
(12:52):
You have behaved very wickedly in putting these ideas into Pearl,
said missus Cheel. She said severely. The poor creature is
not responsible. She does not understand. She understands more than
you give her credit for Miss retorted missus Jele coolly,
and she's not fit to be left alone. But when
I go away, I shall put her in an assailant. Indeed,
(13:12):
you will do nothing of the sort, cried Miss Tempest indignantly.
The poor thing would die. Liberty is all in all
to her. When are you going away? I go with
Sir Frank Hale, Miss, I'm going to be the maid
of his sister. I heard Sir Frank was leaving Kollister,
said Sybil coldly. And I think it's best thing you
can do. When does he go, missus Jel in a week? Miss,
(13:36):
I've got a good situation, Miss, and I don't want
to be burdened with pearl. She must go to an assailant. No, no,
I shall take charge of her myself, said Sybil. You
leave her to me, missus chill, and I'll look after
her well, I might, Miss I'll see. Then. After a pause,
missus Gee asked about that gentleman at your place, Miss
(13:58):
Will he stay long? Only till the end of the week.
I suppose you mean Lord Kilspindley. Missus Jels's wicked eyes placed. Yes,
I mean him, she said, and gave an unpleasant laugh. Oh,
so he goes at the end of the week. Well,
miss before I take up my situation with Miss Hale,
I'll come and see you about Pearl. If you could
(14:19):
take her, I should be glad. But you'll find her renuisance.
I don't think so, said Sybil coldly. When will you
call after the departure of Lord Kilspindy, said missus Jel
with another wicked look, and went into the house. Sybil departed,
wondering why the woman had asked about Lord Kilspindey, and
why she seemed afraid to meet him. Had she been
(14:41):
clever enough, she might have guessed the truth. As it was,
the matter passed out of her mind. After this, there
were some very pleasant evenings at the vicarage. Leo felt
almost happy in spite of his troubles. He could not
as yet bring himself to tell Sybil that he could
never marry her. Besides, he was hoping against hope that
Raston would bring back some good news from London. Not
(15:05):
indeed that he Leo Heavily was a lost son of
Lord Kilspindey. That such good fortune should be his never
entered Leo's head, but that Pratt was not his father.
Leo felt that he would rather be proved to be illegitimate,
as Missus Gabriel had told the Vicar he was than
have such a father as a criminal pratt. Yet at
(15:26):
times he felt sorry for the man. It was certain
that he had in him some good qualities. But whenever
Leo thought of him as his father, he became enraged
against him. The thing was too horrible. Lord Kilspindy took
wonderfully to Leo, and this the Vicar was pleased to see.
Owing to Leo's want of an honest name, he could
not bring himself to consent to the marriage, so he
(15:48):
hoped that the Scotch lord might take a fancy to
the young man and carry him off. Thus Sybil would
be safe and Leo would be provided for. Mister Tempest
had evidently forgotten his own news, or he would have
remembered that loving hearts are not so easily severed. Leo
and Sybil loved one another too well for aught to
(16:09):
come between them. On Saturday night, Raston returned. It was
so late that Leo had not expected him, so they
did not meet until the next morning. Then it was
on the way to church. Well, Leo asked eagerly, and
what does my What does Pratt say? I'll tell you
after service, said Raston hastily. At present, I can't think
(16:30):
of these things, but one word, Raston urged Leo, is
Pratt my father? No, replied the Curate emphatically, he is not,
And before Leo could ask another question, he ran off,
filled with joy at the intelligence, but much bevldered, Leo
went to church to offer up thanks. Kilspindy was also
in church, and with Sybil in the vicker's pew. Mister
(16:53):
Tempest allowed Raston to preach as had been arranged, and
took a very minor part in the service. Indeed, he
did little but read the lessons. The church was filled
as everyone was anxious to see Lord Kilspendley. Missus Parthurst
was there wondering if his lordship could be induced to
marry Peggy. She quite forgot that she had promised her
(17:14):
daughter's hand to the Curate and was already scheming to
get at the old nobleman. That he was old did
not matter to Missus Parthurst. She would have sold a
daughter to anyone provided the match was a good one,
and curious to say, she would have considered that she
had done her duty as a mother, her moral nature
was decidedly warped. The service was almost over, and the
(17:35):
churchwardens were handing round the bags with a collection, but
a sweet voice was heard singing in the distance. Everyone
recognized the voice. It was pulsed, and the vicar, kneeling
at the communion table, looked rather disturbed. He knew the
eccentric ways of the girl, and he feared lest she
might come in and distract the attention of the congregation,
and his fears were fulfilled. Pearl, still singing, entered the church.
(18:00):
The scandalized churchwardens would have kept her out, but that
she bore something which made them open their eyes. The
congregation also became aware of Pearl's burden, and a gasp
of astonishment, went round, still singing some wild, vague melody.
The mad girl walked slowly up the aisle bearing the
sacred cup. Lord Kilspindy did not see her until she
(18:21):
was almost at the chancel steps. He then gave a
cry of astonishment. In spite of the building and the occasion,
surely he might have been pardoned for the fairy cup
upon which depended the fortunes of the grants glittered before
his eyes. There was a dead silence. Everyone was too
astonished to speak or move. The Vicar himself was staring
(18:43):
from the communion table at this miracle. But Rastoon, who
had come down to receive the collection, stood quietly waiting
till the girl reached him. She came up, singing, placed
a great gold cup in his hand, and fell on
her knees. The Master has forgiven pearl, she said, in
a voice which could be heard all over the church.
She is saved, and the cup will be here to
(19:04):
watch over forever and ever. Amen. Amen, And she bowed
a face in her hands. Raston paused for a moment
in hesitation, and glanced at the Vicar, then at Lord Kilspindy.
Then he made up his mind, and, walking up to
the altar, placed the cup in its old possession, And
there it glicktered all golden gems, with the sunlight striking
(19:28):
down on it, until it became almost too glorious to
look upon. Lord Kilspindy stared with tears in his eyes.
The cup would be his again, and he would soon
have his son. He never doubted that the restoration of
the one was a prelude to the discovery of the other.
Raston pronounced the benediction, and the argon broke forth into
jubilant music. Shortly the congregation streamed out. Everyone was much excited.
(19:52):
The old nobleman came out with Sybil, and they waited
at the Porsche for the vical Leo also was with them.
Suddenly a woman broke through the crowd in the churchyard.
It was missus Cheel, and she was seeking pull in
her haste. She never noticed Lord Kilspindlee until she almost
ran into his arms. Suddenly he saw her face, started
(20:15):
and made one straightforward to clutch her by the arm.
The cup and then the hare, he said loudly, while
all looked on amazed, chain it grant, where is my son,
Lord Morven The end of chapter eighteen
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