|Some persuasion on Tom Tankard's part was evidently required to induce
Harry Netterville to enter the house; but, at length, he reluctantly
consented to do so, and followed Mrs. Hartley into the parlour.
As soon as he saw Chetwynd, he could no longer control himself, but flew
into a transport of jealous rage, and would certainly have made a scene
if Tom, who was close behind, had not checked him.
A sort of calm being restored, Chetwynd remarked, “Allow me, Mr.
Netterville, before anything more is said, to offer a word of
explanation. My presence here this evening is purely accidental. I have
just arrived in town, and came to inquire after my good friends. It
grieved me to learn that a misunderstanding has arisen between you and
Rose; but I am sure it can be easily set right. The anonymous letter you
have received was from a great reprobate, who, for purposes of his own,
wished to destroy your confidence in this good and truthful girl, who is
sincerely-attached to you, and, unfortunately, he has succeeded in his
object.”
“Your explanation, though plausible, has very little weight with me,
sir,” replied Netterville. “I only consented to enter the house to
convince myself by ocular demonstration that you are here. Having done
that, I shall depart. Farewell, deceitful girl--farewell, for ever!”
“Stay, Harry!” cried Rose, rushing towards him, and seizing his arm. “I
cannot allow you to depart thus! Listen to the explanation Mr. Calverley
desires to give you. You have been made a dupe.”
“I know it!” rejoined Netterville, bitterly; “but I will be duped no
longer! It is idle to say how much I have loved you, faithless girl! I
now tear you from my heart for ever!”
“Oh, don't say so, dearest Harry!” she cried. “It is all a mistake. You
will be sorry when you find out your error. You have been very foolish.”
“Foolish!” he exclaimed, in a tremendous voice. “Your conduct has been
enough to drive me mad! If you really love me, as you pretend, come away
with me now.”
“No; I can't do that, dear Harry.”
“You _shall_, whether you like it or not!” he said, seizing her arm.
Frightened by his violence, she uttered a cry, rushed back, and flung
herself into Chetwynd's arms, who was coming forward to assist her.
As may be imagined, this occurrence inflamed the jealous lover to the
highest pitch, and Tom Tankard had some difficulty in holding him back.
“Let me go!” cried Netterville, struggling with his friend. “My worst
suspicions are now confirmed, Let me go, I say! I'll punish him!”
“No you sha'n't,” cried Tom, who could scarcely refrain from laughing at
the absurdity of the scene. “You've committed folly enough already. Come
along.”
And he dragged him out of the house.
“I didn't believe Harry could behave in such an extraordinary manner,”
said Rose, as soon as he was gone. “He terrified me so much that I
scarcely knew what I was about. I hope you'll excuse me, sir.”
“There's nothing to excuse,” replied Chetwynd; “but you must judge your
lover as leniently as you can. His violence only proves the strength of
his affection for you.”
“I would rather he didn't show his affection in this way,” she rejoined.
“Certainly he allowed his passion to carry him a great deal too far,”
said Chetwynd. “But he will be very sorry to-morrow.”
“When he comes here again, he will find me gone; and I sha'n't write to
him,” said Rose.
“Don't make resolutions you are sure to break,” said Chetwynd. “And now,
adieu. Possibly I may see you to-morrow in Belgrave Square.”
Bidding good night to Mrs. Hartley, and leaving a kindly message for her
husband, he then quitted the house.