r many a
day, sir. But my evidence will be necessary to your case. Levison--"

"I'm not taking up the case. You must carry your news elsewhere. It is
no affair of mine, I say."

"Then who is taking it up?" echoed Mr. Dill, in astonishment.

"Ball. He has had a meeting with Richard, and is now acting for him
under the rose."

Mr. Dill's eyes sparkled. "Is he going to prosecute, Mr. Archibald?"

"I tell you I know nothing--I will know nothing. When the affair comes
out to the public--if it ever does come out--I shall share in the
information, Dill, and that is all."

"Ah, well, I can understand. But I shall go on to their office at once,
Mr. Archibald, and inform them of what I overheard," spoke old Dill, in
vehement decision.

"That is not my affair either," laughed Mr. Carlyle, "it is yours. But
remember, if you do go, it is Ball, not Treadman."

Waiting only to give certain orders to the head clerk, Mr. Dill
proceeded to the office of Ball & Treadman. A full hour was he closeted
there with the senior partner.

Not until three o'clock that afternoon did the justices take their seats
on the bench. Scarcely were they seated when Lawyer Ball bustled in and
craved a secret hearing. His application was of the last importance,
he promised, but, that the ends of justice might not be defeated it was
necessary their worships should entertain it in private; he therefore
craved the bench to accord it to him.

The bench consulted, looked wise, and, possibly possessing some latent
curiosity themselves upon the point, graciously acceded. They adjourned
to a private room, and it was full half-past four before they came out
of it. Very long faces, scared and grim, were their worships', as if
Lawyer Ball's communication had both perplexed and confounded them.

"This is the afternoon we are to meet Dr. Martin at papa's office,"
William Carlyle had suddenly exclaimed that day at dinner. "Do we walk
in, Madame Vine?"

"I do not know, William. Mrs. Carlyle is going to take you."

"No, she is not; you are going to take me."

A flush passed over Lady Isabel's face at the bare thought, though she
did not believe it. _She_ go to Mr. Carlyle's office! "Mrs. Carlyle told
me herself that she should take you," was the reply.

"All I know is, mamma told me this morning you would take me to West
Lynne to-day," persisted William.

The discussion was interrupted by the appearance of Mrs.
Carlyle--interrupted and decided also.

"Ma