The Maidens of Walsingham - стр. 33

After reading Mr. Pilough's reports, the Viscount decided to insist that the Count of Draymore take notice of the plight of the Walsingham people, and he also had an irresistible urge to write to Pastor Glowford, suggesting that Miss Cassandra be seen by a London psychiatrist. The Viscount knew the parson's categorical attitude to Cassie, but he hoped that on this occasion prudence would suppress the church servant's unnecessary religiosity.

That same day Mr. Morris returned to London. He immediately sent a servant with a note to Viscount Wilworth, requesting an audience at any time convenient to the lord. The Viscount replied at once, and the servant returned to the doctor, with the invitation. The doctor decided not to delay his visit and went to the viscount's house that same evening. The noble lord was extremely surprised at the doctor's haste, but received him kindly, invited him to play a game of golf (as it was not late), and at the same time wanted to ask the doctor about the news from Walsingham. Dr Morris readily accepted the Viscount's invitation to play, and they went to the green behind the latter's large mansion (the lord was fond of golf). Behind the gentlemen, stealthily, like a shadow, a servant followed, carrying a basket of balls and clubs.

The Viscount and Mr. Morris went to the green (as it was impossible to arrange a real golf course in the centre of London), chose a club, took the balls and made the first shot.

– Now, Mr. Morris, I suppose you have come to talk about Walsingham? – The viscount asked decisively, watching his ball roll across the grass. – I have perused your letters and telegrams, and I must say I am impressed by your responsibility and detail.

– Thank you, sir," said the flattered doctor modestly.

– How did you spend your time at the estate? – The Viscount inquired.

– Fascinating, sir. I was not bored at all: I watched the restoration, the life in the village, I talked with Mr. Pilough, we often exchanged views, and, besides, I had daily intercourse with the lovely Miss Cassandra," the doctor said readily.

Viscount Wilworth grinned: he had supposed that the elderly doctor would not be able to resist Cassie's charm and sincerity.

– I see you are very fond of this girl," the lord said with a smile. – You devote a whole page to her in every letter you write.

– Yes, sir, what can I say, she has charmed me. I have even thought it would be nice to have a daughter like Miss Cassie, but healthy, of course. I feel genuinely sorry for her and am thrown into real horror by the conditions in which she spends her whole life. Even the slum-dwellers of London don't live as miserably as the people of Walsingham," sighed Mr. Morris, and took his shot.

– You are quite right, Mr. Morris," said the viscount: he felt the same pity and sympathy for Cassie as the doctor. – But I'm afraid the villagers are not only ignorant of their poverty but cherish it. Moreover, on this ground I met with the strongest opposition: I offered Pastor Glowford to rebuild his house, or to move his family into a new one, but the old man refused, just as he refused my wish to cure Miss Cassandra. Besides, the parson made it very clear to me that he would never accept help from anyone.