better tell you the story," he broke
off, wiping his brow. "I must tell it you before you go upstairs."

He linked his arm within his friend's, and drew him to the window. It
was broad daylight still, but gloomy there: the window had the pleasure
of reposing under the leads, and was gloomy at noon. Lord Hartledon
hesitated still. "Elster's folly!" were the words mechanically floating
in the mind of Thomas Carr.

"It is an awful story, Carr; bad and wicked."

"Let me hear it at once," replied Thomas Carr.

"I am in danger of--of--in short, that person upstairs could have me
apprehended to-night. I would not tell you but that I must do so. I must
have advice, assistance; but you'll start from me when you hear it."

"I will stand by you, whatever it may be. If a man has ever need of a
friend, it must be in his extremity."

Lord Hartledon stood, and whispered a strange tale. It was anything but
coherent to the clear-minded barrister; nevertheless, as he gathered one
or two of its points he did start back, as Hartledon had foretold, and an
exclamation of dismay burst from his lips.

"And you could _marry_--with this hanging over your head!"

"Carr--"

The butler came in with an interruption.

"My lady wishes to know whether your lordship is going out with her
to-night."

"Not to-night," answered Lord Hartledon, pointing to the door for the man
to make his exit. "It is of her I think, not of myself," he murmured to
Mr. Carr.

"And he"--the barrister pointed above to indicate the
stranger--"threatens to have you apprehended on the charge?"

"I hardly know what he threatens. _You_ must deal with him, Carr;
I cannot. Let us go; we are wasting time."

As they left the room to go upstairs Lady Hartledon came out of the
dining-room and crossed their path. She was deeply mortified at her
husband's bringing Mr. Carr to the house after what she had said; and
most probably came out at the moment to confront them with her haughty
and disapproving face. However that might have been, all other emotions
gave place to surprise, when she saw _their_ faces, each bearing a livid
look of fear.

"I hope you are well, Lady Hartledon," said Mr. Carr.

She would not see the offered hand, but swept onwards with a cold
curtsey, stopping just a moment to speak to her husband.

"You are not going out with me, Lord Hartledon?"

"I cannot to-night, Maude. Business detains me."

She passed up the stairs, vouchsafing no other word.