"Perhaps no, perhaps yes," said the doctor enigmatically, "but I advised
our friend here to keep Lady Staunton's money. My interest in him may
not be so philanthropic as you imagine it to be."
"Doctor!" said Montrose indignantly, "how can you talk so?"
"Hush!" Eberstein threw up his hand. "I want Miss Enistor to speak."
"What can I say but that I trust you? I am sure there is some good
reason why Douglas should keep my aunt's money. You would not have
advised him to keep it otherwise."
"But if your father pointed out that he should have enjoyed the fortune
and that I wish Montrose to keep it so that I can make use of the money
through him? What then?"
"Still I must believe in you and trust you," persisted Alice steadily.
"My father does not want the fortune." Eberstein smiled slightly. "Oh, I
assure you he does not. He has said nothing about it. As to doubting
you, doctor, he does not know you."
"He will some day and then he may doubt me. Remember when he does and
tries to turn you against me that I have foretold the possibility of
such a warning. You say you will trust me. Good! I accept the assurance.
Montrose?"
"I believe in you now as I always have done," said the young man
eagerly. "I don't understand why you are talking in this way, though."
"You don't understand many things at present," said Eberstein dryly;
"when you do, pain will come with the knowledge. Necessary pain. Go to
Cornwall and meet Mr. Enistor. While the sun still shines you will not
see me. But when dark clouds obscure the light, then I shall be at your
side."
"You will come to Cornwall?" asked Alice quickly.
"When the need arises."
"Will it arise?"
Eberstein looked from one to the other quietly. "Yes! The need will
arise."
"What need?" demanded Montrose, bewildered.
"Enough for the day is the evil thereof," said Eberstein serenely, "and
that also applies to the good. All is well with you as yet, so enjoy the
passing moment and draw from peace the necessary strength for conflict.
Gold must be refined in the fire, and you must both be cast into the
furnace. Yet be not afraid. The same God who saved Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego will save you. You are neither of you afraid," he ended
positively.
Arm in arm the lovers stood and they glanced at one another as the
doctor spoke. "We are not afraid," they declared simultaneously, and
spoke the truth.
"Behold then," said Eberstein solemnly, "how great is Love which can
cast out fear!" and over them he made the holy sign.
CHAPTER X
IN CORNWALL
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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