But at the very least you are about to im poverish yourself for a scruple. As for de fending your father’s memory, who impugns it ? A son in every way unworthy of him ?’ ‘ True ; but still his son. The world, which knows only their relationship, must needs believe his testimony. With my consent it shall never hear it. Spare me, good friend, and go.’ 4 Very good, then, I have no alternative.’ He stooped down, and as she buried her pale face in her hands, kissed her forehead in farewell. ‘lf you had been my client, Miss Darrell, we should have managed matters better,’ he said. * Don’t speak of it,’ murmured the little old lady ; then whispered in his ear ‘ you will make terms for her; you will save something for her out of the fire ?” He shook his head. ‘lt is all or nothing, my dear madam, still I will do my best.' Herbert accompanied him from the room. You were right,’ said the lawyer, * and I was wrong. That man Percy is at the bot tom of this.’ ‘lt is no matter now who is to blame. Clare has taken tke course I foresaw she would.’ * Aye, and that involves the loss of your fortune.’ 1 Hush, remember your promise ; it is not mine but hers, since this was to be; lam glad at all events that suspense is over.’ ‘ You are thankful for small mercies, my young friend.’ As they passed by Mr Roden's room, they saw through the open door certain indications of departure ; one-third of the male staff of the hotel domestics were occupied in pack ing his portmanteau under the immediate supervision of the proprietor. ‘Be very careful of that bottle of hairwash, William — eh, Robert, is it ?—quite right, I never call people out of their names ; and Thomas —it is Thomas, i 3 it not ?—be sure you don’t put tho3e brushes back to back. Good heavens I You are packing up those polished boots in paper ! What on earth do you suppose wash leather was made for ? and yet people talk of missionaries to the heathen !’

Here he paused, catching sight of the law yer and his companion. ‘ Are we both leaving Sandford to-night, then ?’ enquired Mr Oldcastle, smiling. 