the necessity of stating the fact that he was the son of a prosperous
railway contractor, that he was born in Canada, and would have succeeded
to a fortune on his father's death, but for an unhappy _contretemps_
in the shape of a cheque, whereof Mr. Rodman senior (the name was not
Rodman, but the true one is of no importance) disclaimed the signature.
From that day to the present good and ill luck had alternated in the
young man's career. His fortunes in detail do not concern us just now;
there will be future occasion for returning to the subject.

'Young Eldon has been in Wanley to-day,' Mr. Rodman remarked as he sat
over his wine after dinner.

'Has he?' said Richard, with indifference. 'What's he been after?'

'I saw him going up towards the Walthams'.'

Richard exhibited more interest.

'Is he a particular friend of theirs?' he asked. He had gathered from
Alfred Waltham that there had been a certain intimacy between the 'two
families, but desired more detailed information than his disciple had
offered.

'Well, he used to be,' replied Rodman, with a significant smile. 'But I
don't suppose Mrs. W. gave him a very affectionate reception to-day. His
little doings have rather startled the good people of Wanley, especially
since he has lost his standing. It wouldn't have mattered much, I dare
say, but for that.'

'But was there anything particular up there?'

Mutimer had a careworn expression as he asked, and he nodded his head as
if in the direction of the village with a certain weariness.

'I'm not quite sure. Some say there was, and others deny it, as I gather
from general conversation. But I suppose it's at an end now, in any
case.'

'Mrs. Waltham would see to that, you mean?' said Mutimer, with a short
laugh.

'Probably.'

Rodman made his glass revolve, his fingers on the stem.

'Take another cigar. I suppose they're not too well off, the Walthams?'

'Mrs. Waltham has an annuity of two hundred and fifty pounds, that's
all. The girl--Miss Waltham--has nothing.'

'How the deuce do you get to know so much about people, Rodman?'

The other smiled modestly, and made a silent gesture, as if to disclaim
any special abilities.

'So he called there to-day? I wonder whether he stayed long?'

'I will let you know to-morrow.'

On the morrow Richard learnt that Hubert Eldon had been refused
admittance. The information gave him pleasure. Yet all through the
night he had been earnestly hoping that he might h