The Third Volume

David Hume · en
"My other letters are nothing to speak of," said he, when seated, "but
these two fairly puzzle me. Number one is from Mr. Hilliston, asking me
to call; the other is from a Margaret Bezel, with a similar request. Now
I know Mr. Hilliston as guardian, lawyer, and banker, but who is
Margaret Bezel?"

Tait shook his wise little head. Well-informed as he was in several
matters, he had never heard of Margaret Bezel.

"She lives at Hampstead, I see," continued Claude, referring to the
letter. "Clarence Cottage, Hunt Lane. That is somewhere in the vicinity
of Jack Straw's Castle. I wonder who she is, and why she wants to see
me."

"You have never heard of her?" asked Tait dubiously. He was never quite
satisfied with Larcher's connections with the weaker sex.

"Certainly not," replied the other, with some heat. "If I had I would
assuredly remember so odd a name. Bezel! Bezel! Something to do with a
ring, isn't it?"

"It might have something to do with a wedding ring," said Tait, with a
grim smile. "The lady may have matrimonial designs on you."

"Bah! She may be a washerwoman for all you know, or a wife, or a widow,
or Heaven only knows what. But that is not the queerest part of the
affair, for Mr. Hilliston----But here, read the lady's letter first, the
gentleman's next, and tell me what you think of them. Upon my word, I
can make neither top nor tail of the business!"

                         (_The First Letter._)

                                                "April 18, 1892.
    "DEAR SIR: Will you be so kind as to call and see me at Clarence
    Cottage, Hunt Lane, Hampstead, as I have an important
    communication to make to you regarding your parents.
                                    "Yours truly,
                                               "MARGARET BEZEL."

                         (_The Second Letter._)

                           "LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, June 10, 1892.
    "DEAR CLAUDE: Call and see me here as soon as you arrive in
    town, and should you receive a communication from one Margaret
    Bezel, bring it with you. On no account see the lady before you
    have an interview with me. This matter is more important than
    you know of, and will be duly explained by me when you call.

                                    "Yours sincerely,
                                            "FRANCIS HILLISTON."

Tait read these two letters carefully, pinched his chin reflectively,
and looked at Claude in a rather anxious manner.

"Well, sir," said the latter impatiently, "what is your opinion?"

Tait's opinion was given in one word, and that not of the nicest
meaning.

"Blackmail."

"Blackmail!" repeated Larcher, taken aback, as well he might be. "What
do you mean?"