, it made such a whirlpool in her quiet
life, that it was all she could do to struggle with the throbbing of her
heart and attempt to gather her thoughts. She did not even reflect that
her eyes were fixed on Hubert's in a steady gaze. Only the sound of his
voice after silence aided her to some degree of collectedness.

'There is every reason why you should accuse me of worse than
impertinence,' Hubert continued, less impulsively. 'I can only ask your
forgiveness. Miss Waltham may very likely refuse to see me, but, if you
would ask her--'

Letty was borne on a torrent of strange thoughts. How could this man,
who spoke with such impressive frankness, with such persuasiveness, be
the abandoned creature that she had of late believed him? With Adela's
secret warm in her heart she could not but feel an interest in Hubert,
and the interest was becoming something like zeal on his behalf. During
the past two hours her mind had been occupied with him exclusively; his
words when he left her at the stile had sounded so good and tender that
she began to question whether there was any truth at all in the evil
things said about him. The latest story had just been declared baseless
by no less an authority than the vicar, who surely was not a man to
maintain friendship with a worthless profligate. What did it all mean?
She had heard only half an hour ago of Adela's positive acceptance of
Mutimer, and was wretched about it; secure in her own love-match, it was
the mystery of mysteries that Adela should consent to marry a man
she could scarcely endure. And here a chance of rescue seemed to be
offering; was it not her plain duty to give what help she might?

'You have probably not seen her since I gave you the book?' Hubert said,
perceiving that Letty was quite at a loss for words.

'No, I haven't seen her at all to-day,' was the reply. 'Do you wish me
to go to-night?'

'You consent to do me this great kindness?'

Letty blushed. Was she not committing herself too hastily

'There cannot be any harm in giving your message,' she said, half
interrogatively, her timidity throwing itself upon Hubert's honour.

'Surely no harm in that.'

'But do you know that she--have you heard--?'

'Yes, I know. She has accepted an offer of marriage. It was because
I heard of it that I came to you. You are her nearest friend; you
can speak to her as others would not venture to. I ask only for five
minutes. I entreat her to grant me that.'

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