xasperate the feeling against you. It is roundly stated in so
many words that you have been prying into Miss Gwilt's family affairs,
with the most dishonorable motives; that you have tried, for a
profligate purpose of your own, to damage her reputation, and to deprive
her of the protection of Major Milroy's roof; and that, after having
been asked to substantiate by proof the suspicions that you have cast
on the reputation of a defenseless woman, you have maintained a silence
which condemns you in the estimation of all honorable men.

"I hope it is quite unnecessary for me to say that I don't attach the
smallest particle of credit to these infamous reports. But they are too
widely spread and too widely believed to be treated with contempt.
I strongly urge you to return at once to this place, and to take the
necessary measures for defending your character, in concert with me, as
your legal adviser. I have formed, since my interview with Miss Gwilt,
a very strong opinion of my own on the subject of that lady which it is
not necessary to commit to paper. Suffice it to say here that I shall
have a means to propose to you for silencing the slanderous tongues
of your neighbors, on the success of which I stake my professional
reputation, if you will only back me by your presence and authority.

"It may, perhaps, help to show you the necessity there is for your
return, if I mention one other assertion respecting yourself, which is
in everybody's mouth. Your absence is, I regret to tell you, attributed
to the meanest of all motives. It is said that you are remaining in
London because you are afraid to show your face at Thorpe Ambrose.

"Believe me, dear sir, your faithful servant,

"A. PEDGIFT, Sen."

Allan was of an age to feel the sting contained in the last sentence
of his lawyer's letter. He started to his feet in a paroxysm of
indignation, which revealed his character to Pedgift Junior in an
entirely new light.

"Where's the time-table?" cried Allan. "I must go back to Thorpe Ambrose
by the next train! If it doesn't start directly, I'll have a special
engine. I must and will go back instantly, and I don't care two straws
for the expense!"

"Suppose we telegraph to my father, sir?" suggested the judicious
Pedgift. "It's the quickest way of expressing your feelings, and the
cheapest."

"So it is," said Allan. "Thank you for reminding me of it. Telegraph
to them! Tell your father to give every man in Thorpe Ambrose t