distressed. And when Barthorpe's voice was
heard in the hall, Mr. Halfpenny spoke in decisive tones.

"We must understand matters at once," he said. "There is no use in
beating about the bush. He has refused to meet or receive me so far--now
I shall insist upon his saying plainly whatever he has to say. You, too,
my dear, painful as it may be, must also insist."

"On--what?" asked Peggie.

"On his saying what he intends--if he intends--I don't know what he
intends!" answered Mr. Halfpenny, testily. "It's most annoying, and we
can't----"

Barthorpe came striding in, paused as he glanced around, and affected
surprise.

"Oh!" he said. "I came to see you, Peggie--I did not know that there was
any meeting in progress."

"Barthorpe!" said Peggie, looking earnestly at him. "You know that all
these gentlemen were Uncle Jacob's friends--dear friends--and they are
mine. Don't go away--Mr. Halfpenny wants to speak to you."

Barthorpe had already half turned to the door. He turned back--then
turned again.

"Mr. Halfpenny can only want to speak to me on business," he said,
coldly. "If Mr. Halfpenny wants to speak to me on business, he knows
where to find me."

He had already laid a hand on the door when Mr. Halfpenny spoke sharply
and sternly.

"Mr. Barthorpe Herapath!" he said. "I know very well where to find you,
and I have tried to find you and to get speech with you for two days--in
vain. I insist, sir, that you speak to us--or at any rate to your
cousin--you are bound to speak, sir, out of common decency!"

"About what?" asked Barthorpe. "I came to speak to my cousin--in
private."

"There is a certain something, sir," retorted Mr. Halfpenny, with
warmth, "about which we must speak in public--such a public, at any
rate, as is represented here and now. You know what it is--your uncle's
will!"

"What about my uncle's will--or alleged will?" asked Barthorpe with a
sneer.

Mr. Halfpenny appeared to be about to make a very angry retort, but he
suddenly checked himself and looked at Peggie.

"You hear, my dear?" he said. "He says--alleged will!"

Peggie turned to Barthorpe with an appealing glance.

"Barthorpe!" she exclaimed. "Is that fair--is it generous? Is it
just--to our uncle's memory? You know that is his will--what doubt can
there be about it?"

Barthorpe made no answer. He still stood with one hand on the door,
looking at Mr. Halfpenny. And suddenly he spoke.

"What do you wish to ask me?" he said.