Chapter LI

Dick Shand Goes To Cambridgeshire

The news of Shand's return was soon common in Cambridge. The tidings, of course, were told to Mr. Caldigate, and were then made known by him to Hester. The old man, though he turned the matter much in his mind,--doubting whether the hopes thus raised would not add to Hester's sorrow should they not ultimately be realised,--decided that he could not keep her in the dark. Her belief could not be changed by any statement which Shand might make. Her faith was so strong that no evidence could shake it,--or confirm it. But there would, no doubt, arise in her mind a hope of liberation if any new evidence against the Australian marriage were to reach her; which hope might so probably be delusive! But he knew her to be strong to endure as well as strong to hope, and therefore he told her at once. Then Mr. Seely returned to Cambridge, and all the facts of Shand's deposition were made known at Folking. 'That will get him out at once, of course,' said Hester, triumphantly, as soon as she heard it. But the Squire was older and more cautious, and still doubted. He explained that Dick Shand was not a man who by his simple word would certainly convince a Secretary of State;--that deceit might be suspected;--that a fraudulent plot would be possible; and that very much care was necessary before a convicted prisoner would be released.

'I am quite sure, from Mr. Seely's manner, that he thinks I have bribed the young man,' said Caldigate.

Answer this series of questions:

1. What are the people of Cambridge talking about?
2. Who was the first to know?
3. Who did he tell?
4. Was that an easy decision?
5. Had Hester been sad?
6. What might she feel if he told her?
7. How would hope make her more sad?
8. How did he not want to leave her?
9. Does she lack faith?
10. Who came back to Cambridge with some information?
11. Where has Shand been?
12. What did Mr. Seely have information on?
13. Does Hester see this as good news?
14. Who might be lying?
15. to who?
16. Has Shand been convicted?
17. Do they let people out of prison on a whim?
18. What kind of evidence would make Hester hope?
19. about what?
20. What does Mr. Seely think Coldigate did?

Numbered answers:
1. Shand's return
2. Mr. Caldigate
3. Hester
4. no
5. yes
6. hope
7. if they are not realised
8. in the dark
9. no
10. Mr. Seely
11. prison
12. Shand's deposition
13. yes
14. Shand
15. a Secretary of State
16. yes
17. no
18. new evidence
19. the Australian marriage
20. bribed the man