anything Lord Romfrey may please to call me.'

'But, Nevil, I repeat, if Miss Halkett should hear . . . ?'

'She knows by this time.'

'At present she is ignorant of it.'

'And what is Miss Halkett to me?'

'More than you imagined in that struggle you underwent, I think, Nevil.
Oh! if only to save her from Captain Baskelett! He gained your uncle's
consent when they were at the Castle, to support him in proposing for
her. He is persistent. Women have been snared without loving. She is a
great heiress. Reflect on his use of her wealth. You respect her, if you
have no warmer feeling. Let me assure you that the husband of Cecilia, if
he is of Romfrey blood, has the fairest chance of the estates. That man
will employ every weapon. He will soon be here bowing to me to turn me to
his purposes.'

'Cecilia can see through Baskelett,' said Beauchamp.

'Single-mindedly selfish men may be seen through and through, and still
be dangerous, Nevil. The supposition is, that we know the worst of them.
He carries a story to poison her mind. She could resist it, if you and
she were in full confidence together. If she did not love you, she could
resist it. She does, and for some strange reason beyond my capacity to
fathom, you have not come to an understanding. Sanction my speaking to
her, just to put her on her guard, privately: not to injure that poor
lady, but to explain. Shall she not know the truth? I need say but very
little. Indeed, all I can say is, that finding the marquise in London one
evening, you telegraphed for me to attend on her, and I joined you. You
shake your head. But surely it is due to Miss Halkett. She should be
protected from what will certainly wound her deeply. Her father is afraid
of you, on the score of your theories. I foresee it: he will hear the
scandal: he will imagine you as bad in morals as in politics. And you
have lost your friend in Lord Romfrey--though he shall not be your enemy.
Colonel Halkett and Cecilia called on us at Steynham. She was looking
beautiful; a trifle melancholy. The talk was of your--that--I do not like
it, but you hold those opinions--the Republicanism. She had read your
published letters. She spoke to me of your sincerity. Colonel Halkett of
course was vexed.

It is the same with all your friends. She, however, by her tone, led me
to think that she sees you as you are, more than in what you do. They are
now in Wales. They will be in town after Easter. Then you must expect