He looked for a moment, but only for a moment, in
despair. He found in his tortured spirit energies that
responded to the exigency of the occasion. Even the otherwise
embarrassing presence of Gerard would not have prevented--but
just at this moment the door opened, and Morley and another
person entered the room.
Book 4 Chapter 9
Morley paused as he recognised Egremont; then advancing to
Gerard, followed by his companion, he said, "This is Mr Hatton
of whom we were speaking last night, and who claims to be an
ancient acquaintance of yours."
"Perhaps I should rather say of your poor dear father," said
Hatton, scanning Gerard with his clear blue eye, and then he
added, "He was of great service to me in my youth, and one is
not apt to forget such things."
"One ought not," said Gerard: "but it is a sort of memory, as
I have understood, that is rather rare. For my part I
remember you very well, Baptist Hatton," said Gerard,
examining his guest with almost as complete a scrutiny as he
had himself experienced. "This world has gone well with you,
I am glad to hear and see."
"Qui laborat, orat," said Hatton in a silvery voice, "is the
gracious maxim of our Holy Church; and I venture to believe my
prayers and vigils have been accepted, for I have laboured in
my time," and as he was speaking these words, he turned and
addressed them to Sybil.
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