England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction
"I couldn't tell you how much," May said unsteadily. "It is only during
the last few days that I have realized the depth of my affection. I will
come back. You may tell father I said so. I will return on Monday as
early as possible and I hope you will be there to meet me. I thought I
was going to be brave and strong and earn my own living; I thought that
wanted no more than the pluck one has to exhibit in the hunting-field.
But it is quite different. It must be a matter of custom and
surroundings. It is all very well to run up to London to spend a few
days with friends, but when you are alone, as I have been, the very size
of the place frightens one. You don't know how glad I shall be to be
home again. Why, twenty-four hours after I came here I began to cast
about for reasons and excuses for going back."
An hour later Fielden left, at peace with all mankind and inclined to
take a roseate view of the future. Everything depended on the Blenheim
colt. The path was clear and those chiefly concerned were going to have
a straight run for their money. The poisonous influence of Copley would
be removed. There would be peace and happiness at Haredale Park once
more and, above all, May was coming home.
Fielden flung himself down in the corner of his carriage and proceeded
to open a late edition of an evening paper. He read the racing news of
interest, then turned to the news items on the fifth page. Two headlines
caught his attention at once and held him fascinated. They were
sensational enough even to the ordinary person, but to Fielden they were
pregnant with meaning.
"ALLEGED GREAT TURF FRAUDS.
"ARREST OF MR. COPLEY AND MR. FOSTER.
"Late this afternoon, the well-known financier, Mr. Raymond
Copley, and his private secretary, Mr. Foster, were arrested in
London on a warrant in connection with some alleged turf frauds
which took place recently at the Post Club. We understand that
the warrant was granted at the instance of Mr. Selwyn."
CHAPTER XL
CAUGHT!
Raymond Copley went away from Haredale Park with every ounce of fight
knocked out of him. Never for a moment had he anticipated a development
like this. He had gone there in his most truculent mood. Everything
seemed to be prospering with him. He had only to hold out his hand and
all would drop into it. He had no fear Sir George would defy him. Rather
had he taken a journey across the fields in order to manifest his power.
There had been no actual necessity for Sir George to put his colt out of
the betting yet; indeed, it would have been diplomatic to wait for
another fortnight. But Sir George must be shown that he could not do as
he liked. He must understand the force he had to deal with in Copley.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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