Concerning the Identity of Mr. Bimby's Guest

"Yes," said Barnabas gently, "but what of Cleone?"

"Cleone? Oh, God help me, Beverley, she's going to g-give herself to
that devil--to buy his silence!"

"What--what," stammered Barnabas. "What do you mean?"

"I got this to-day--read it and see!" said Barrymaine and drew from
his bosom a crumpled letter. Then Barnabas took it, and smoothing it
out, read these words: Ronald dear, I'm sorry I didn't let you kiss me good-by. So
sorry that I am going to do all that a woman can to save you.
Mr. Chichester has learned your awful secret, and I am the price of
his silence. So, because of my promise to our dying mother, and because
life can hold nothing for me now, because life and death are alike to
me now, I am going to marry him to-night, at his house at Headcorn.
Good-by, Ronald dear, and that God may forgive and save you in this
life and hereafter, is the undying prayer of Your Sister,
CLEONE.

Barnabas refolded the letter and, giving it back to Barrymaine, took
out Natty Bell's great silver watch.

"It is a long way to Headcorn," said he, "I must start at once!"

"Ah! You'll g-go then, Beverley?"

"Go? Of course!"

"Then, oh Beverley, whatever happens--whether you're in time or no,
you'll--k-kill him?"

"I think," said Barnabas, putting away his watch, "yes, I think I
shall."

"The house is called Ashleydown," continued Barrymaine feverishly,
"a b-big house about a m-mile this side the village."

"Ashleydown? I think I've heard mention of it before. But now, you
must come with me, Smivvle is downstairs, you shall have my rooms
to-night."