pose she drove into Wanley with them, and walked back.'

The vicar probably meant this for a suggestion; at all events, Hubert
received it as one.

'Then I will simply call at the house. She may be alone. I can't weigh
niceties.'

Mr. Wyvern made no reply. The announcement that dinner was ready allowed
him to quit the subject. Hubert with difficulty sat through the meal,
and as soon as it was over took his departure, leaving it uncertain
whether he would return that evening. The vicar offered no further
remark on the subject of their thoughts, but at parting pressed the
young man's hand warmly.

Hubert walked straight to the Tews' dwelling. The course upon which he
had decided had disagreeable aspects and involved chances anything but
pleasant to face; he had, however, abundance of moral courage, and his
habitual scorn of petty obstacles was just now heightened by passionate
feeling. He made his presence known at the house-door as though his
visit were expected. Letty herself opened to him. It was Saturday night,
and she thought the ring was Alfred Waltham's. Indeed she half uttered
a few familiar words; then, recognising Hubert, she stood fixed in
surprise.

'Will you allow me to speak with you for a few moments, Miss Tew?'
Hubert said, with perfect self-possession. 'I ask your pardon for
calling at this hour. My business is urgent; I have come without a
thought of anything but the need of seeing you.'

'Will you come in, Mr. Eldon?'

She led him into a room where there was no fire, and only one lamp
burning low.

'I'm afraid it's very cold here,' she said, with extreme nervousness.
'The other room is occupied--my sister and the children; I hope you--'

A little girl put in her face at the door, asking 'Is it Alfred?' Letty
hurried her away, closed the door, and, whilst lighting two candles on
the mantelpiece, begged her visitor to seat himself.

'If you will allow me, I will stand,' said Hubert. 'I scarcely know how
to begin what I wish to say. It has reference to Miss Waltham. I wish
to see her; I must, if she will let me, have an opportunity of speaking
with her. But I have no direct means of letting her know my wish;
doubtless you understand that. In my helplessness I have thought of
you. Perhaps I am asking an impossibility. Will you--can you--repeat my
words to Miss Waltham, and beg her to see me?'

Letty listened in sheer bewilderment. The position in which she found
herself was so alarmingly novel