The Saint and the Sinner Read Online Free Page B

it,” he said, “but if you are asking me to subscribe to the poor, the diseased, the crippled, or the out of work in Lindchester, you can save your breath!”
    “I am not asking for help for any of them,” Pandora replied, “although doubtless they would appreciate it – but for – myself.”
    She seated herself as she spoke in a chair opposite the Earl.
    He stared at her, taking in, she thought, every detail of her plain, unornamented gown, her bonnet decorated only with the ribbons with which it was tied under her chin.
    “I suppose you have some resemblance to all those toffee-nosed ancestors who bedeck the walls here,” he said.
    “As I expect you know, there are fair Charts and dark Charts,” Pandora said. “You represent one and I the other.”
    “What is the difference?”
    “One is good and the other is bad.”
    The Earl laughed again.
    “Well, that makes things simple, at any rate, and I do my best to live up to what is expected of me. Now – you say you need my help? What can have occurred to bring the Saint to the Sinner?”
    Now Pandora laughed because she could not help it. Then she said quite seriously,
    “I have come to see you, Cousin Norvin, because you are the only person – I think, who can – save me.”
    “I only hope you are not talking about your soul,” the Earl remarked.
    “I am talking about my life – or rather – my future,” Pandora answered. “You see, my uncle, the Bishop, intends that I should – marry his Chaplain, the Honourable Prosper Witheridge.”
    “And what am I expected to do about it?” the Earl asked bluntly.
    Pandora suddenly felt shy and her eyes dropped. After a moment she said in a very small voice,
    “I wondered if you – would – ask me to – stay here for – a night – or two?”
    After she had spoken there was silence. Then the Earl said,
    “Am I hearing you aright? You are inviting yourself to stay with me because you think in some way, which I cannot imagine, it will prevent your marriage?”
    There was a pause before he added,
    “I must be very dense, but I cannot understand what you are suggesting.”
    Pandora drew in her breath.
    “I hope what I – say will – not make you – angry.”
    “Does it matter if it does?”
    “It – it might prevent you from being – sympathetic and – understanding.”
    “Two virtues which are lamentably lacking in my make-up,” the Earl replied. “But I would still like you to explain what you are trying to say.”
    Pandora drew in her breath.
    “My uncle and aunt have gone to – London to attend a garden-party at Lambeth Palace.”
    “I am sorry for them,” the Earl said with a twist of his lips. “One Parson is enough at any time, but a conclave of them would undoubtedly try the patience of any Saint!”
    Pandora smiled faintly, but she went on,
    “Before they left I – overheard my uncle say that his Chaplain had asked if he could pay his – addresses to me. My aunt was – insistent that my uncle should give his –consent and that I should – marry Mr. Witheridge.”
    “And you have no wish to do so?”
    “He is horrible!” Pandora replied. “I dislike him and I would do anything in the world rather than – become his wife.”
    “Even come to me for help!” the Earl said mockingly.
    “I should have liked to meet you anyway,” Pandora answered. “After all, you are living here in Chart, which I have known ever since I was a child.
    I love the Castle and I love the village, where I was brought up.”
    There was just a little throb in her voice which the Earl heard.
    “Go on with your story,” he said. “I still cannot see where I come into all this.”
    Pandora again looked embarrassed. Then with the colour rising in her face she said,
    “My aunt said she had been – told that the – women you have – staying here are nothing but doxies – I am not sure what that means – and play-actresses and no – decent man would – associate with them.”
    She dared not