"GOD GAVE HIM DOMINION"
Three times during breakfast that morning Fenella had seen somebody
coming up the drive. The first to come was the Major from
Castletown, riding at a fast trot. On being shown into the
breakfast-room, with spurs clanking, he told the Governor that a mob
had gathered about Government Office and were very threatening.
"Tell the Mayor to read the Riot Act, and then do what is necessary
for the protection of life and property," said the Governor.
The second to come was the Chief Constable, driving rapidly in a
hackney carriage. On entering the room with his heavy step, he said
the steamer from England was in sight and the soldiers would be
landed at the pier within half an hour.
"If the thoroughfares are still thronged with riotous mobs at that
time," said the Governor, "tell the cavalry to ride through them."
The last to come up the drive was a solitary man afoot, walking
slowly and pausing at intervals as if his strength had failed him.
Fenella knew who it was, and rising hastily from the table she went
into the drawing-room.
When Stowell was brought in to her she was shocked at the change in
his appearance. He looked ten years older. His dark hair had become
white about the temples and his eyes were full of a strange light.
"How he must have suffered," she thought, and an almost overpowering
desire took possession of her to put her arms about him and comfort
him.
He looked at her and the same thought and the same impulse came to
him. But they were afraid of each other, and with the surging ocean
of their love between them they stood apart, but trembling. At
length, trying not to look into each other's faces, they began to
speak.
"Fenella!"
"Victor!"
"You know why I have been sent for?"
"Yes, and that is why I want to speak to you before you see my
father. There are things you ought to know."
"Yes?"
"Mr. Vondy, the jailer from Castle Rushen, was here two days ago, to
be examined by the Governor, the Attorney-General and the Chief
Constable."
"Did he say anything?"
"Not to them."
"To you, perhaps?"
"Yes. I brought him in here. He told me what occurred after I left
the Castle."
"Then you know?"