or word, and instructions as to how
to proceed with Mrs. Peck; also, as much as she knew of Mr. Hogarth's
letters to Madame de Vericourt, to show the relations between him and
Elizabeth Ormistown, so far as she knew of them. There was also a good
deal of other talk to go through on subjects personal to themselves,
which they both thought exceedingly interesting, and Brandon would not
believe till he looked at his watch that he had kept Mrs. Phillips out
of her own drawing-room for two hours.

Chapter IX.

Mrs. Peck's Communication

Mrs. Peck was surprised and a little disconcerted when, on the evening
of the day on which she had so nearly confided her secret to Elsie, Mr.
Brandon walked into her lodgings unannounced; but she concealed her
chagrin with her usual duplicity. Though she was desirous of further
communication with Elsie, she preferred it to be with herself, and not
through a person who had spoken so uncivilly to her.

"You did not think it worth while for me to give Miss Melville and you
my address, but I see that you are making use of it without delay,"
said she.

"Yes, I am, for I want to know if I cannot transact the business which
I interrupted," said Brandon.

"You! No; certainly not. I only deal with principals."

"Miss Alice Melville empowers me to act for her in this matter, and
this letter from her to me should satisfy you of that. It will not do
for a girl to treat personally with a woman who compromises her by her
company."

"Oh, is that it?" said Mrs. Peck, who disliked the exchange of a simple
young girl for a man of the world in the bargain she wished to make.
"Well, if I must deal with you, what do you offer?"

"If you can give the inheritance of Cross Hall to Jane and Alice
Melville, a thousand pounds," said Brandon.

"Say two thousand," said Mrs. Peck; "I will not take less than that.
Are you a sweetheart of that girl's--or of her sister's? If you are,
you can easily see that Cross Hall is worth far more than that."

"I do not think you can give information that will be worth the money I
offer," said Brandon. "Even supposing you were married before your
irregular marriage with Mr. Hogarth, you will have difficulty in
proving that marriage; and after so many years spent in New South Wales
and Victoria under another name, it will be almost impossible to prove
your identity."

"I can prove that," said Mrs. Peck, taking out of her black bag several
letters of old date, gen