" Has Mr, Millsom come yet ?" he asked, expectantly, Perhaps her glad smile meant that Mr, Millsom had come, and had talked over her mother regarding their marriage. " No," she said," he has not been here." At the sound of his voice Mrs. Moor croft bustled into the passage. He asked the question again of. her somewhat needlessly, " Mr, Millsom," she said, in Biiappish tones. " How do you seek him here 'i Do you'think he runs about after me ?" Nevertheless, Mrs, Moorcroft was dis appointed that her aflianeed hußband had not come. She had not seen him. for several days, and she thought he might certainly have come to the Black Bull this afternoon. Seeing that Mrs. Moorcroft's tone was hot inviting, Tom went away, and came back later in the evening with the bag of gold in his pocket; But still no word of Mr, Mill som. " You seem very anxious to Bee him," said Mrs, Moorcroft, more snappishly than ever, for she felt disappointed; •' you perhaps think he is going to do something for you ?"

" Yes." Tom admitted, " that is just what I do think."

" Well.we'll see about that," and Mrs. Moorcroft tossed her head, and hurried away without inviting Tom to come in, He lingered a little, hoping that he might Bee Maggie again, then, deciding that in Mrs. Moorcroft's present tem per he had better not try to do so. he went away home. Next day, Sunday, instead of going to church, Tom walked out to Millsom's Mill to see Mr. Millsom. As he ap proached the house he noticed with sur prise that the blinds were down and the door locked, He knocked loudly, and altera little the door was opened by a man of extraordinary appearance, who, at first sight, seemed to be a stranger, " John liargreaves! " Tom exclaimed. " Why. man.what on earth is the matter with you r"' CHAPTER XXII, STRANGE ONGOINGS AT MILL SUM'S MILL.-A TERIUBLE SUSPICION.
