He, who for usual was ripe, balanced, mellow in judgment,
felt at the moment the gloomy impulsion of the fanatic. He was only a pipe
for the Almighty to sound through.
In the hall at Downing the logs were stirred to a blaze, and food and drink
brought in a hospitable stir.
"I have a letter to write before I sleep," Mr. Lovel told his daughter. "I
will pray from Colonel Flowerdue the use of his cabinet."
Cecily looked at him inquiringly, and he laughed.
"The posts at Chastlecote are infrequent, Cis, and I may well take the
chance when it offers. I assure you I look forward happily to a month of
idleness stalking Tony's mallards and following Tony's hounds."
In the cabinet he wrote half a dozen lines setting out simply the change in
his views. "If I know Oliver," he told himself, "I have given him the sign
he seeks. I am clear it is God's will, but Heaven help the land--Heaven
help us all." Having written, he lay back in his chair and mused.
When Colonel Flowerdue entered he found a brisk and smiling gentleman,
sealing a letter.
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