e, you may depend: neither of them knows from me what the
other has done, nor ever will."

"That is true," said Kate, and seemed considerably relieved.

To ease her mind entirely, Houseman went on to say, that, as to the
report that high words had passed between the clients in question at the
"Roebuck," he had no doubt it was exaggerated.

"Besides," said he, "that was not about a lady: I'm told it was about a
horse,--some bet belike."

Catharine uttered a faint cry.

"About a horse?" said she. "Not about a gray horse?"

"Nay, that is more than I know."

"High words about a horse," said Catharine,--"and they are making their
wills. Oh! my mind misgave me from the first." And she turned pale.
Presently she clasped her hands together,--"Mr. Houseman!" she cried,
"what shall I do? What! do you not see that both their lives are in
danger, and that is why they make their wills? And how should _both_
their lives be in danger, but from each other? Madmen! they have
quarrelled; they are going to fight,--fight to the death; and I fear it
is about me,--me, who love neither of them, you know."

"In that case, _let_ them fight," said her legal adviser,
dispassionately. "Whichever fool gets killed, you will be none the
poorer." And the dog wore a sober complacency.

Catharine turned her large eyes on him with horror and amazement, but
said nothing.

As for the lawyer, he was more struck with her sagacity than with
anything. He somewhat overrated it,--not being aware of the private
reasons she had for thinking that her two testators were enemies to the
death.

"I almost think you are right," said he; "for I got a curious missive
from Mr. Gaunt scarce an hour agone, and he says--let me see what he
says"----

"Nay, let _me_ see," said Kate.

On that he handed her Griffith's note. It ran thus:--

"It is possible I may not be able to conduct the funeral.
Should this be so, I appoint you to act for me. So, then,
good Mr. Houseman, let me count on you to be here at nine of
the clock. For Heaven's sake fail me not.

"Your humble servant,

"G. G."

This note left no doubt in Kate's mind.

"Now, first of all," said she, "what answer made you to this?"

"What answer should I make? I pledged my word to be at Bolton at nine of
the clock."

"Oh, blind!" sighed Kate. "And I must be out of the room! What shall I
do? My dear friend, f