"
"I fear, Miss Blake," I ventured, "that something is the matter at
River Hall."
"You fear, do you, young man?" she returned. "You ought to get a
first prize for guessing. As if anything else could ever bring me
back to London."
"Can I be of no service to you in the matter?"
"I don't think you can, but you may as well see his letter." And diving
into the depths of her pocket, she produced Colonel Morris'
communication, which was very short, but very much to the purpose.
"Not wishing," he said, "to behave in any unhandsome manner, I send
you herewith" (herewith meant the keys of River Hall and his letter)
"a cheque for one half-year's rent. You must know that, had I been
aware of the antecedents of the place, I should never have become
your tenant; and I must say, considering I have a wife in delicate
health, and young children, the deception practised by your lawyers
in concealing the fact that no previous occupant has been able to
remain in the house, seems most unpardonable. I am a soldier, and,
to me, these trade tricks appear dishonourable. Still, as I
understand your position is an exceptional one, I am willing to
forgive the wrong which has been done, and to pay six months' rent
for a house I shall no longer occupy.
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