n arm and
shoulder cased in velveteen met her view, but as their positions changed
in conversation--his and her father's--she saw that it was Locksley;
he had been the chief witness, not a vindictive one; he could not help
himself, against her brother Richard, touching the murder of Hallijohn.

Meanwhile Mrs. Hare had drawn Mr. Carlyle into a chair close by her own.

"Archibald, will you forgive me if I say a word upon the topic
introduced by Mr. Hare?" she said, in a low tone, as she shook his hand.
"You know how fondly I have ever regarded you, second only to my poor
Richard. Your welfare and happiness are precious to me. I wish I could
in any way promote them. It occurs to me, sometimes, that you are not at
present so happy as you might be."

"I have some sources of happiness," said Mr. Carlyle. "My children and I
have plenty of sources of interest. What do you mean, dear Mrs. Hare?"

"Your home might be made happier."

Mr. Carlyle smiled, nearly laughed. "Cornelia takes care of that, as she
did in the old days, you know."

"Yes, I know. Would it not be as well to consider whether she would not
be better in a home of her own--and for you to give East Lynne another
mistress?"

He shook his head.

"Archibald, it would be happier for you; it would indeed. It is only in
new ties that you can forget the past. You might find recompense yet for
the sorrow you have gone through; and I know none," repeated Mrs. Hare,
emphatically, "more calculated to bring it you than that sweet girl,
Louisa Dobede."

"So long as--" Mr. Carlyle was beginning, and had not got so far in his
sentence, when he was interrupted by an exclamation from Barbara.

"What can be the matter with papa? Locksley must have said something
to anger him. He is coming in the greatest passion, mamma; his face
crimson, and his hands and arms working."

"Oh, dear, Barbara!" was all poor Mrs. Hare's reply. The justice's great
bursts of passion frightened her.

In he came, closed the door, and stood in the middle of the room,
looking alternately at Mrs. Hare and Barbara.

"What is this cursed report, that's being whispered in the place!" quoth
he, in a tone of suppressed rage, but not unmixed with awe.

"What report?" asked Mr. Carlyle, for the justice waited for an answer,
and Mrs. Hare seemed unable to speak. Barbara took care to keep silence;
she had some misgivings that the justice's words might be referring to
herself--to the recent grievance.