what is to come." What was to come (after he had got rid of the child)
had been carefully considered by him, on the journey to Ramsgate.
"Emma's husband-that-is-to-be"--he had reasoned it out--"will naturally
be the first person Emma wants to see, when the loss of the baby has
upset the house. If Old Ronald has a grain of affection left in him, he
must let her marry me after _that!"_

Acting on this view of his position, he took the way that led back to
Slains Row, and rang the door-bell as became a visitor who had no
reasons for concealment now.

The household was doubtless already disorganized by the discovery of
the child's disappearance. Neither master nor servant was active in
answering the bell. Farnaby submitted to be kept waiting with perfect
composure. There are occasions on which a handsome man is bound to put
his personal advantages to their best use. He took out his pocket-comb,
and touched up the arrangement of his whiskers with a skilled and
gentle hand. Approaching footsteps made themselves heard along the
passage at last. Farnaby put back his comb, and buttoned his coat
briskly. "Now for it!" he said, as the door was opened at last.



THE STORY

BOOK THE FIRST

AMELIUS AMONG THE SOCIALISTS

CHAPTER 1